New Zealand West Coast Adventure
From $2,852 per person | 7 Days
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.
Travel period:
- Oct-Dec 2024
- 2025 All year (Except May, Jun & Aug)
- 2026 All year (Except Aug)
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 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 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.
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.
New Zealand West Coast Adventure
Trip Overview
- Start: Christchurch, New Zealand
- Finish: Queenstown, New Zealand
- Theme: Explorer
- Destinations: New Zealand
- Physical rating: 3/5
- Style: Original
- Ages: Min 15
- Group size: Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code: PHSW
Tour Inclusions
- Meals: 6 breakfasts
- Transport: Private Vehicle
- Accommodation: Hotel (5 nights), Motel (1 night)
Activities
- 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
- Fox Glacier - Lake Matheson Walk
Add on activities
- Lewis Pass - Hanmer Hot Springs - from - NZD38
- Fox Glacier - Glacier Heli Hike - from - NZD655