New Zealand West Coast Adventure
From CAD $2664 Was CAD $2960
Guarantee
Kleine Gruppe
Average
Rating
(10 reviews)
Explore the narrow strip of South Island land sandwiched between the mountains and the Tasman Sea that’s home to some of the country’s most beautiful places. Millions of years of natural history are right in front of you in wild limestone rock formations, powerful glaciers, rushing rivers and surf pounded coast, while the much more recent stories of the gold and coal rush can be found in the heritage settlements and in the resolute spirit of the coasters. Take in highlights from Christchurch to Queenstown, Pancake Rocks to craft gin, kayaking to spa soaking. This is a coastal road trip to rival any other.
Highlights
- Get out and see a different side to the South Island, making the most of the wide-open spaces of the rugged and largely unexplored West Coast.
- Go deeper into the history of the area with stories of the goldrush days during visits to Reefton, Kumara.
- Take in the magic of the spectacular Fox Glacier region weaving through rainforests and a walk along shimmering Lake Matheson.
- Witness the stunning, millions of years old scenery at the dramatic Pancake Rocks and the Hokitika Gorge, and spot fur seals at Cape Foulwind.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2272
Tour Type: Kleine Gruppe
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: PHSW
Starts: Christchurch / Reefton / Westport, New Zealand
Finishes: Queenstown, New Zealand
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6),Accommodation: Hotel (5 nights),Motel (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2664 ($381 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to your Intrepid exploration of the South Island! Your adventure begins in Christchurch, where a welcome meeting will take place at 8am for you to meet up with your local leader and fellow travellers. After your meeting, it’s time to hit the road, first heading to Hanmer Springs in the Lewis Pass national reserve. Check out the natural hot pools surrounded by greenery as the snow dusted peaks of the Southern Alps look on. You can even opt to take a dip. Next up, travel to Reefton, a tiny town that punches above its size. Step back in time and meet a local story-teller, learning about the town's gold mining past, the miners' families, the storekeepers, and embrace the Cornish influence. You'll even have the opportunity to see the water powered gold stamping battery working. Head into the town centre proper where you'll meet the 'bearded miners' for a cup of manuka enhanced black billy tea and to watch the technique of gold panning. Finally, drive through the spectacular Buller Gorge to the town of Westport and perhaps round off the day with a group dinner.
Included Activities:
- Reefton - Historic Town Visit
- Reefton - Goldfields Museum with Local Storyteller
- Reefton - Billy Tea with 'The Bearded Miners'
Optional Activities:
- Lewis Pass - Hanmer Hot Springs - from (40 NZD)
Accommodation:
- Motel (Number of Nights: 1)
Start your day with a stop at the wild Cape Foulwind and admire incredible views of the mountains and rugged coastline. The headland is home to a fur seal breeding colony so keep your eyes peeled, they can easily blend in with the rocks! Continue to Charleston this morning to join a train ride in open carriages through primeval rain forest. ‘The Nile River Rainforest Train’ recreates a bygone era where bush trams once prevailed. Experience the spectacular wilderness of the Nile River Canyon in Paparoa National Park. Next up is Punakaiki, a town with less than 100 residents, but famed for its so-called Pancake Rocks. These layers of fossilised animals and plants, formed over 30 million years ago, were thrust above the surface by the moving earth and sculpted by wind and water. At high tide the sea is forced through blowholes in the limestone to burst metres into the air – it’s an entertaining sight! Continue to Kumara, a former goldrush town with an intriguing history (this little place was the home of New Zealand’s longest serving Prime Minister!). On arrival, settle into your hotel, then head out to meet the town’s brightest residents. Just behind your hotel, you’ll find dazzling glow worms lighting up old mineshafts. Once the sun has gone down, be sure to look up. With very little light pollution, the stargazing in Kumara is absolutely out of this world (literally!).
Included Activities:
- Punakaiki - Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Walk
- Charleston - Nile River Gorge Rainforest Train Ride
- Westport - Seal Colony at Tauranga Bay
- Westport - Cape Foulwind Walkway & Lighthouse
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today begins with a visit to the Hokitika Gorge, one of the West Coast’s most stunning spots. Shimmering turquoise waters wreathed with lush native bush make a sight to remember. Then it’s on to the Okarito Lagoon, alive with the calls of over 70 unique species of birds. Head out on a nature walk culminating in a lookout point from which, on a clear day, you can enjoy an unbeatable view over Westland (Tai Poutini) National Park from the snow-capped Southern Alps (Ka Tiritiri o te Moana) across extensive native forest to the lagoons and beaches of the coast. Continue your journey south to the Fox Glacier township, your gateway to the dramatic and enormous Fox Glacier and your base for the evening.
