Biking in Auckland

Auckland can be good for cycling if you stick to certain areas, such as around the waterfront. There are few designated bike lanes, but Adventure Cycles (2 Commerce St., City Center. 09/940-2453) arms you with maps of routes that avoid pitfalls such as traffic. Touring bikes are $15 for a half day, $20 for a full day. Mountain bikes are $25. The rental fee includes helmets. While the company does not organize cycle tours they will provide as much information as needed and can open weekends by arrangement.

If you are traveling with a road bike and want to join some cyclists for a "bunch ride," then there are a number of options. Groups of cyclists leave designated points around the Auckland region most mornings and welcome guests. Just call any cycle shop and they'll point you in the right direction. On weekends the bunch rides can cover up to 150 km (93 mi) and will show you parts of the countryside that most won't get to see plus stop off for a mandatory coffee.