‘Majestic’: Travel show hosts rave about trail

‘‘They were incredibly positive and raved about so much we have on offer.’’ Di Hay

Venture Timaru operations manager

If the promotional trailer for an Australian travel show on Kiwi cycle trails is anything to go by, we could soon see an influx of Aussie cyclists taking on the South Island’s Alps 2 Ocean trail.

Described as ‘‘life-changingly beautiful’’ and ‘‘majestic’’ by Trail Towns hosts Paul van de Ploeg and Dieter Kahsnitz, the 300km Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail features in the second season of the travel series which goes to air in Australia tomorrow.

Trail Towns follows its hosts as they experience various cycleways, taking in attractions and towns along the way.

The second series was filmed in New Zealand and takes viewers on an adventure to discover the country’s best trail towns. This week’s episode, which will screen at 4pm tomorrow on SBS One in Australia, focuses on the Alps 2 Ocean trail as the hosts encounter glaciers, cycle through valleys, past lakes and through tunnels in the Timaru, Mackenzie and Waitaki districts.

Venture Timaru operations manager Di Hay said the show provided a great opportunity to showcase the district to an Australian audience.

‘‘It was a great opportunity for Timaru to be involved with this episode, joining with our neighbours, as we are the central point in the South Island, so an ideal base to kick off the Alps 2 Ocean ride,’’ Hay said.

The episode sees the hosts visit a number of spots around Timaru, speaking to residents and trying out

cycleways before heading off to start the Alps 2 Ocean ride, and visiting spots in the Mackenzie and Waitaki districts as they make their way to Ō amaru.

‘‘The episode will give potential visitors an idea of what they can do in Timaru and why it is a great place to visit,’’ she said.

Hay said the hosts also trialled trails around Timaru, including the Jacks Point track, mountain bike tracks in Centennial Park and the newly developed Central South Trail.

‘‘On the new Central South Trail, from Washdyke Timaru to Pleasant Point, they loved chatting to people along the way, and [said] that it was such a well-used and accessible ride for all ages and levels of fitness,’’ Hay said.

Hay said the hosts had a real tiki tour sampling eateries and attractions in the town, including visiting the York St Gallery and Te Ana Mā ori Rock Art. ‘‘They loved it and loved their visit. ‘‘They were incredibly positive and raved about so much we have on offer.’’

While recent winter conditions have left the popular Alps 2 Ocean trail in need of repairs, trail manager Robyn Hyde shared her top tips ahead of the episode screening.

‘‘There is a real opportunity to go early in the season – in September, October, November – and then again in April and May.

‘‘Going in those shoulder seasons are my real recommendation.’’

Hyde also advised riders to allow enough time at the other end, something she had picked up on as being a regret of previous visitors.