New Zealand South Island Easygoing Multi-Adventure Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
9 days
8 nights
Activity Levels 1-2
Casual Hotels*
New Zealand South Island Easygoing Multi-Adventure Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
9 days
8 nights
Activity Levels 1-2
Casual Hotels*
2024: Nov2025: 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.
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
StartChristchurch
EndQueenstown
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
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.
Nights 1-2
A welcoming mountain retreat and high-country sheep station surrounded by a beech forest and frosted peaks.
Day 3
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.
Night 3
A serene hotel that provides for every comfort—even offering a pillow menu. (spa)
Days 4-5
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.
Nights 4-5
This riverside lodge offers cozy guest rooms and excellent cuisine in a remote rain forest setting.
Days 6-7
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.
Nights 6-7
On the shore of Lake Wanaka with views of the magnificent Southern Alps.
Days 8-9
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
A welcoming mountain retreat and high-country sheep station surrounded by a beech forest and frosted peaks.
Night 3
*Premiere Hotel
A serene hotel that provides for every comfort—even offering a pillow menu. (spa)
Nights 4-5
Casual Hotel
This riverside lodge offers cozy guest rooms and excellent cuisine in a remote rain forest setting.
Nights 6-7
Casual Hotel
On the shore of Lake Wanaka with views of the magnificent Southern Alps.
Night 8
*Premiere Hotel
Set on a sprawling estate, this luxurious retreat offers style, tranquility and mountain views. (pool, spa)
Gallery
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.
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.
