New Zealand South Island 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 Older Teens & 20s Best for ages 17-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Teens & Kids Best for ages 9-17 (min. age 4)

From $5,899 - $6,649 /person

9 days

8 nights

Activity Levels 1-3

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 - From lavish luxury to on-trend boutique, offering experiences as unique as the regions we explore.

Casual Plus Hotels - A step above Casual but not quite Premiere.

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 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 Older Teens & 20s Best for ages 17-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Teens & Kids Best for ages 9-17 (min. age 4)

9 days

8 nights

Activity Levels 1-3

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 - From lavish luxury to on-trend boutique, offering experiences as unique as the regions we explore.

Casual Plus Hotels - A step above Casual but not quite Premiere.

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.

2024: Nov-Dec 2025: Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec 2026: Jan, Mar

From $5,899 - $6,649 /person

Mountains & Rugged Coast from Christchurch to Queenstown

Scenery doesn't get any more incredible than in New Zealand. On a bike and on foot, you're in the middle of it all. Ever-changing natural beauty through your sunglasses. Ocean mist in your face. Island-fresh air in your lungs to complement that bit of sweat on your brow. The sheep have it made here. This week, they aren't the only ones.

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Walk/Hike
Bike
Raft

Highlights

  • Marvel at verdant rain forests, wild rivers, crashing waves and rugged coastline on the beautiful Tasman Sea
  • Raft the mystical Kawarau River, cross an iconic swing bridge and trek beneath the Rob Roy hanging glacier
  • Bike and hike through dramatic varied scenery and mountain ranges, finishing in a Pinot grape-growing wine region
  • Discover the many charms and secrets of Arrowtown, rich in gold mining history, and Hokitika, renowned for its jade
New Zealand South Island Multi-Adventure Tour map

New Zealand

Start Christchurch

End Queenstown

Airports & Travel details*

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

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Itinerary

Days 1-2

Description

Gear up for awe-inspiring activities in one of the world's greatest outdoor playgrounds • Travel to Arthur's Pass, soaking up views of the diverse landscapes • Lush native flora lines our trail in this famed hiking area • Hike to the epic peaks of Bealey Spur and look out over the milky-blue Waimakariri River • Settle in at our charming wilderness lodge.

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

Take in glaciers, rain forests and the dramatic Tasman Sea • Bike along tranquil roads to historic Hokitika, famous for its crafts and jade carvings • Dine on fresh local cuisine at our peaceful forest retreat.

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

Venture through old-growth forests to Westland National Park, with the receding face of the Franz Josef Glacier, one of New Zealand's natural wonders, off in the distance • Cycle to the quaint coastal village of Okarito, once a gold-mining boom town • Opt for a scenic helicopter ride over the glacial terrain • Sip a post-hike cocktail by the river at our cozy rain forest hideaway • Kayak the crystal-clear waters of Lake Moeraki or go exploring with a lodge naturalist.

Accommodations

Nights 4-5

Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
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

Bike along a pristine rugged coastline to the sleepy fishing village of Jackson Bay • Discover the waterfall-laced Haast World Heritage area, home to some of New Zealand's highest mountains, longest glaciers and wildest rivers unmatched anywhere in the world, according to UNESCO • In Mount Aspiring National Park, hike to a spectacular viewpoint below the iconic Rob Roy hanging glacier.

Accommodations

Nights 6-7

Edgewater Resort Hotel
Lake Wanaka
Casual Hotel

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

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

Days 8-9

Description

World-class bike routes and foot trails in the mountain playground surrounding Lake Wanaka are yours to explore • Opt for an excursion to scenic Milford Sound • Admire the spectacularly varied scenery and savor lunch in Pinot Noir country • Stay in picturesque Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital • Raft down the Kawarau River with expert guides who provide a unique perspective on the flora and fauna along the way • Experience the historic charm of Arrowtown, a quaint gold mining town nestled in the mountains • Extend your stay in picturesque 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.

What's Included

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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.

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—though always to reach a worthwhile destination!

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.  While our shuttles are often along these busier roads, 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. Keep in mind that even on quieter roads, vehicles may move at faster speeds than you might expect.

Accommodations

While our hotels are some of the finest in New Zealand, the relaxed Kiwi approach to service is reflected in the hotels on this trip—they are down-to-earth, without a lot of bells and whistles, and may not offer the level of customer service that you might be used to.

Want more information? Download a detailed itinerary.

Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more. It's the perfect tool to help you choose!

Request itinerary

From $5,899 - $6,649 /person

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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

Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
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. (spa)

Night 8

Millbrook Resort
Arrowtown

*Premiere Hotel

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

From $5,899 - $6,649 /person

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Bikes

Choose Your Perfect Bike

Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike

Included in your trip price

  • Ideal for avid cyclists
  • Responsive, efficient and comfortable
  • Drop handlebars only
Backroads Touring Bike
Backroads Touring Bike

Included in your trip price

  • Suited for a wide range of cyclists
  • Comfortable ergonomic seat
  • Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
  • Upright handlebars only
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

Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

From $5,899 - $6,649 /person

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From $5,899 - $6,649 /person

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Dates & Prices

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.

Want more information? Download a detailed itinerary.

Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more. It's the perfect tool to help you choose!

Request itinerary

Book with Confidence

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

Learn more

From $5,899 - $6,649 /person

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