A few years ago, soon after my first taste of long-distance cycling (on a supported tour), I took advantage of a discount airfare bargain to visit New Zealand for a hiking and motor touring holiday.

During my visit I encountered a number of cycle tourists and it occurred to me that this would be a really great way to experience the stunning NZ landscapes.

I was inspired to take up cycle touring, and in 2009 made a circumnavigation of Tasmania for my first tour.

It's taken a while, but now I'm going back to spend a month getting intimate with New Zealand, by riding 1500 kms around the South Island.

I'm a little reluctant to publish so far out from my departure date, but the flights are booked so I'm more or less committed, and only the unforeseen will prevent me from going. Others are interested in my plans so I'll publish now. Any cycle tourists planning something similar are welcome to contact me.

Update: With only two weeks until departure, things are looking good. Of course there is a still a rush to complete work commitments, but nothing is going to stop me now. I've been accumulating bits'n'pieces of equipment all year - now it's time to start thinking what I'm actually going to take with me, and start packing.

Update: Finally the time has passed, work is over and I'm on holidays. It's been a very busy and sometimes stressful last few weeks, and it's going to take some time to wind down. Once I get to Christchurch it will be time to relax and absorb the experience.