New Zealand 2013 bike tour - Oceanía

NEW ZEALAND, 'A PARADISE IN THE ANTIPODES'

Ten years after having visited for the first time the furthest zone of the planet from Spain (Australia 2003), It seemed to us a good idea celebrating the tenth aniversary of our iniciation bike trip coming back to the Antipodes: New Zealand´s South Island.

The info we gathered before the trip indicated that this island was the purest one, with a greater ecosystem diversity, landscapes and lower population density. In 2011 4,300,000 people were the total population of the country. Only 1,0380,000 were living on the South island (414,000 in Christchurch, the capital city if the island). This means that the population density is only 6.86 people per square kilometre.

Of the many conversations we had with kiwis -New Zealanders are colloquially known as that-  we reached the conclusion they are very lucky people. Their land stores up an amazing sublime scenery (there are nine National Parks on the South island). However, the appealing feature of this place is the careful and respectful education New Zealanders have for their environment. We had never met a place where Nature is so loved and respected, where people take care of Nature so thoroughly, making of it a virtue, their most beloved treasure, and where Nature, in all its varieties, is most enjoyed.

Valid passport for three months since the arrival. As long as the stay is no longer than three months visa is not necessary.

The most important problem in summer on New Zealand´s South island is mosquitoes, known as sunflies by locals. In some areas, such as Lake Rotoroa, they are 'biblical plague'.

You must be very careful of cistern trucks from dairy industry when you are riding West coast and along the road that links Pelorus Bridge and Nelson.

Tourist guides especially warn you of giardiasis, a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the Giardia lamblia.Main reason of contagion is through contaminated water. There were countless times we boiled water from little rivers and streams. It must be boil for a minute.

There is no specification about vaccination to visit New Zealand. Nevertheless, check the following link to be sure of it: Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality (Spain).

The current currency of New Zealand is New Zealand Dollar (NZ$), known as kiwi. This currency is run on Cook Islands, Pitcairn Islands, Niue and Tokelau. It is advisable to exchange money in New Zealand, as commissions in Europe are higher. Credit cards and charge cards are widely used and they are accepted in almost every place.

In the following link: Ministry of foreign affairs and cooperation (Spain), you can find daily updated information about country travel advice.