FRANCE VS. NEW ZEALAND
THE "ULTIMATE CYCLING DESTINATION"
We
really enjoyed cycling in France and had been asked many times, "but have
you biked New Zealand?". We had to find out for ourselves….so we biked New
Zealand and this is what we thought.
1.
ROADS: France's incredible road system that allows cyclists to wander
everywhere on quiet roads is tough to beat. NZ's South Island's roads are
generally quiet (low population density) but choices are limited. Trucks,
tourists, buses and cyclists all share the same roads. France scores 2 points.
2.
LANDSCAPE: France has a surprising variety of scenery from the Alps to
the seaside of Brittany, the most forest in Europe and
beautiful pastoral country throughout. French cows are friendly too! However,
the beauty of the NZ South Island, from the southern Alps to the stunning
beaches (without development) and smiling cows and sheep thrown in for good
measure make NZ's "pure nature" a winner. New Zealand scores 1 point.
3.
CAMPGROUNDS & HOSTELS: France has the most economical and nicest
campgrounds of Europe. NZ has possibly the best campground network in the
world. the NZ hostel network is excellent too! No "presto" or tepid
showers in NZ. New Zealand scores 2 points.
4.
PEOPLE: The French are amongst the friendliest in Europe and touring
cyclists get special treatment. Kiwis are wonderfully friendly and helpful. New
Zealand scores 1 point.
5.
VILLAGES/TOWNS/CULTURE: New Zealand has nice enough villages and cities
but they cannot compare with the charm of French villages or with the history,
museums or its incredible depth. France scores 2 points.
6.
WEATHER: New Zealand has a greener, more lush (wetter) environment than
France. Its temperatures are more moderate and it has a somewhat dependable mid
to late summer. France has a more dependable and warmer summer but a shorter
cycling season. A draw.
7.
AFFORDABILITY: Currencies fluctuate in value, but we spent more-or-less
the same in NZ and France on a daily basis. However, we got more for our money
in NZ (better campgrounds, more nights under a roof, more meat in our diet,
more extras). We were less careful with our money in NZ than in France. New
Zealand scores 1 point.
8.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES: New Zealand has good supermarkets, nice meat,
decent cheese and bread, and plenty of fresh milk. Vegetables and fruit are
good and inexpensive. NZ wines, especially whites, are very nice, though more
expensive than French wines. A nice range of beers, especially smaller
breweries, are available in NZ. On the other hand, French supermarkets are very
good, then there are the cheeses, breads, paté, lettuce…inexpensive
wines…overpriced beer (but who cares when there is good wine?). NZ has an
improving restaurant scene but nowhere is food and wine so important as in
France. France scores 2 points.
THE TALLY IS FRANCE 6, NEW
ZEALAND 5
They
are both excellent cycling destinations. New Zealand might seem more attractive
to Europeans with its draw of nature while North Americans are enchanted by the
charm of historic France. But why quibble…cycle both of them!