This is the Southern North Island chapter from Lonely Planet's Cycling New Zealand guidebook.

There's a good mix of rides in this region of big mountains and thunderous surf - challenging longer tours, such as the Stratford Circuit, and shorter jaunts around cosmopolitan Wellington. New Zealand's iconic Mt Taranaki towers over the lot, providing a magnificent backdrop to your cycling adventure.

• maps
• discover Wellington, New Zealand's cultural hub
• transport
• restaurants
• accommodation
• revel in roaring surf and quiet back roads on the west coast near New Plymouth

Coverage includes: History, Planning, Taranaki & Wanganui, Getting To/From the Rides, The Rides, Mt Taranaki & around, Stratford Circuit, New Plymouth, Wellington, Wellington Scenic Circuit, Baring Head Coast, Mountain Bike Rides, Rimutaka Incline, Wellington Mountain Bike Rides, Towns & Facilities.