Original
Explorer
New Zealand West Coast Adventure
7 days • 4.8
5
Excellent
35 reviews
7 days
Start
Christchurch, New Zealand
Finish
Queenstown, New Zealand
Trip Code
PHSW
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
6 breakfasts
Transport
Private Vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights), Motel (1 night)
From £1,593(7 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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.
Is this trip right for you?
With seven days in the lesser visited regions of the South Island, you’ll have time to visit places others don’t.
This trip involves some walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary.
This trip is the first part of a combination of 2 trips. Some of your fellow travellers may continue on in Queenstown. Please see our 'New Zealand South Island Adventure' (trip code PHSQC) for details.
Itinerary
Cross the Southern Alps into rugged, untamed coastal territory
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.
Inclusions
Meals
6 breakfasts
Transport
Private Vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights), Motel (1 night)
Included activities
Reefton - Historic Town Visit
Reefton - Goldfields Museum with Local Storyteller
Reefton - Billy Tea with 'The Bearded Miners'
Punakaiki - Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Walk
Charleston - Nile River Gorge Rainforest Train Ride
Westport - Seal Colony at Tauranga Bay
Westport - Cape Foulwind Walkway & Lighthouse
Hokitika - Gorge Visit
Okarito - Okarito Lagoon Walk
Fox Glacier - Lake Matheson Walk
Optional activities
Lewis Pass - Hanmer Hot Springs - from - NZD40
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
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Important notes
START & FINISH TIMES
This trip starts at 8am in Christchurch on day 1 and finishes upon arrival in Queenstown on the last day at approximately 10:30am.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Reviews (35)
5 stars
31
4 stars
3
2 stars
1
Brian
Apr 02, 2025
Information was accurate, places visited and options offered were bucket list level. Connor the guide was exceptional.
Cassie
Apr 01, 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.
Sophie
Mar 08, 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.
Sarah
Mar 01, 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!
Mitch
Mar 01, 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.
Albert
Jan 28, 2025
This trip provided enough choices that I never felt forced into an activity I wasn’t interested in.
Jacinta
Dec 30, 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!
Anna
Dec 28, 2024
A great way to explore the beauty of the South Island in a short period of time.
Jorge
Dec 13, 2024
Great trip! And Anne-Marie was an excellent guide!
Ricky
Nov 30, 2024
This trip is certainly worth doing. Seeing amazing beauty off the beaten track you would otherwise miss
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