Comments on: New Zealand: Too Orderly, Tidy and Tame?

By: Don

Don — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:32:53 +0000

Sometimes there’s a bit of luck involved on a bike trip. 10 minutes difference can put you in a position to see certain things or to meet certain people or it might mean you miss them entirely. Those little chance meetings can really color your experience of a place. I also think there are places where you are viewed as more exotic and so people make more effort to approach you. Pauline in the US and in South America might be thought more an object of interest than in New Zealand which is distant from Scotland but still part of the Commonwealth. I had one of the best rides of my life riding around New Zealand, but I can understand what Pauline is saying. The good news is she’ll have her own favorite places. I hope she finds a lot of them.

By: Kiwi Colorado (Chris Adams)

Kiwi Colorado (Chris Adams) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:31:39 +0000

I share Red Tussock’s sadness that Pauline has not found the special magic of New Zealand. Many of her Scottish cousins certainly have over the years. After decades of adventures in New Zealand and all over the world New Zealand still offers something to me that is unique and richly captivating; landscapes that are both familiar and strangely exotic (all packed into two smallish islands), adventures from the comfortable to the incredibly challenging and a genuine, warm and worldly people. Many New Zealanders can be somewhat reserved and understated – but taking the time to connect is almost always rewarded. I hope Pauline returns to re-acquaint herself with New Zealanders and to explore the incredible landscapes beyond the road.

PS: Good news on Roger’s comment. There are a national network of Cycling Routes under development that will significantly expand the routes into rural New Zealand: See: Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail – http://www.nzcycletrail.com

By: Alastair Bland

Alastair Bland — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:43:10 +0000

I largely agree with what Pauline described to me, and I need to point out that millions of hectares of wilderness doesn’t amount to culture – which is what Pauline said New Zealand seems to lack in places. This is neither the fault of New Zealand nor of those who live here now. It’s simply a fact. Did she stop and talk to people? I have no doubt she did – because, while touring on a bicycle, interactions with people are inevitable. Moreover, I believe the impressions that touring cyclists take away from a place are generally reflective of reality. Finally, I’m now touring on my bike here – and I’m loving it. Looking closely, I find there is a unique culture in New Zealand – something like “England meets the Rocky Mountains.”

By: Red Tussock

Red Tussock — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:04:26 +0000

I wonder … did she stop and actually talk to the people … and ask … there are millions upon millions of hectares of unfenced wilderness that she could have lost herself in for a lifetime … I wonder what it is like to look through eyes blinded by the apathy of consumption. By that I mean, NZ is not for those that seek instant gratification … you might have to work a bit for the sweet spot. I am sad she did not find it for herself … perhaps next time eh. Kia Ora god bless …

By: Roger

Roger — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:51:09 +0000

A strange thing about New Zealand is the absence of small back roads in farming or ranching country, and of a network of trails in public land. It must have something to do with the way land passed into private ownership. Anyway, it is hard to get around and see this beautiful land on your own – biking or hiking.

By: Cam

Cam — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I’m not entirely sure what Pauline was expecting when she added New Zealand to her itinerary…

NZ is a very small country which is heavily reliant on agricultural exports, so it’s no wonder the majority of the country is covered in well manicured farmland and roadways. Maybe she needs to park the bicycle and get off the beaten trail as this is where NZ’s true beauty and adventure really comes into its own. I’m sure you can attest to that with your fishing escapades Alastair.

As for culture, it’s been less than 200 years since Europeans settled in New Zealand and being parked in the bottom corner of the world doesn’t make it an ideal destination for immigrants. These factors combined isn’t really conducive to a vibrant culture and history. Being colonised by the British and Scots wasn’t a great start ;)

I thought it was a tad harsh to essentially label NZ bland and boring so had to add my two cents. It’s what you make of it I guess.

Enjoying the blog

Cheers