New Zealand South Island Easygoing Multi-Adventure Tour

Couples, Friends & Solos

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Teens & 20s Best for ages 16-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Kids & Teens Best for ages 7-17 (min. age 4)

9 days

8 nights

Activity Levels 1-2

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Casual Hotels*

Premiere Hotels - Experience the world’s best, from lavish luxury to chic retreats with prestigious alliances.

Deluxe Hotels - Find modern comforts in extraordinary settings, with great ambience and ample amenities.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

New Zealand South Island Easygoing Multi-Adventure Tour

Couples, Friends & Solos

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Teens & 20s Best for ages 16-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Kids & Teens Best for ages 7-17 (min. age 4)

9 days

8 nights

Activity Levels 1-2

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Casual Hotels*

Premiere Hotels - Experience the world’s best, from lavish luxury to chic retreats with prestigious alliances.

Deluxe Hotels - Find modern comforts in extraordinary settings, with great ambience and ample amenities.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

2025: Jan-Feb

Dolce Tempo Journey - Mountains & Rugged Coast from Christchurch to Queenstown

Imagine the world on a geological time scale. Islands 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.

...Read more
Walking
E-Biking
Raft

Highlights

  • Discover the South Island, a unique playground for outdoor fun, as you explore these stunning settings for an adventure you’ll never forget
  • Experience the quaint villages and unique landscapes that define this youthful nation, learning about its geological and cultural history
  • Enjoy stargazing from a mountain retreat, views of dense rain forests from a riverside lodge and snow-dusted peaks from a high-country sheep station
  • Sample the culinary riches of this island paradise, from tender lamb to the famous Pinot Noir of New Zealand’s burgeoning wine culture

 

 

New Zealand South Island Easygoing Multi-Adventure Tour map

New Zealand

StartChristchurch

EndQueenstown

Airports & Travel details*

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Return

Itinerary

Days 1-2

Description

Start your adventure in Christchurch, the oldest city in New Zealand • Bike through an impressive mosaic of paddocks across the Canterbury Plains • 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 • Walk to a viewpoint over the sprawling Waimakariri River Valley • Relax with a good book at our wilderness lodge, where expansive windows frame vistas of the towering Southern Alps.

Accommodations

Nights 1-2

Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass
Casual Hotel

A welcoming mountain retreat and high-country sheep station surrounded by a beech forest and frosted peaks.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Day 3

Description

Revel in stunning vistas of the Tasman Sea, bordered by glaciers and rain forests • Cruise by e-bike along rural roads • Pedal to charming Hokitika, the setting of Man Booker Prize-winning novel The Luminaries • Enjoy local cuisine and fresh produce at our peaceful retreat in the woods.

Accommodations

Night 3

Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Franz Josef
*Premiere Hotel

A serene hotel that provides for every comfort—even offering a pillow menu. (spa)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Days 4-5

Description

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 • Take advantage of the lodge’s many activities, from a leisurely kayak on Lake Moeraki to stargazing • Amble to Munro Beach or learn about forest ecology with a lodge naturalist • Cozy up at our riverside lodge for the next two nights.

Accommodations

Nights 4-5

Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge
Lake Moeraki
Casual Hotel

This riverside lodge offers cozy guest rooms and excellent cuisine in a remote rain forest setting.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Days 6-7

Description

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 through the Matukituki Valley for spectacular views of the iconic Rob Roy hanging glacier in Mount Aspiring National Park.

Accommodations

Nights 6-7

Edgewater Resort Hotel
Lake Wanaka
Casual Hotel

On the shore of Lake Wanaka with views of the magnificent Southern Alps.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Days 8-9

Description

Relax at a pebble beach or explore 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 • Wander the quaint streets of historic Arrowtown • Extend your stay with another adventure or some rest and relaxation in Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital.

Accommodations

Night 8

Millbrook Resort
Arrowtown
*Premiere Hotel

Set on a sprawling estate, this luxurious retreat offers style, tranquility and mountain views. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

Download & Share

What's Included

See more

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

From $7,049 /person

View Dates
Return

Hotels

Adventure-Ready Hotels

Ideally located with ready access to trip activities, our Casual hotels are also known for their character and charm.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Nights 1-2

Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass

Casual Hotel

A welcoming mountain retreat and high-country sheep station surrounded by a beech forest and frosted peaks.

Night 3

Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Franz Josef

*Premiere Hotel

A serene hotel that provides for every comfort—even offering a pillow menu. (spa)

Nights 4-5

Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge
Lake Moeraki

Casual Hotel

This riverside lodge offers cozy guest rooms and excellent cuisine in a remote rain forest setting.

Nights 6-7

Edgewater Resort Hotel
Lake Wanaka

Casual Hotel

On the shore of Lake Wanaka with views of the magnificent Southern Alps.

Night 8

Millbrook Resort
Arrowtown

*Premiere Hotel

Set on a sprawling estate, this luxurious retreat offers style, tranquility and mountain views. (pool, spa)

From $7,049 /person

View Dates
Return

Bikes

Enjoy the Ride

On this Dolce Tempo trip, most travelers choose to ride one of our custom titanium e‑bikes (shown below). If you prefer to enjoy the daily rides without electric assistance, you’ll have the option after booking to select a different bike in your Backroads account.

Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike

Included in your trip price

  • One of the lightest e-bikes available
  • Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
  • Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
  • Upright handlebars only
  • Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours;  learn more

Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

From $7,049 /person

View Dates
Return

No Reviews

Have you gone on this trip? Be the first to leave a review.

Leave a Review

From $7,049 /person

View Dates
Return

Dates & Prices

Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.

Unplugged dates are perfect for guests who want to ride an acoustic bike.
E-bikes are available to travel companions by request only.

Your guest & room selections

1 adult

1 room, 1 bed

Edit
Jan 8
Wednesday
Wed
Jan 16
Thursday
Thu
Sold Out
Feb 5
Wednesday
Wed
Feb 13
Thursday
Thu
Sold Out

Please Select a Group Size

Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.

Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

Download & Share

Book with Confidence

Backroads provides flexible booking policies so that you can plan your vacation with complete peace of mind.

Learn more

From $7,049 /person

View Dates