2018 NZ Cycle Trails

Single $1.00 'Alps 2 Ocean' gummed stamp.

New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook forms the cornerstone of the country’s longest cycle trail. With the Southern Alps at its back, this 300-kilometre-long trail descends 540 metres to a long pier at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, riders pass through the historic sheep country of the Mackenzie Basin, the hydro-electric power stations of the Waitaki Valley, and the fossilised remains of giant penguins and tiger-like dolphins at Duntroon’s fascinating Vanished World Centre.

Single $1.00 'Mountains to Sea' gummed stamp.

From the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, a rich history of the central North Island unfolds in this 226-kilometre, multi-day adventure. A cobbled coach road leads to quiet country lanes and into Whanganui National Park, passing long-deserted settlements on its way to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. Opened in 1936 and abandoned shortly afterwards, the bridge now lies surrounded by wilderness. A boat ride follows, down the Whanganui River to Pipiriki and the River Road to Whanganui and the Tasman Sea.

Single $2.00 'Otago Central Rail Trail' gummed stamp.

In the bitter winter of 1879, construction began on a rail line through the iconic rolling tussock-lands of Central Otago. How could the workers have imagined that, 120 years later, their creation would become New Zealand’s first multi-day rail trail and the flagship of New Zealand Cycle Trails? For visitors, it provides the best way to explore Otago’s iconic rocky landscapes and impressive tunnels and viaducts, and the small communities dotted along the 150-kilometre-long trail, offering exceptional accommodation and cuisine.

Single $2.20 'Old Ghost Road' gummed stamp.

In the 1860s gold was discovered at the southern end of the Ghost Road, and the bustling settlement of Lyell sprang up. Today, all that remains is a graveyard and an old mining trail that has inspired one of the greatest multi-day mountain-bike trails in the world. The Old Ghost Road is a challenging trail that rewards those who dare to ride it with breathtaking scenery and 85 kilometres of continuous single-trail bike-hopping from mountain hut to mountain hut.

Single $2.70 'Queen Charlotte Track' gummed stamp.

This 72-kilometre, two- or three-day trail stitches together two sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds, offering a unique combination of adventurous mountain biking through regenerating bush with coastal views and seaside resorts. A boat trip to the outer reaches of Queen Charlotte Sound, Ship Cove, sets the scene. This is where explorer Captain James Cook came ashore five times in the 1770s to restock supplies and undertake ship repairs. It makes for an auspicious start to a rewarding ride.

Single $3.30 'Timber Trail' gummed stamp.

Opened in 2013, this 85-kilometre-long trail is a favourite with lovers of the outdoors. From the edge of the celebrated Pureora Forest Park, west of Taupō, it meanders through ancient rainforest. Kererū and kākā skim the canopy of giant rimu, tōtara and kahikatea, while kōkako add chimes of gold in the dawn chorus. The trail skirts the ancient volcano of Mount Pureora, then continues westwards across several impressive suspension bridges and along a historic bush tramline to the village of Ongarue.

You could discover some of New Zealand's most breathtaking landscapes that can only be experienced on the New Zealand Cycle Trail. Author and mountain bike extraordinaire Jonathan Kennett told the story behind some of New Zealand's best. Pack contained a set of gummed stamps, a miniature sheet and first day cover.