Biking and Hiking New Zealand - 01 First Days in Auckland
New Zealand was the destination for a long cycling and hiking trip in the southern spring and summer of 2015/16. The plan was to travel through both the North and South Islands, combining long days on the bike with some of the country’s famous hiking tracks. What attracted me most was the variety: volcanic landscapes, long coastlines, forests, mountains, and a surprising number of remote gravel roads and dead ends.
New Zealand
Geography of New Zealand
New Zealand is an island nation located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, comprising two main landmasses, the North Island and the South Island, along with over 700 smaller islands. The country is renowned for its stunning and diverse landscapes, which include rolling hills, rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and lush forests. The Southern Alps, which run along the South Island, are particularly famous for their breathtaking beauty and are home to the country's highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook. The country's geographical isolation has led to a unique biodiversity, with many species of flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth.
History of New ZealandThe history of New Zealand is rich and complex, beginning with the arrival of the Māori people, who are believed to have migrated from Polynesia around 1,000 years ago. The Māori developed a distinct culture and social structure, with tribal affiliations and a deep connection to the land. European exploration began in the 17th century, with Dutch explorer Abel Tasman being the first European to sight the islands in 1642. British explorer James Cook later mapped the coastline in the late 18th century. The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 between the British Crown and various Māori chiefs, marked the beginning of British colonization, leading to significant social and political changes.
Culture of New ZealandNew Zealand's culture is a vibrant blend of Māori and European influences, with increasing recognition and incorporation of Pacific Island and Asian cultures. The Māori culture is an integral part of New Zealand's identity, with traditional arts such as carving, weaving, and the performance of the haka (a ceremonial dance) being widely practiced and celebrated. The English language and Western cultural practices dominate, but there is a strong movement towards biculturalism and the revitalization of the Māori language and traditions. Festivals, music, and art in New Zealand often reflect this multicultural heritage.
Economy and SocietyNew Zealand has a modern, prosperous economy that is heavily reliant on agriculture, tourism, and trade. The country's fertile land and temperate climate make it ideal for farming, and it is a leading exporter of dairy products, meat, and wine. Tourism is another vital sector, with millions of visitors attracted to New Zealand's natural beauty and adventure tourism opportunities each year. The society is known for its egalitarian values, with a strong emphasis on social welfare, education, and healthcare. New Zealand consistently ranks high in global quality of life indices.
Environmental StewardshipEnvironmental conservation is a significant focus in New Zealand, with a commitment to preserving its unique ecosystems and biodiversity. The country has numerous national parks and protected areas, and there is a strong emphasis on sustainable practices in agriculture and tourism. New Zealand is also a leader in renewable energy, with a significant portion of its electricity generated from hydroelectric, geothermal, and wind sources. The government and various organizations actively work to address environmental challenges such as climate change and habitat destruction.
My trip to New Zealand began at Munich Airport on 18 October at 22:25. I had 38 kg of luggage with me, and the flight left on time. On the way to the airport, the soles of my 25-year-old hiking boots came off, but luckily I had another pair of shoes for hiking. Better now than later on the Kepler Track. I still wonder whether the old boots can be repaired.
On the flight from Dubai to Auckland, two Spanish girls were sitting next to me. They were going to spend four weeks in New Zealand. It was a very long journey. When I arrived in Auckland and reached the baggage claim, I was called out by name and told that Emirates would not deliver my bike until the next day. It was supposed to be brought to my campsite in Manukau. So I took the bus there with the rest of my luggage, to a campsite I already knew from 2012. The missing bike bothered me quite a bit. I wanted to visit Auckland the next day, but had to be back at the campsite by 4 p.m., since the bike was supposedly due between 4 and 7 p.m.Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is often called the “City of Sails.” It lies between two harbours, the Waitematā on the Pacific side and the Manukau on the Tasman side, and spreads widely across volcanic hills, suburbs, and waterfronts. It is the country’s main international gateway and by far its biggest urban centre, with a population shaped by Māori, European, Pacific, and Asian influences. For a traveller arriving after a long flight, Auckland is above all a place of transition: ferries, traffic, skyline, harbours, and a first glimpse of everyday life in New Zealand. Compared with the more remote parts of the country that would follow later, it felt busy, spread out, and urban.
Last night I fell asleep around 10 p.m. and had already recovered a fair bit from the jet lag by today. Breakfast was mediocre. I spent some time in Auckland, walked around, and took a few pictures. Otherwise I was still waiting for the bike and reading a lot. The airport people had said it would be delivered this afternoon. Even when I called again at 9:30 p.m., they still promised it would arrive today, but of course it did not. I was slowly getting a little annoyed.
Auckland Harbour
Auckland’s harbour is central to the city’s character. The Waitematā Harbour, with its marinas, ferries, and skyline views, is one of the reasons Auckland is known as the “City of Sails.” Around the waterfront, especially near the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter, the city feels open and maritime in a way that is quite different from most European cities.
Another morning at the campsite. I read the first two books of Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker series and about 30% of Christopher Clark’s The Sleepwalkers. No call, no message, no answers. At 1 p.m. I took the bus to the airport, found the delayed baggage office, collected the bike, found a suitable place nearby to assemble it, and half an hour later I was cycling back to Manukau. A great relief at last. The campsite in Manukau was just as I remembered it: lively, social, and full of very different people. Unfortunately, it was going to close the following year, in 2016, because the rent had become too expensive.
