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New Zealand Biking: The South Island from Christchurch to Queenstown

"Picture the Oregon coast on one side of the road and the Tetons on the other, without a stoplight all day," says Condé Nast Traveler of the South Island's west coast. Join Backroads for a feast of biking and beauty in this place where sheep farms rub elbows with rain forests, alpine peaks host thundering waterfalls and deserted beaches welcome crashing breakers. Each biking day underscores New Zealand's endless beauty and diversity, and just when you think it couldn't get any better - it does. To top it all off, you'll rarely encounter people more genuine than New Zealanders. more

New Zealand Biking: The South Island from Christchurch to Queenstown

"Picture the Oregon coast on one side of the road and the Tetons on the other, without a stoplight all day," says Condé Nast Traveler of the South Island's west coast. Join Backroads for a feast of biking and beauty in this place where sheep farms rub elbows with rain forests, alpine peaks host thundering waterfalls and deserted beaches welcome crashing breakers.… more

Trip at-a-glance

Price: From $4,498* per person
Lodging: hotel
When: November-March
Number of days: 10
Group size: 24

This trip is offered by:

Backroads

Call them at 800-462-2848 about this trip and mention you saw it at TravelDragon, or contact them.

Trip details

Day 1 Punakaiki

Meet in Christchurch Take the famous TranzAlpine train from one side of the island to the other, enjoying views of the Canterbury Plains and the spectacular gorges of the Waimakariri River Follow the river to the Tasman Sea, where the pounding surf awaits  Arrive at Punakaiki, known for its impressive ocean "geysers."

 

Day 2 Hokitika

Bike along the dramatic coastline, bordered by rain forest Explore the town of Hokitika, famous for pounamu (New Zealand jade).

 

Day 3 Franz Josef

Pedal through old-growth forests and over Mount Hercules to Westland National Park.

 

Day 4 Fox Glacier

Hike up to the stunning Franz Josef Glacier, where ice meets the rain forest or bike down to the coast at Okarito  For the truly fit, take on the challenging Fox Hills on your bike or hop in the van and hike to Fox Glacier.

 

Days 5-6 Lake Moeraki

Ride to picturesque Lake Matheson and stroll along the shore Enjoy the beauty of the coastal rain forest as you pedal to Lake Moeraki  Hike to Munro Beach or explore ancient forests on foot.

 

Days 7-8 Lake Wanaka

Discover the waterfall-laced Haast World Heritage area on the most spectacular ride of the trip Climb Haast Pass and pedal along Lakes Makorora and Hawea en route to sapphire Lake Wanaka  Opt for a scenic flight and cruise to the spectacular Milford Sound  Visit beautiful Lake Hawea Station for an afternoon of sheepshearing and sheepdog demonstrations.

 

Days 9-10 queenstown

Follow the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers past vineyards in one of New Zealand's fastest-growing wine regions.

  • This trip/accommodation may accommodate for certain types of disabilities. Contact the provider for more information.
*TRAVEL INFORMATION DISCLAIMER: Travel product and pricing information are the travel provider’s base estimates, published here as a convenience to TravelDragon users without verification by TravelDragon. Your actual price will vary depending upon length of trip, travel dates, number of traveling guests, transportation (e.g. airfare, rail passes, etc.), and optional service features such as room categories or individualized food requirements. This base price estimate may or may not include all necessary fees, taxes, government-imposed surcharges. Be sure to confirm availability, total price and trip details with the travel provider using the contact information provided here.

e.g. Italy, biking

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