New Zealand West Coast Adventure

New Zealand West Coast Adventure

4 Views
7 Days From

$2440

$2370

New Zealand West Coast Adventure

7 Days Starting in Christchurch, New Zealand and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand

Visiting: Christchurch, Punakaiki, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Walking

From: $2440 $2370 (USD) Tourhub's Discount: -$70

NB: Prices correct on 21-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the New Zealand West Coast Adventure, a captivating journey through the South Island's untamed landscapes. Starting in Christchurch, this tour takes you through the historic goldrush towns of Reefton and Kumara, where you'll delve into local stories and traditions. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Fox Glacier region, with its lush rainforests and the reflective Lake Matheson. Marvel at the ancient Pancake Rocks and the vibrant Hokitika Gorge, and spot fur seals at Cape Foulwind. Travel in a private vehicle and enjoy twin-share accommodations, immersing yourself in the natural wonders and rich history of this largely unexplored region. Along the way, learn about conservation efforts with Forest & Bird, supported by The Intrepid Foundation. This adventure concludes in the vibrant town of Queenstown, leaving you with unforgettable memories of New Zealand's stunning West Coast.

Highlights

  • Get out and see the rugged and largely unexplored West Coast of New Zealand's South Island.

  • Explore the history of the goldrush days with visits to Reefton and Kumara.

  • Experience the magic of the Fox Glacier region, including a walk along Lake Matheson.

  • Witness the dramatic Pancake Rocks and the stunning Hokitika Gorge.

  • Spot fur seals at Cape Foulwind and enjoy the views from the Cape Foulwind Walkway.

  • Take a train ride through the Nile River Gorge rainforest in Charleston.

  • Visit the Hokitika Gorge and enjoy a nature walk at Okarito Lagoon.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Christchurch / Reefton / Westport

Christchurch, New Zealand

Location: Christchurch

Accommodation Name: Hotel

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

Day 2: Tauranga Bay / Charleston / Punakaiki / Kumara

Location: Punakaiki

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Day 3: Hokitika / Okarito Lagoon / Fox Glacier

Location: Fox Glacier

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Day 4: Fox Glacier

Location: Fox Glacier

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 take a shuttle back to Franz Josef Glacier or you may want to visit a pounamu (greenstone) workshop and learn how to carve your own original piece. Alternatively you can book a helicopter ride up to the glaciers, with the potential to add on a hike through the spectacular landscape. 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

Optional Activities:
-Fox Glacier - Glacier Heli Hike - from

Day 5: Wanaka

Location: Wanaka

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 6: Wanaka

Location: Wanaka

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 7: Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

Location: Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

What's Included

  • Reefton - Historic Town Visit

    Experience a visit to the historic town of Reefton.

  • Reefton - Goldfields Museum with Local Storyteller

    Visit the Goldfields Museum in Reefton with a local storyteller.

  • Reefton - Billy Tea with 'The Bearded Miners'

    Enjoy Billy Tea with 'The Bearded Miners' in Reefton.

  • Punakaiki - Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Walk

    Take a walk to see the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes in Punakaiki.

  • Charleston - Nile River Gorge Rainforest Train Ride

    Ride the Nile River Gorge Rainforest Train in Charleston.

  • Westport - Seal Colony at Tauranga Bay

    Visit the seal colony at Tauranga Bay in Westport.

  • Westport - Cape Foulwind Walkway & Lighthouse

    Walk the Cape Foulwind Walkway and visit the lighthouse in Westport.

  • Hokitika - Gorge Visit

    Visit the stunning Hokitika Gorge.

  • Okarito - Okarito Lagoon Walk

    Enjoy a walk at Okarito Lagoon.

  • Fox Glacier - Lake Matheson Walk

    Take a walk around Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier.

What's Not Included

Optional Activities

Optional activities such as the Lewis Pass - Hanmer Hot Springs and Fox Glacier - Glacier Heli Hike are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with a private vehicle, ensuring a seamless journey through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's South Island.

Accommodation

Accommodation on this trip is on a twin share basis, with single travellers paired with someone of the same gender. Due to limited options in some destinations, the group will stay in twin room accommodation with shared facilities.

Important Information

  • 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.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is used during the New Zealand West Coast Adventure?

    The tour uses a private vehicle for transportation throughout the trip.

  • What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

    Accommodation is on a twin share basis, where single travelers are paired with someone of the same gender. Due to limited options in some destinations, the group will stay in twin room accommodation with shared facilities.

  • Are there any opportunities to learn about local history during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to historic sites such as Reefton, where you can learn about the town's gold mining past and meet local storytellers.

  • What natural attractions will be visited on this tour?

    The tour includes visits to several natural attractions such as the Fox Glacier region, Lake Matheson, Pancake Rocks, Hokitika Gorge, and Okarito Lagoon.

  • Is there an opportunity to see wildlife during the tour?

    Yes, you can spot fur seals at Cape Foulwind and observe various bird species at Okarito Lagoon.

  • What activities are included in the itinerary?

    Included activities are a visit to the historic town of Reefton, a walk at Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, a train ride through the Nile River Gorge rainforest, a visit to the seal colony at Tauranga Bay, and a walk around Lake Matheson.

  • What is the starting and ending point of the tour?

    The tour starts in Christchurch and ends in Queenstown.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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Apr 27, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$2790 $2439 (USD)

Operator discount: -$279 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$72 (USD)

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$2515 $2443 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$72 (USD)

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$2440 $2370 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$70 (USD)

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Tourhub's Discount: -$70 (USD)

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Tourhub's Discount: -$70 (USD)

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Tourhub's Discount: -$70 (USD)

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Tourhub's Discount: -$70 (USD)

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Tourhub's Discount: -$74 (USD)

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Tourhub's Discount: -$75 (USD)

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Tourhub's Discount: -$75 (USD)

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Tourhub's Discount: -$75 (USD)

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$2635 $2560 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$75 (USD)

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$2635 $2560 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$75 (USD)

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$2635 $2560 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$75 (USD)

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$2635 $2560 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$75 (USD)

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$2635 $2560 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$75 (USD)

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$2635 $2560 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$75 (USD)

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Mar 08, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026
$2535 $2463 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$72 (USD)

Sunday - Saturday

Mar 15, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026
$2535 $2463 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$72 (USD)

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Mar 22, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
$2535 $2463 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$72 (USD)

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$2535 $2463 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$72 (USD)

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Tourhub's Discount: -$72 (USD)

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Tourhub's Discount: -$70 (USD)

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Tourhub's Discount: -$70 (USD)

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$2685 $2608 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$77 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit for future tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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