New Zealand: The South Island
Guided Biking
- Daily Mileage: 7-37 miles|
- Biking: 1-5 hours|
Starting From
12-day Air Package
$7,145
9-day Bike Tour Only
$5,245
Per person, double occupancy
New Zealand: The South Island
Delve deep into the heart of New Zealand’s celebrated wilderness on dedicated bike paths and scenic dirt trails through the woods—far from car traffic. As you pedal along the shimmering coast of the Tasman Sea, you’ll catch glimpses of distant mountain peaks and vibrant local bird life. We’ve designed this tour to let your hiking boots take you places two wheels can’t—including the Franz Josef Glacier, a wilderness seacoast walk, and a nocturnal glowworm adventure. With VBT’s deep roots in the region, you’ll have unique opportunities to meet the locals during a visit to a traditional Kiwi sheep farm and a guided rainforest walk. Best of all, VBT’s charming local trip leaders will be delighted to introduce you to the many cultural traditions and natural wonders of the island paradise they call home.
Tour Highlights
- Prepare to be dazzled by the staggering beauty of the South Island’s glittering lakes, lush forests, fertile farmlands, and alpine peaks.
- Hike up a valley carved by the retreating ice of Franz Josef Glacier.
- Spend a day at a wilderness resort, enjoying kayaking, canoeing, hiking—and perhaps strolling to a colony of glowworms.
- Experience life on a working ranch and savor a home-cooked meal during a visit to a sheep and cattle station.
- Sample local vintages during a wine tasting and learn about Central Otago’s wine region.
What to Expect
The majority of rides and all walks on this tour are on purpose-built trails (the Kiwis have it figured out!). Trails are packed gravel, regularly maintained, and away from motorized vehicle traffic, and allow access to the beauty of the country. The roadways that we ride are secondary, quiet, and mostly paved. The VBT support vehicle is available for a head start, catch-up, or shorter options.
- Daily Mileage: 7-37 miles|
- Biking: 1-5 hours|
- Max Group Size: 20
Cyclists
Support
Average High /
Low Temperature (°F):
Jan67º/53º
Feb68º/54º
Mar66º/50º
Apr62º/47º
Nov62º/48º
Dec64º/51º
Average
Precipitation:
Jan9.6 in
Feb7.8 in
Mar9.1 in
Apr9.2 in
Nov10.4 in
Dec10 in
Air Package |
Tour Only |
|
---|---|---|
Roundtrip international airfare |
||
Airport car service for arrival and departure |
||
One night in Christchurch in a conveniently located hotel with breakfast and two in-flight nights |
||
8 nights in comfortable lodgings |
||
18 meals: 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners |
Step-Through Cross Terrain Bicycle
See More >Cross Terrain Bicycle
See More >Step-Through Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-bike) (New Zealand only)
See More >Step-Through Cross Terrain Bicycle
See More >Cross Terrain Bicycle
See More >Step-Through Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-bike) (New Zealand only)
See More >Step-Through Cross Terrain Bicycle
See More >Cross Terrain Bicycle
See More >Step-Through Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-bike) (New Zealand only)
See More >Biking Packages Include:
Custom VBT Bike and Helmet
Two Local, Bilingual Trip Leaders
Support Vehicle
Luggage Transportation
Ride with GPS and Daily Route Notes
Welcome Reception
Facilitated Cultural Experiences
Your Choice of VBT Branded Gear for Your Adventure
Accommodations (Please Note: Days are based on the Air Package Itinerary. Accommodations may vary depending on departure date. )
Enjoy Your Vacation Longer With Low-Cost Trip Extensions
Air Package Only
2025 Pre-Trip Extension - Auckland
3 Nights From
$495
per person, double
occupancy
Single Supplement: From $345
- 3 nights at the Movenpick Hotel Auckland
- Airport car service for arrival
- Daily breakfast
- City information
Your vacation is about to begin! Arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.
Flying to Auckland requires crossing the International Date Line, so this day is “lost.”
A VBT representative will greet you at the airport to start your adventure off right. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After an included breakfast, complimentary transportation is provided by Super Shuttle from your Auckland Hotel to the airport for your flight to Christchurch.
In Christchurch, gather your luggage and proceed through the terminal exit. Look for the next Super Shuttle vehicle and travel (approximately 30 minutes) to your hotel in Christchurch.
Once you settle in, you’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch and dinner on your own using VBT’s city information as your guide.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Movenpick Hotel Auckland
Located in the heart of the Auckland waterfront district, overlooking the thriving Viaduct Harbour and surrounded by designer boutiques and award-winning restaurants, Movenpick Hotel Auckland embraces all of these elements to tell the story of a uniquely diverse city. During your stay, enjoy WiFi, the fitness center, the bar and restaurants, and a stylish, air-conditioned room featuring a contemporary décor, large flatscreen TV with SkyTV channels, and private bathroom with shower.
Air Package Only
2024 Pre-Trip Extension - Auckland
3 Nights From
$595
per person, double
occupancy
Single Supplement: From $345
- 3 nights at the Movenpick Hotel Auckland
- Airport car service for arrival
- Daily breakfast
- City information
Your vacation is about to begin! Arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.
Flying to Auckland requires crossing the International Date Line, so this day is “lost.”
A VBT representative will greet you at the airport to start your adventure off right. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After an included breakfast, complimentary transportation is provided by Super Shuttle from your Auckland Hotel to the airport for your flight to Christchurch.
