OVERSEAS RIDER INFORMATION

13 March 2010

THE KONA COLVILLE CONNECTION EXPERIENCE

The Kona Colville Connection ran for the first time in 2002. Its stunning terrain, and dare we say great organisation, made it a success from the start. Its a big event by NZ standards, but with three different rides available from the same start/finish, provides something for nearly every mountain biker. Most importantly its a FRIENDLY event. We hope the information which follows will help answer some of the questions which are always a puzzle when attending events away from home.
If they don't, drop us an email or give us a call.
We look forward to meeting you!

GEOGRAPHY
Colville is situated near the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula – directly east across the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland . Its tiny and a tad remote! To ride, first you have to get there.......

TRANSPORT TO COLVILLE
Auckland International Airport to Auckland downtown
Public Airbuses leave the international airport every 15 minutes for downtown Auckland = NZ$15
Shuttles and Taxis also available at the airport.

Auckland – Colville
Car
NZ drives on the left hand side of the road. A valid national driving license is needed.

Its an easy 3 hour drive from Auckland to Coromandel – a further 20 minutes to Colville . The road from Thames to Coromandel is VERY SCENIC but quite narrow and twisty.

Need a rental car or motor home? Most international companies are represented in NZ. Any problems - contact us!

WEATHER
March in NZ is early autumn (Fall)
Coromandel has warm settled weather at this time of year, with temperatures in the mid to high 20s(Celsius). The weather won't be cold, but the end of the Peninsula is exposed to wind and rain – both of which are possible. A windproof jacket is compulsory equipment.

REGISTRATION
YOU MUST PRE-ENTER. Entries are not accepted on the day.
Note you will be required to register on the day and sign a waiver – a copy of this is on the website.

ENTRY, PAYMENT & CURRENCY
We only accept payment in NZ$.
You can either pay on-line by credit card or if more convenient, contact us to arrange direct credit to our bank account.

PRE RIDES
The 72km course may be pre-ridden, but the 40 and 24km courses are on private land and only available on race day.

BIKE HIRE
Contact us.

ACCOMMODATION
Limited accommodation is available in Colville, but its usually automatically booked out from one year to the next. Extensive camping is available at White Star Station (2km away) and at the camping ground at Otautu (5km), but most people stay in Coromandel Town an approximate 20 minute drive south.

For a unique Kiwi experience, budget accommodation is available in local sheep farm shearing sheds for parties – contact us for details! Check the main website for more information.

PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE
New Zealand provides automatic personal accident insurance to all residents - and VISITORS while they are in New Zealand . Full details of the cover are available on www.acc.co.nz . Visitors should note it is generally not possible to sue in NZ for accident related matters.

ASSOCIATED MTB TOURS
Overseas riders have told us they want the opportunity to sample as much MTB riding as possible while they are in NZ

In conjunction with a commercial operator, we have organised a 6 day tour of the best MTB riding in the North Island prior to Colville and a tour of the South Island following it. Interested – contact us!!

THE COROMANDEL
The Coromandel Peninsula is one of the major playgrounds for the North Island of New Zealand. It offers host of attractions from natural phenomenon like Hot Water Beach to the narrow gauge train and pottery at Driving Creek in Coromandel Town . Check out www.thecoromandel.com .