New Zealand South Island Multi-Adventure Tour
9 days
8 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Casual Hotels
New Zealand South Island Multi-Adventure Tour
9 days
8 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Casual Hotels
2025: Nov-Dec2026: Jan-Mar, Oct-Dec2027: Jan-Apr
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, with ocean mist in your face and island-fresh air in your lungs.
Highlights
- Marvel at verdant rain forests, wild rivers, crashing waves and rugged coastline on the beautiful Tasman Sea
- Explore the unmatched natural wonders and sacred sites of the South Island, a New Zealand tradition
- 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
StartChristchurch
EndQueenstown
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Gear up for awe-inspiring activities in one of the world's greatest outdoor playgrounds • Bike through an impressive mosaic of paddocks across the Canterbury Plains • Travel to Arthur's Pass, soaking up views of the diverse landscapes • Lush native flora lines our trail in this famed hiking area • Journey to the epic peaks of Bealey Spur and look out over the milky blue Waimakariri River • Settle in at our charming wilderness lodge.
Nights 1-2
Experience warm hospitality and breathtaking alpine landscapes at this welcoming mountain retreat and high-country sheep station surrounded by a beech forest and frosted peaks.
Day 3
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.
Night 3
Situated amid native West Coast rainforest near Franz Josef Glacier, this eco-retreat provides for every comfort, even a pillow menu. (spa)
Days 4-5
Venture through old-growth forests to Westland Tai Poutini 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 boomtown • 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.
Nights 4-5
Surrounded by stunning World Heritage wilderness, this riverside lodge offers cozy guest rooms, warm hospitality and excellent cuisine.
Days 6-7
Bike along the remote, winding roads of the West Coast, where lush rainforest and towering peaks frame the journey between Jackson Bay and Haast • 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.
Nights 6-7
On the shores of Lake Wanaka, this serene retreat offers stunning alpine views, spacious accommodations and direct access to the lake's scenic walking trails, all framed by the breathtaking Southern Alps.
Days 8-9
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 • Discover the historic charm of Arrowtown, a quaint gold mining town nestled in the mountains • Raft down the Kawarau River with expert guides who provide a unique perspective on the flora and fauna along the way • Extend your stay in picturesque Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital.
Night 8
Set on a sprawling estate, this luxurious retreat offers style, tranquility and mountain views. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight 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.
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!
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.
The lush green landscapes of New Zealand's West Coast makes this region unlike any other. Its climate can be as surprising as its terrain, with weather patterns and microclimates that may bring tropical storms and dramatic weather changes. (It's sometimes called the Wet Coast!) It could rain any day on your trip.
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
Casual Hotel
Experience warm hospitality and breathtaking alpine landscapes at this welcoming mountain retreat and high-country sheep station surrounded by a beech forest and frosted peaks.
Night 3
*Deluxe Hotel
Situated amid native West Coast rainforest near Franz Josef Glacier, this eco-retreat provides for every comfort, even a pillow menu. (spa)
Nights 4-5
Casual Hotel
Surrounded by stunning World Heritage wilderness, this riverside lodge offers cozy guest rooms, warm hospitality and excellent cuisine.
Nights 6-7
Casual Hotel
On the shores of Lake Wanaka, this serene retreat offers stunning alpine views, spacious accommodations and direct access to the lake's scenic walking trails, all framed by the breathtaking Southern Alps.
Night 8
*Premiere Hotel
Set on a sprawling estate, this luxurious retreat offers style, tranquility and mountain views. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Share Your Adventure!
Tag @backroadstravel or use #MyBackroadsTrip to submit your photos.
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.
Included in your trip price
- Ideal for avid cyclists
- Responsive, efficient and comfortable
- Drop handlebars only
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
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+
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