Included Activities:
- Hokitika - Gorge Visit
- Okarito - Okarito Lagoon Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Kick off the day with a gentle walk around the glittering Lake Matheson, dubbed the ‘mirror lake’ for its dark waters which perfectly reflect the towering Southern Alps – if you take one picture of your West Coast adventure, this should be it! The rest of the day is yours to make the most of what this amazing slice of the country has to offer. Perhaps head back to Franz Josef Glacier or you may want to visit a pounamu (greenstone) workshop and learn how to carve your own original piece. There’s also no shortage of interesting walks and cosy pubs if you fancy a more low-key afternoon – have a chat to your leader about your options for the day.
Included Activities:
- Fox Glacier - Lake Matheson Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Make tracks for Wanaka, making plenty of interesting stops along the way. First up is Ship Creek, where you’ll take a walk through quintessentially rugged West Coast scenery. You can either walk through shady swamp forest, or explore windswept sand dunes and coastal forest. Then it’s on to Mt Aspiring National Park. Make the short walk to the incredible Thunder Creek Falls, featuring an impressive 96-metre-tall cascade. Arrive in Wanaka and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With Lake Wanaka as the star of the show and surrounding mountains only complimenting its beauty, there’s no doubt this is one of the most attractive towns in New Zealand. Today is completely free for you to enjoy the surroundings of Wanaka, and there's certainly no shortage of amazing things to see and do here, so be sure to chat to your leader for their top tips. You may like to take a pleasant bike ride along the shores of Lake Wanaka or get on the water and cruise to Mou Waho Island, where you’ll find an island in a lake on an island in a lake! There are heaps of beautiful short walks in the area, and a visit to the famous #thatwanakatree is a must. Or simply find a cosy cafe to admire the view.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Wanaka this morning and drive through the magnificent scenery of the Crown Range. Arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, in the late morning (approximately 10:30am), at which point your West Coast adventure will come to an end.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Cassie - Traveled, March 2025
This was a fantastic week on the stunning New Zealand West Coast. Our guide was full of local knowledge about the history, people, culture and natural environment and the itinerary was jam packed with activities. We have come home exhausted but happy.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2025
Brian - Traveled, March 2025
Information was accurate, places visited and options offered were bucket list level. Connor the guide was exceptional.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2025
Sophie - Traveled, February 2025
The New Zealand West Coast Adventure was incredible! We saw so much in a week and I recommend this trip to everyone, especially those who have never been to the south island. Our tour guide Michelle was amazing, her enthusiasm and commitment to ensuring we had a positive experience was immensely appreciated.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2025
Sarah - Traveled, February 2025
This trip to New Zealand’s West Coast is absolutely stunning. You get to see everything from the pancake rocks to hidden waterfalls to glaciers. I don’t think I would’ve been able to find half the stuff on this itinerary on my own, it truly exposes you to the hidden gems!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2025
Mitch - Traveled, February 2025
The trip was immaculate, locations and activities were fantastic, but it was our guide, Michelle, who truly made the trip. She was beyond attentive, knowledgeable. and just an excellent person to be around. Would recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2025
Albert - Traveled, January 2025
This trip provided enough choices that I never felt forced into an activity I wasn’t interested in.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/28/2025
Anna - Traveled, December 2024
A great way to explore the beauty of the South Island in a short period of time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2024
Jacinta - Traveled, December 2024
Highly recommended trip to experience the main natural wonders and historical features of the NZ Sth Island. This trip exceeded expectations as I would not have been able to cover the variety in the same time. To be standing on a glacier on Xmas day and hiking and camping the next was wonderous!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2024
Jorge - Traveled, December 2024
Great trip! And Anne-Marie was an excellent guide!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2024
Ricky - Traveled, November 2024
This trip is certainly worth doing. Seeing amazing beauty off the beaten track you would otherwise miss.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2024
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