New Zealand Biking: The South… (trip)

New Zealand Biking: The South Island from Christchurch to Queenstown

  • Christchurch
  • Active & Adventure
New Zealand Biking:  A Grand Journey Along the South Islands West Coast Australia and Pacific

from $3,998* per person10 DaysFebruary, March, November, December
Luxury accommodations Exertion level: 6
Operator: Backroads 26 people max
Biking doesn't get any more epic than New Zealand. Or more beautiful. The greens of Ireland. The skyscapes of Switzerland. The friendly feel of, well, New Zealand. It's where glaciers get cozy with rain forests. Where the Tasman Sea surf pounds an Oregon-rugged coastline. On a bike, you're in the middle of it all. Ocean mist in your face. Ever-changing natural beauty through your sunglasses. Island-fresh air in your lungs to complement that bit of sweat on your brow. Here the sheep have it made. This week, they aren't the only ones.

  • Epic biking at its best in one of the world's greatest outdoor playgrounds
  • Glaciers meet rain forest meets crashing ocean coastline
  • Travel by train across the South Island
  • Dramatic varied scenery, finishing in a pinot-growing wine region
  • Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand

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New Zealand Biking: A Grand Journey Along the South Islands West Coast Australia and Pacific

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Itinerary

Day 1 Awe-inspiring routes in one of the world's greatest outdoor playgrounds  Take the TranzAlpine train across the South Island, spotting the Canterbury Plains and the Waimakariri River Gorge Pedal to the pancake rocks at Punakaiki, known for its impressive ocean "geysers."

Days 2-4 Glaciers meet rain forest meets the dramatic Tasman Sea  Explore the town of Hokitika, famous for pounamu (New Zealand jade)  Pedal through old-growth forests and over Mount Hercules to Westland National Park Hike to the face of the Franz Josef Glacier, one of New Zealand's greatest wonders If you're up for more riding, tackle the challenging route to Fox Glacier.

Days 5-8 Cross the "main divide" of the Southern Alps, with the bright teal-colored water of  Lake Wanaka as your reward Ride to Lake Matheson, where Mount Cook is perfectly reflected in the calm waters Discover the waterfall-laced Haast World Heritage area, with fantastic vistas of the Tasman Sea Kick back at Munro Beach, go for a stroll or a canoe ride Opt for an excursion to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most scenic national treasures.

Days 9-10 Dramatic varied scenery, finishing in pinot noir country  Follow the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers past vineyards in a burgeoning wine region Check out Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital.

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