Bicycling

Christchurch's relative flatness makes for easy biking, and the city has cultivated good resources for cyclists. White lines, and sometimes red-color tarmac, denote cycling lanes on city streets, and holding bays are at the ready near intersections. A particularly nice paved pedestrian and cycling path is along the Avon running from the Bridge of Remembrance. Other popular cycle trails include the Rail Trail at Little River and the spectacular trails around the Port Hills.

You can pick up a route map from the city council or visit their transport website, which shows cycle lanes and mountain-bike routes and provides up-to-date information on roadworks. (www.transportforchristchurch.govt.nz/cycling-2).

City Cycle Hire. City Cycle Hire has mountain, touring, and tandem bikes. Rentals include helmets, locks, and cycle map; and they'll deliver your bike to your accommodation. 132 Wrights Rd., Riccarton, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8024. 03/377–5952; 0800/424--534; www.cyclehire-tours.co.nz. NZ$25 for a ½ day and NZ$35 for a full day.

Cyclone Cycles. Cycles can be rented from Cyclone Cycles for a flat fee of NZ$45 per hire bike. Special rates are available for groups or longer periods. Book online. Closed Sunday. 245 Colombo St., Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011. 03/332–9588; www.cyclone.net.nz.

Mountain Bike Adventure Company. The Mountain Bike Adventure Company offers a NZ$70 package including a ride up on the Christchurch Gondola to the summit station. Then there's the choice of either an off-road mountain-bike trail or a scenic-road route down to the beach and back to the Gondola base—cycle distance is approximately 16 km (10 miles). 03/377–5952; 0800/424–534; www.cyclehire-tours.co.nz.