Learn more about the upcoming season of the cycling TV show Trail Towns, where Vandy and Deetz take on the bike paths of New Zealand. Find their press release and links to season 1 episodes below.
In an exciting announcement, the fabulously feel good Trail Towns, which burst to life on Australian TV channel SBS in 2021 is back for a second season premiering on Saturday July 2nd at 4pm and running for six weeks.
“The guys are on the right idea here, it’s very addictive, this show, makes you want to get on a bike and hit the trails” - Lisa Leong – ABC 774
The brand new series is shot entirely on location in New Zealand. The series is a drive / ride road trip adventure, consisting of six episodes starting in the North Island featuring: Auckland & The Twin Coast Cycle Trail, the Hauraki Rail Trail & Rotorua and Taupō. Then it was over to the South Island to check out: Christchurch & The West Coast, Timaru & the Alps 2 Ocean Trail and finishing up in the stunning towns of Queenstown & Wānaka.
Since its first season, Trail Towns has branched into radio, broadcasting right across Australia and New Zealand on SEN (Australia’s leading sports entertainment network), with the first three seasons being picked up by international distribution. Trail Towns is set to be broadcast across the world, inspiring many to take a bike holiday in New Zealand, and other destinations across the globe.
“It’s terrific, a charming show, give it a go.” - James Holmes, Radio 3AW Victoria.
The creators of the show Dieter and Paul - known fondly to viewers and listeners as Deetz & Vandy - live the dream when they hit the trails.
“When we created Trail Towns, we wanted to shine a light on the local communities and encourage viewers to choose from the many New Zealand regions for their next holiday,” says Deetz, Executive Producer and host of Trail Towns. “Our second season of Trail Towns was always going to be something very special, given we were spending six weeks filming six episodes in one of the most beautiful countries on earth - Aotearoa New Zealand. But boy, it was even more epic than we could have imagined. From the sculpted flow trails of Cardrona, to the outrageously beautiful Alps 2 Ocean Trail and the pristine forest trails of Taupō - there's so many amazing places it's impossible to name them all. Just watch the show!”
Vandy reflected on season two saying, ‘‘Trail Towns Season 2 was an adventure of a lifetime! Imagine doing a one week holiday... six times... in a row! Mind blowing. The pristine nature, cycling trails, fresh produce and beautiful people made us all fall in love with Aotearoa New Zealand. We hope the show inspires Australian viewers to plan their next adventure to New Zealand.”
New Zealand’s people and places are what makes it such an extraordinary country, and this partnership showcases the best of Aotearoa’s cycle trails and local communities. The locals in each region shared valuable knowledge on the best places to eat, drink, stay and play in each episode – inviting exploration in the spirit of Manaakitanga, a traditional Māori value encompassing reciprocal hospitality and respect from one individual or group to another.
“These guys have got a good show.” - Dave O’Neill - radio broadcaster & Spicks & Specks TV show regular.
The true heroes of Trail Towns (apart from Deetz & Vandy!) are the locals of each region, who help the presenters unlock and share valuable knowledge and tips on the best places to eat, drink, stay and play in each episode.
After decades of adventuring on bikes, Deetz and Vandy are sharing their passion with people and encouraging everyone to explore some of the world’s best cycling in Australia and New Zealand. ON AIR SBS Saturday 2nd July 2022, 4.00pm and follow up on SBS DEMAND. New Zealand on air date to be advised.
To be honest, the new series looks so fun it makes us want to go on a cycling holiday in New Zealand (we know - very unlike us!).
Fortunately, we have our mates with the World Expeditions Travel Group at
Adventure South NZ who are experts in active adventures in New Zealand. From cycling the
Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail to the original
Otago Central Rail Trail, see the team at
Adventure South NZ for a top bike trip across the ditch.