New Zealand Biking
The South Island from Christchurch to Queenstown
Biking doesn't get any more epic than New Zealand. Or more beautiful. The greens of Ireland. The skyscapes of Switzerland. The friendly feel of, well, New Zealand. It's where glaciers get cozy with rain forests. Where the Tasman Sea surf pounds an Oregon-rugged coastline. On a bike, you're in the middle of it all. Ocean mist in your face. Ever-changing natural beauty through your sunglasses. Island-fresh air in your lungs to complement that bit of sweat on your brow. Here the sheep have it made. This week, they aren't the only ones.
- Epic biking at its best in one of the world's greatest outdoor playgrounds
- Glaciers meet rain forest meets crashing ocean coastline
- Travel by train across the South Island
- Dramatic varied scenery, finishing in a pinot-growing wine region
- Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Awe-inspiring routes in one of the world's greatest outdoor playgrounds 
Take the TranzAlpine train across the South Island, spotting the Canterbury Plains and the Waimakariri River Gorge Pedal to the pancake rocks at Punakaiki, known for its impressive ocean "geysers."
Days 2-4 Glaciers meet rain forest meets the dramatic Tasman Sea 
Explore the town of Hokitika, famous for pounamu (New Zealand jade) Pedal through old-growth forests and over Mount Hercules to Westland National Park Hike to the face of the Franz Josef Glacier, one of New Zealand's greatest wonders If you're up for more riding, tackle the challenging route to Fox Glacier.
Days 5-8 Cross the "main divide" of the Southern Alps, with the bright teal-colored water of Lake Wanaka as your reward Ride to Lake Matheson, where Mount Cook is perfectly reflected in the calm waters Discover the waterfall-laced Haast World Heritage area, with fantastic vistas of the Tasman Sea Kick back at Munro Beach, go for a stroll or a canoe ride Opt for an excursion to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most scenic national treasures.
Days 9-10 Dramatic varied scenery, finishing in pinot noir country Follow the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers past vineyards in a burgeoning wine region Check out Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
The natural beauty of the island was spectacular but the knowledge, energy level and service of our leaders combined with the terrific group of fellow Backroads travelers, made for the best vacation we have ever had. All I have been doing for the last week is telling people how truly spectacular our New Zealand trip was and I have been giving out the link to the Backroads Web site like it is candy.- Chicago, IL More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
New Zealand Biking
Premiere Inns*
Punakaiki Resort
Punakaiki (1 night) Next to Paparoa National Park with a panoramic view of the Tasman Sea.
* Casual Inn
Beachfront Hotel Hokitika
Hokitika (1 night) Surrounded by views of the ocean, rain forest and the Southern Alps.
* Casual Inn
Westwood Lodge
Franz Josef (1 night) Warm wood interiors overlook rugged terrain at this inviting and secluded lodge.
Te Weheka
Fox Glacier (1 night) The private balconies offer expansive vistas in a stunning locale.
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Lake Moeraki (2 nights) Surrounded by ancient rain forests and close to Munro Lake, where the rare Tawaki penguins nest.
Edgewater Resort Hotel
Wanaka (2 nights) On the shores of Lake Wanaka with views of the magnificent Southern Alps. (spa, tennis)
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa
Queenstown (1 night) A luxury boutique hotel with a mountain backdrop set in the heart of delightful Queenstown. (spa)
New Zealand Biking
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 26 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 26, 51 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 4 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 45, 65, 82 miles
- 1500 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Optional Hiking 2, 4 miles
- 500-1000 feet elevation gain
- Optional Biking 16 miles
- 2150 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 3 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 39, 55 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 21, 42 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
- Optional Hiking 1.5 hours
Day 7
- Levels 3 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 40, 63, 72, 90 miles
- 1000 - 5000 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 24 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 9
- Levels 3 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 35, 45 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 10
- Optional City Walk