New Zealand Vision Impaired Biking Tour

Aotearoa, New Zealand was the chosen location for a tandem biking adventure for a group of three blind and vision-impaired friends.  And what an adventure it was too. Covering over 300 km from the South Island’s Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean over a period of 5 days was no mean feat! Organised and led by Ability Adventures, New Zealand’s dedicated accessible travel company, the group was supported by 3 pilot riders and a support vehicle/driver.

The ride followed an epic mix of off-road tracks, purposed-built cycle trails, and unsealed and sealed roads. Beginning near New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook, the group cycled past stunning glacial-fed lakes and snow-capped peaks before following along the country’s main Hydro Electric System through to an incredible area of rock and fossil formations.  All this while cycling predominantly downhill, descending 780 meters throughout the trail before reaching the finish at the seaside town of Oamaru.

Although by the end everyone was grateful to be sitting on something other than a bike seat, all were buzzing from the challenge and excitement of the trip.  

“Thank you so much for a fabulous, fun, physical, and exciting week.  It exceeded our expectations.  See you on the next trip.”  Love Sue, Den, and Gary