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I was born in and grew up in Auckland, and while I can't give you any advice about Christchurch, I know Auckland and it's surrounds well if you want any suggestions of cycle routes, depending on what you want to do.
What area of Auckland do your family live in?
I'll give you riding suggestions accordingly.I'll second what other peeps here say about the dismal public transport system.
It's a bit of effort to hire a decent road bike in Auckland that Europe, but try Mt Eden Cycles: http://mtedencycles.co.nz/bike-hire
$60NZD/day so roughly £30/day.
BYO shoes and pedals.
maxx_paua-
What area of Auckland do your family live in?
I'll give you riding suggestions accordingly.Mount Albert. I reckon I will do 3 x 100 k loops.
Mount eden Cyles seems exactly what I wanted. Cheers.
I believe @FixedCheese has been happy with the tarmac they gave him.
bitterbuffalo
I will be in NZ for all of March.
I will probably do some sort of 5 day bike tour with my wife, but was looking at the option of hiring some roadie type bike in Christchurch and Auckland when we stay w/family there. I can't see anywhere where I could hire something like a tarmac, so any help would be appreciated.
Also, is there some good riding out of Auckland and Christchurch? I realise there is probably some better riding out of the main cities but thats where the cycle touring comes in.