Hi from the other side of the world
 

Hi I live in New Zealand married with a few kids. Most of the time I recreational road ride on a classic suntour equipped Miele and can be found on the odd occasion mountain biking in sub tropical bush on a good old american (I think) Diamondback. The place is perfect for off-road excursions - no snakes, crocs or poisonous spiders. Probably the the only hazard would be the odd booby trapped hooch plantation if you are unlucky.
I plan to do a century ride in november around one of the major lakes in the North Island along with approx 10,000 others. Its a great ride - the roads are all sealed possibly much to the surprise of a few of this forums members who picture mud or gravel tracks as often found on Pacific Islands. New Zealand is actually quite civilized and has a fairly keen cycling population.