The West Coast of New Zealand offers a unique holiday experience, featuring scenic roads, breathtaking landscapes, and picturesque spots. This iconic route takes you on a bucket list adventure along the ever-changing coastline, passing through hidden gems and towns, and offering endless opportunities to stop and explore. You will be driven in comfort in our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter packed with extras, just to make your journey that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable and passionate tour guides, this journey will come to life in a new way for you.
Memories made, hearts happy and photos a plenty in this tour!
Highlights
Itinerary
Christchurch - We start by leaving the Garden City/Christchurch and heading north towards our 1 st stop, while our knowledgeable driver points out some of the Garden City’s highlights.
Castle Hill – Weathered limestone rocks sit proudly on the tussocky hills and were once in the ocean! Over time they eroded away and started forming these amazing unique shapes you’ll see today. You might recognize this landscape from movies such as Lord of the Rings and Narnia! That’s right. Not only that, but while you walk amongst the rocks you will also see climbers and boulderers! This place is a magnet for thrill seekers. This is not a guided walk so you will be left to explore this piece of beauty on your own.
Arthurs Pass Village – On the way through you will be able to see the beautiful backdrop of the majestic Southern Alps up close. Once we arrive you will have the opportunity to either walk the Devils Punch Bowl or spend this time walking around the local shop.
Otira Gorge Lookout – Also known as Deaths Corner! The Otira Viaduct Lookout is an amazing spot to see the national park in all its glory. This bridge is the only reason driving Arthurs Pass is possible! It’s huge at 440 Meters long and is a great spot for a photo of the bridge and the surrounding landscape. A little bonus too, you might see a wee Cheeky Kea! The sneaky Alpine Parrot of NZ. We then embark on the next adventure towards the gorgeous town of Hokitika.
Hokitika – Experience the laid-back atmosphere that is sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia once we arrive in Hokitika. Allowing time for lunch and a stroll down Hokitika's wild beach, where black sand meets the rugged coastline. Our guides give you the time needed to enjoy this “cool town” and a little teaser of what it has to offer.
Hokitika Gorge – After lunch and sometime in the town we venture towards a stop hidden away on the West Coast, Hokitika Gorge is a treasured gem that consistently inspires awe, with its striking turquoise waters radiating an otherworldly beauty. Nestled amidst a lush canopy of native bush, this enchanting gorge is a magnet for nature enthusiasts and photographers, who flock to capture its unique essence and unforgettable vistas. After getting those Instagram worthy shots we head to our final destination for the day, Franz Josef.
Franz Josef – We arrive to the quiet town of Franz Josef, this treasured gem in New Zealand offers an array of thrilling hikes with awe-inspiring views and backdrops, as well as unique local experiences. But the real piece of history is the chance to marvel at the majestic glaciers up close, whether by exploring the icy terrain on foot or taking to the skies for a birds-eye view. Our guide will check you into your accommodation as this is only the beginning of your great adventure.
Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks.
To be advised when checking availability
Optional Extras:
