How to enjoy New Zealand's cycle trail network, by a writer who knows them like the back of his hand. Nga Haerenga - the New Zealand Cycle Trails - began as a vision to inspire people to experience New Zealand's great outdoors by bike. This book will show you how to enjoy the trails; expert writer Jonathan Kennett knows them like the back of his hand. It's stuffed full of useful information on the different trails - how to get there, what you will see, level of difficulty, things to take, places to eat and places to stay. There is fascinating background information on each area - its history and the local flora and fauna - as well as on the ride itself. There is also a highly practical section full of advice on choosing the right bike, gear to take, cell phone coverage in the different areas, weather and the best times of year for each trail, environmental care and useful websites. Written by New Zealand's top cycling writer, the book is aimed at family groups and first-time cyclists as well as more experienced groups. It's accompanied by colour photos of the trails, elevation profiles and maps of each trail. Don't put your bike on the bike rack without it!

Author Biography

Jonathan Kennett graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a science degree. After graduating, he spent six months cycling in the Himalayan foothills and in Europe. He was part of the first team to mountain-bike to Everest Base Camp without having the bikes carried by sherpas. Returning to New Zealand, he wrote his first book, the instant bestselling Classic New Zealand Mountain Bike Rides. Several other outdoor guidebooks followed, as well as several cycling history books, including the acclaimed Ride: The story of cycling in New Zealand. In the late 1990s Jonathan and his brothers, Paul and Simon, began working for councils around the Wellington region designing cycling tracks, and managing the development of the award-winning Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park. In 2009 Jonathan was employed on the Technical Advisory Board for the New Zealand Cycle Trail advising the government on all aspects of the cycle trail. From 2010 to 2013 he worked as a project manager for the New Zealand Cycle Trail, overseeing the construction of trails from Hawke's Bay to Westland, and being on the project team that started developing a nationwide network of safe cycle touring routes. See more at www.kennett.co.nz.