In Christchurch, gather your luggage and proceed through the terminal exit. Look for the next Super Shuttle vehicle and travel (approximately 30 minutes) to your hotel in Christchurch.
Once you settle in, you’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch and dinner on your own using VBT’s city information as your guide.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Movenpick Hotel Auckland
Located in the heart of the Auckland waterfront district, overlooking the thriving Viaduct Harbour and surrounded by designer boutiques and award-winning restaurants, Movenpick Hotel Auckland embraces all of these elements to tell the story of a uniquely diverse city. During your stay, enjoy WiFi, the fitness center, the bar and restaurants, and a stylish, air-conditioned room featuring a contemporary décor, large flatscreen TV with SkyTV channels, and private bathroom with shower.
Air Package Only
2026 Pre-Trip Extension - Auckland
3 Nights From
$595
per person, double
occupancy
Single Supplement: From $395
- 3 nights at the Movenpick Hotel Auckland
- Airport car service for arrival
- Daily breakfast
- City information
Your vacation is about to begin! Arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.
Flying to Auckland requires crossing the International Date Line, so this day is “lost.”
A VBT representative will greet you at the airport to start your adventure off right. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After an included breakfast, complimentary transportation is provided by Super Shuttle from your Auckland Hotel to the airport for your flight to Christchurch.
In Christchurch, gather your luggage and proceed through the terminal exit. Look for the next Super Shuttle vehicle and travel (approximately 30 minutes) to your hotel in Christchurch.
Once you settle in, you’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch and dinner on your own using VBT’s city information as your guide.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Movenpick Hotel Auckland
Located in the heart of the Auckland waterfront district, overlooking the thriving Viaduct Harbour and surrounded by designer boutiques and award-winning restaurants, Movenpick Hotel Auckland embraces all of these elements to tell the story of a uniquely diverse city. During your stay, enjoy WiFi, the fitness center, the bar and restaurants, and a stylish, air-conditioned room featuring a contemporary décor, large flatscreen TV with SkyTV channels, and private bathroom with shower.
Air Package Only
2025 Post-Trip Extension - Queenstown
2 Nights From
$395
per person, double
occupancy
Single Supplement: From $345
- 2 nights at the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
- Airport car service for departure
- Daily breakfast
- City information
After breakfast, shuttle to a quaint “wild west”-style village with a rich gold-mining past before continuing to Queenstown to settle into your lakeside hotel. Once you settle in, you’ll have time to explore using the included city information to guide your discovers.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After an included breakfast this morning, you’ll travel by Super Shuttle from the hotel to the Queenstown Airport (an approximately 10-minute shuttle) for your departing flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Centrally located in one of the most picturesque settings in the world, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside is nestled beside the beautiful, tranquil Wakatipu Lake on which Queenstown sits. All rooms offer balconies with views of the Remarkables Mountain Range.This modern, air-conditioned hotel offers guests superb, uninterrupted views of the lake, mountains, and adjoining gardens. Novotel Queenstown Lakeside also features an excellent restaurant and bar and WiFi throughout.
Air Package Only
2024 Post-Trip Extension - Queenstown
2 Nights From
$395
per person, double
occupancy
Single Supplement: From $345
- 2 nights at the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
- Airport car service for departure
- Daily breakfast
- City information
After breakfast, shuttle to a quaint “wild west”-style village with a rich gold-mining past before continuing to Queenstown to settle into your lakeside hotel. Once you settle in, you’ll have time to explore using the included city information to guide your discovers.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After an included breakfast this morning, you’ll travel by Super Shuttle from the hotel to the Queenstown Airport (an approximately 10-minute shuttle) for your departing flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Centrally located in one of the most picturesque settings in the world, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside is nestled beside the beautiful, tranquil Wakatipu Lake on which Queenstown sits. All rooms offer balconies with views of the Remarkables Mountain Range.This modern, air-conditioned hotel offers guests superb, uninterrupted views of the lake, mountains, and adjoining gardens. Novotel Queenstown Lakeside also features an excellent restaurant and bar and WiFi throughout.
Air Package Only
2026 Post-Trip Extension - Queenstown
2 Nights From
$395
per person, double
occupancy
Single Supplement: From $345
- 2 nights at the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
- Airport car service for departure
- Daily breakfast
- City information
After breakfast, shuttle to a quaint “wild west”-style village with a rich gold-mining past before continuing to Queenstown to settle into your lakeside hotel. Once you settle in, you’ll have time to explore using the included city information to guide your discovers.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After an included breakfast this morning, you’ll travel by Super Shuttle from the hotel to the Queenstown Airport (an approximately 10-minute shuttle) for your departing flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Centrally located in one of the most picturesque settings in the world, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside is nestled beside the beautiful, tranquil Wakatipu Lake on which Queenstown sits. All rooms offer balconies with views of the Remarkables Mountain Range.This modern, air-conditioned hotel offers guests superb, uninterrupted views of the lake, mountains, and adjoining gardens. Novotel Queenstown Lakeside also features an excellent restaurant and bar and WiFi throughout.
We very much enjoyed the diversity of activities that VBT offered, the beautiful South Island and our wonderful guides. We have previously traveled to NZ but this VBT trip allowed us to experience the diversity of the South Island. Everyone we encountered was friendly and welcoming.
Fantastic South Island Adventure
This trip revealed scenery unmatched anywhere in the world. We went from tropical rain forests to glaciers to the ocean. The bike trails were great and the accommodations and guides were outstanding. The trip exposed us to the people and natural treasures of the South Island.
South Island Immersion
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