New Zealand West Coast Adventure

New Zealand West Coast Adventure

7 Days Starting in Christchurch and ending in Queenstown

Visiting: Christchurch / Reefton / Westport, Tauranga Bay / Charleston / Punakaiki / Kumara, Hokitika / Okarito Lagoon / Fox Glacier, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

PHSW

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

1-12

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2754 $1928 Operator discount: -$826 -30%

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

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 and Arrowtown.

  • 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.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Forest & Bird. Donations help them give nature a voice - protecting wildlife and wild places in Aotearoa New Zealand by advocating for conservation on the ground and at a government level.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Forest & Bird. Donations help them give nature a voice - protecting wildlife and wild places in Aotearoa New Zealand by advocating for conservation on the ground and at a government level. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

  • Go deeper into the history of the area with stories of the goldrush days during visits to Reefton, Kumara.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Christchurch / Reefton / Westport

Location: Christchurch / Reefton / Westport

Accommodation: 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: Tauranga Bay / Charleston / Punakaiki / Kumara

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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: Hokitika / Okarito Lagoon / Fox Glacier

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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

Location: Queenstown

Meals Included: breaksfast

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

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (5 nights), Motel (1 night)

  • Reefton - Historic Town Visit

  • Reefton - Goldfields Museum with Local Storyteller

  • Reefton - Billy Tea with 'The Bearded Miners'

  • Punakaiki - Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Walk

  • Kumara - Glow Worm Cave Visit

  • 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

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Transport

  • Private Vehicle

Accommodation

  • Accommodation on this trip is on twin share basis, and single travellers are paired with someone of the same gender. Please note that due to limited accommodation options in some of the destinations on this trip 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.

Mode of Transport

  • Private Vehicle

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

  • 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

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Saturday

Nov 17, 2024 - Nov 23, 2024
$2755 $2342

Operator discount: -$413

Sunday - Saturday

Nov 24, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024
$2830 $2406

Operator discount: -$424

Sunday - Saturday

Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024
$2754 $1928

Operator discount: -$826

Sunday - Saturday

Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 14, 2024
$2755 $2342

Operator discount: -$413

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$2830 $2406

Operator discount: -$424

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Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 04, 2025
$2830 $2406

Operator discount: -$424

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$2805 $2384

Operator discount: -$421

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Jan 26, 2025 - Feb 01, 2025
$2655 $2257

Operator discount: -$398

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$2680 $2278

Operator discount: -$402

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$2575 $2189

Operator discount: -$386

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$2550 $2168

Operator discount: -$382

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$2550 $2168

Operator discount: -$382

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$2660

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$2660

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$2465

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$2440

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$2440

Sunday - Saturday

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$2440

Sunday - Saturday

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$2440

Sunday - Saturday

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$2535

Sunday - Saturday

Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
$2535

Sunday - Saturday

Nov 23, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025
$2535

Sunday - Saturday

Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025
$2535

Sunday - Saturday

Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025
$2535

Sunday - Saturday

Dec 21, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025
$2635

Sunday - Saturday

Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026
$2635

Sunday - Saturday

Jan 04, 2026 - Jan 10, 2026
$2635

Sunday - Saturday

Jan 11, 2026 - Jan 17, 2026
$2635

Sunday - Saturday

Jan 18, 2026 - Jan 24, 2026
$2635

Sunday - Saturday

Jan 25, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026
$2635

Sunday - Saturday

Feb 01, 2026 - Feb 07, 2026
$2635

Sunday - Saturday

Feb 08, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026
$2635

Sunday - Saturday

Feb 15, 2026 - Feb 21, 2026
$2635

Sunday - Saturday

Feb 22, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026
$2635

Sunday - Saturday

Mar 08, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026
$2535

Sunday - Saturday

Mar 15, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026
$2535

Sunday - Saturday

Mar 22, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
$2535

Sunday - Saturday

Apr 05, 2026 - Apr 11, 2026
$2535

Sunday - Saturday

Apr 19, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026
$2535

Sunday - Saturday

May 03, 2026 - May 09, 2026
$2440

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 14, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026
$2440

Sunday - Saturday

Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 11, 2026
$2685

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
$2685

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 20, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
$2685

Sunday - Saturday

Oct 04, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026
$2685

Sunday - Saturday

Oct 11, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
$2685

Sunday - Saturday

Oct 25, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
$2685

Sunday - Saturday

Nov 01, 2026 - Nov 07, 2026
$2685

Sunday - Saturday

Nov 08, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
$2790

Sunday - Saturday

Nov 15, 2026 - Nov 21, 2026
$2790

Sunday - Saturday

Nov 22, 2026 - Nov 28, 2026
$2790

Sunday - Saturday

Dec 06, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
$2790

Sunday - Saturday

Dec 13, 2026 - Dec 19, 2026
$2790

Sunday - Saturday

Dec 20, 2026 - Dec 26, 2026
$2900

Sunday - Saturday

Dec 27, 2026 - Jan 02, 2027
$2900

Sunday - Saturday

Jan 03, 2027 - Jan 09, 2027
$2900

Sunday - Saturday

Jan 10, 2027 - Jan 16, 2027
$2900

Sunday - Saturday

Jan 17, 2027 - Jan 23, 2027
$2900

Sunday - Saturday

Jan 24, 2027 - Jan 30, 2027
$2900

Sunday - Saturday

Jan 31, 2027 - Feb 06, 2027
$2900

Sunday - Saturday

Feb 07, 2027 - Feb 13, 2027
$2900

Sunday - Saturday

Feb 14, 2027 - Feb 20, 2027
$2900

Sunday - Saturday

Feb 21, 2027 - Feb 27, 2027
$2900

Sunday - Saturday

Mar 07, 2027 - Mar 13, 2027
$2790

Sunday - Saturday

Mar 14, 2027 - Mar 20, 2027
$2790

Sunday - Saturday

Mar 21, 2027 - Mar 27, 2027
$2790

Sunday - Saturday

Apr 04, 2027 - Apr 10, 2027
$2790

Sunday - Saturday

Apr 18, 2027 - Apr 24, 2027
$2790

Sunday - Saturday

May 02, 2027 - May 08, 2027
$2685

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 13, 2027 - Jun 19, 2027
$2685
Prices last published on 06-Nov-2024

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 to 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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