New Zealand South Island Easygoing Multi-Adventure Tour
Dolce Tempo Journey from Christchurch to Queenstown
Couples, Friends & Solos
9 days 8 nights
Activity Level: 1-2
Casual & Premiere Hotels
From: $5,899 - $6,649 pp dbl occ
($500 - $1,150 for sgl occ)
Imagine the world on a geological time scale. Volcanoes blossoming from the bottom of the ocean and poking their heads up out of the sea. Glaciers creeping like caterpillars, carving valleys from the earth. It’s difficult to picture—but it’s easier once you’ve seen New Zealand. Everything here exists on a different scale. Epic peaks, enormous glaciers, sprawling jungles. Ready for a new perspective? The South Island is waiting.
New Zealand
Start Christchurch / End Queenstown
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
Refreshingly Active Adventures
Discover the South Island, a one-of-a-kind playground for outdoor fun. E-bike, stroll and raft your way across these stunning settings for an adventure you’ll never forget.
Immersive Travel
Take your time exploring the quaint villages and unique landscapes that define this youthful nation, and enjoy learning the fascinating history—both geological and cultural—of this singular destination.
Unique Hotels & Kiwi Hospitality
Experience one-of-a-kind hospitality at our casual hotels. Enjoy stargazing from mountain retreats, views of snow-dusted peaks and dense rainforests. Sample the culinary riches of this island paradise, from local wine to tender lamb.
Itinerary
9 Days Casual & Premiere Hotels*
Meet your Trip Leaders in Christchurch, the oldest city in New Zealand | Travel to Arthur's Pass, soaking up the vistas along the way | Meet a sheep farmer and learn how New Zealand became the go-to producer of merino wool | Relax with a good book at our charming wilderness lodge, where expansive windows frame vistas of the towering Southern Alps.
A welcoming mountain retreat and high-country sheep station surrounded by a beech forest and frosted peaks.
Revel in stunning vistas of the Tasman Sea, bordered by glaciers and rain forests | Cruise by e-bike along the peaceful rural roads | Explore charming Hokitika, the setting of Man Booker Prize-winning novel The Luminaries | Meander through Westland National Park, taking time to photograph the quickly receding face of Franz Josef Glacier | Experience some of New Zealand’s gold-rush history in the quaint coastal village of Okarito | Opt for a scenic helicopter ride above the imposing glaciers | Enjoy local cuisine and fresh produce at our peaceful retreat in the woods.
A serene hotel that provides for every comfort—even offering a pillow menu. (spa)
Walk around Lake Matheson and take in the views of snow-capped Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak | Take advantage of the lodge’s many activities, from a leisurely kayak on Lake Moeraki to star gazing | Amble to Munro Beach or learn about forest ecology with a lodge naturalist | Cozy up at our riverside lodge for the next two nights.
This riverside lodge offers cozy guest rooms and excellent cuisine in a remote rain forest setting.
Feel the sea breeze on an e-bike ride to the sleepy fishing village of Jackson Bay | Journey from the verdant coast up and over the Southern Alps to the golden hills surrounding Lake Wanaka | Explore the Haast World Heritage area, dotted with waterfalls and home to some of the country’s highest mountains and largest glaciers | Walk to a spectacular viewpoint below the iconic Rob Roy hanging glacier in Mount Aspiring National Park.
On the shore of Lake Wanaka with views of the magnificent Southern Alps. (spa)
Relax at a pebble beach or stroll the quiet streets of picturesque Wanaka | Opt to take a flight to the unforgettable landscapes of Milford Sound | Experience New Zealand’s burgeoning wine culture in this region famous for its Pinot Noir | Step out of your front door to raft the Kawarau River with expert local guides | Stroll the picturesque streets of historic Queenstown | Extend your stay with another adventure or some rest and relaxation in town.
Set on a sprawling estate, this luxurious retreat offers style, tranquility and mountain views. (pool, spa)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Looks like you’re traveling with a smaller group
Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
From our Guests
Share your adventure
#MyBackroadsTrip
Share your adventure #MyBackroadsTrip
Activity Level: 1-2
Our Dolce Tempo activities allow you to leisurely explore local hidden gems and to get away from the crowds, experiencing the essence of your location on your own terms and at your own pace. Easier than our other trips, but still wonderfully active, itinerary options typically include 2-4 hours of walking, e-biking or other excursions per day. On e-bike routes, our custom electric-assist bikes allow you to pedal effortlessly. Your trip is fully supported with dedicated Trip Leaders, vans, meticulously selected routes and downloadable GPS files available for use on your own device.
Route notes
The walking terrain on this trip includes a mix of paved walkways, well-maintained dirt paths and with the option to hike on a few rugged mountain trails. Our bike routes were chosen to keep you off the main road and are on scenic, secondary roads.
Daily Activity Options
What's Included
Available Bike Options
On this Dolce Tempo trip, most travelers choose to ride one of our custom titanium e-bikes. If you prefer to enjoy the daily rides without electric assistance, you can select another bike. See all options below. (click the arrow to see all available options)
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, this custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Included in your trip price
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Shuttle Time
In order to access the most scenic routes and significant points of interest on this trip, strategic shuttles are incorporated into several days of our itinerary. Most will be limited to an hour or so at a time, but on some days you can expect to spend a bit more time in the shuttle. We've planned our itinerary to make the most of our time in this spectacular area, so sit back and relax, knowing that someone else is doing the driving, and enjoy the beauty of the journey.
Bike Routes
Due to a significant rise in tourism in New Zealand, the South Island has seen an increase in car traffic along its western coast. As a result, we do not ride on the iconic State Highway 6 (SH6). While our shuttles are often on this coastal road, we ride on scenic bike routes off the main highway to ensure your safety while still delivering as much of New Zealand's grandeur and stunning scenery.
Accommodations
While our hotels are some of the finest in New Zealand and offer all the comforts of home as well as many modern amenities, they may not offer the level of customer service that you're used to, especially during the hectic summer holidays in New Zealand (our winter). The relaxed Kiwi approach to service is reflected in the hotels on this trip—they are authentic, down-to-earth and without a lot of bells and whistles.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
In order to access the most scenic routes and significant points of interest on this trip, strategic shuttles are incorporated into several days of our itinerary. Most will be limited to an hour or so at a time, but on some days you can expect to spend a bit more time in the shuttle. We've planned our itinerary to make the most of our time in this spectacular area, so sit back and relax, knowing that someone else is doing the driving, and enjoy the beauty of the journey.
Due to a significant rise in tourism in New Zealand, the South Island has seen an increase in car traffic along its western coast. As a result, we do not ride on the iconic State Highway 6 (SH6). While our shuttles are often on this coastal road, we ride on scenic bike routes off the main highway to ensure your safety while still delivering as much of New Zealand's grandeur and stunning scenery.
While our hotels are some of the finest in New Zealand and offer all the comforts of home as well as many modern amenities, they may not offer the level of customer service that you're used to, especially during the hectic summer holidays in New Zealand (our winter). The relaxed Kiwi approach to service is reflected in the hotels on this trip—they are authentic, down-to-earth and without a lot of bells and whistles.
