From New Zealand's deep south to the far north, the inaugural Tour of New Zealand - scheduled for 14 to 21 April 2012 - is destined to put a new spin on cycling New Zealand.
Each year many keen cyclists pedal the length of New Zealand, but this new seven-day journey will have two mass pelotons - each of up to 1000 cyclists - setting off from opposite ends of the country to make their way to Wellington.
The Tour of New Zealand - an individual or team event open to international riders - offers cyclists the opportunity to ride the length of either the North or South Island (around 700km) or as a relay team member taking on individual sections.
The event could cater for up to 500 teams and 8000 participants overall, though for safety reasons the maximum peloton will be limited to 1000 cyclists at any one time.
National Cycle Routes
Tour of New Zealand will launch simultaneously from New Zealand's northern and southern extremities, and follow a mix of dedicated national cycle routes and public roads through some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery and significant tourist spots.
En route the cyclists will raise money for charity, and help raise the profile of cycling which the New Zealand government is promoting through the development of a series of national cycleways - known collectively as the NZ Cycle Trail Nga Haerenga Great Rides
The tour will terminate with the two groups meeting in Wellington for the eighth stage to determine the final placings with a criterium event in the grounds of Parliament Buildings.
North To South - The Course
Riders will face seven stages over seven days, running up more than 700 kilometres and with short vehicle links between stages.
The course takes competitors on quiet country roads and cycleways through diverse New Zealand landscapes, and will include neutral time zone stops at iconic points so participants can make the most of their New Zealand tour.
The North Island peloton will start from the lighthouse at Cape Reinga on New Zealand's northern tip, and the South Island peloton will leave from the southern port of Bluff
The northern route will include Tane Mahutu - an ancient kauri tree revered by Maori as the 'Lord of Waipoua Forest' - near Dargaville, and the underground wonders of Waitomo Caves in the Waikato region.
The southern tour passes through the alpine playgrounds of Queenstown and Lake Wanaka. Mountain stages cross the Crown Range and the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country.
The South Island ride finishes at Picton on Queen Charlotte Sound - the most famous of the Marlborough Sounds
The Tour of New Zealand will become a biennial event with varied routes that showcase different regions
Level Of Choice
Tour of New Zealand is open to all competitors able to complete a 100km rolling road ride in under five hours, and who consider themselves fit enough to complete the Tour.
Tour participants compete at their level of choice - elite, fast and hard, or age group, fun and fulfilling.
Elite teams must ride the complete tour with no substitutions. Social teams are able to field "off the bench" substitute riders on any day to rest members of their team
All riders will carry timing recorders. At each stage finish line, the third rider in each team will determine the team time.
Some category winners and spot prize winners can look forward to return travel and accommodation for their team to compete in the 2013 Tour Down Under.
Celebrities will join teams on various stages, and the tour will be televised with motorcycle and helicopter coverage.
All teams choose a charity they wish to raise money for.
For full event details and routes, see www.tourofnewzealand.co.nz.
