South Island, New Zealand | 738km<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Image: Mark Watson<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tear yourself away from Dunedin and take the coastal Brighton Road out of town. Wind your way through Ettrick, Roxburgh, Alexandra and Clyde, a magnificent little village off the beaten track, en route to Queenstown. Before you hit the city limits hang a right towards Wanaka and ride the footpeg-disintegrating Crown Range Road \u2013 it\u2019s one of the coolest roads in NZ. Perched on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, with its snow-capped mountain backdrop, Queenstown is a uniquely beautiful city; but don\u2019t leave without riding out to Glenorchy. The road snakes along the lake with about a thousand variations of the humble corner. NZ\u2019s South Island has some of the world\u2019s best touring and you won\u2019t want to leave; but when you do, treat yourself with a ride back through Omakau, Ranfurly and Middlemarch. You\u2019ll be glad you did!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bungy town Crown Range Road
<\/strong>Arguably the home of the bungy jump, Queenstown claims the first commercial jump (Kawaru Bridge, 1987) and NZ\u2019s highest bungy (Nevis Bungy, 134 metres). It also has the world\u2019s highest cliff jump, the world\u2019s steepest zip line and one of the biggest giant swings. If it\u2019s thrills you\u2019re seeking then this is your town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Reaching an altitude of 1,121 metres, the road over the Crown Range is the highest main road in New Zealand. While challenging in winter, the rewards for summer riders are immeasurable. Outstanding views and challenging hairpin turns abound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n