The Otago Central Rail Trail is now well known around the world, so I thought I'd better include a ride on the most spectacular part of the trail in this summer's bike rides series.
Many people strolling along the track that hugs the Wanaka lakefront probably don't appreciate they are on the 3000km Te Araroa trail, which winds through New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Bluff.
We're back in the Wanaka district for the final of our Summer Times bike rides. This is because Wanaka has so many new tracks I couldn't fit them into one article.
Some mountain bikers don't like scary single tracks and exhausting hill climbs, so I thought I'd throw a cruisy ride into this series.
Today we're off to the Cromwell area to ride from the mushrooming Pisa Moorings settlement to Bannockburn, almost all off road.
This is an excellent walk on a well-maintained track only a short drive from the city.
Department of Conservation campsites are usually in beautiful places beside lakes or rivers or with great mountain views.
Lonely Planet says the Otago Peninsula is one of the best places in the world for a bike ride, so I thought I'd better include a peninsula ride in this series.
On our first Summer Times ride of 2009/10, we'll meander through some pleasant rural country east of Balclutha before going underground to examine the handiwork of Victorian-era workmen.
Our final ride for Summer Times 2009/10 is more an adventure than a mere bike ride. It includes the Government Track, a sinuous dray path hewn from the bush-covered hillside above the Waipori Gorge in the 1800s, probably by gold-miners.
John Fridd takes you up the mighty Kilmog and beyond
Today you'll explore a hidden valley and visit a peaceful fishing port before climbing back into the coastal hills and enjoying a spectacular swoop down to the Taieri Plain on your return to Waihola.
