Tour Basics:
Spend the better part of a week discovering the West Coast with us, as we slowly work our way from North to South while enjoying all the ‘Coast has to offer. From caves in Karamea, the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, and the Hokitika Gorge, to the West Coast Glaciers, and azure lakes further south, before returning to Christchurch via the Haast Pass and the Otago town of Wanaka
Duration: 6 Days
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Itinerary
Day 1:
Christchurch to Karamea: Departing Christchurch we make our way north to Waipara then inland through the Lewis Pass and Springs Junction before making our way over the Rahu Saddle and dropping down into the historic town of Reefton for lunch. After lunch we head north and join SH 6 at Inangahua for the drive down the spectacular Lower Buller Gorge before passing through Westport and making our way north to Karamea via View Hill and Happy Valley to arrive at our destination for the night.
Day 2:
Karamea to Hokitika: A moderately early start sees us heading south out of Karamea after exploring the area and an optional guided visit to the famous Oparara and Moria Gateway arches courtesy of Oparara Guided Tours. Exploring the coastline as we head south puts us in reach of Westport for lunch and then Punakaiki to visit the famous Pancake rocks, before rounding out our day on the ocean shores that separate Hokitika from the ever hungry Tasman Sea
Day 3:
Hokitika to Fox Glacier. Leaving Greymouth, we continue our way southwards via the coast towards Fox Glacier. Along the way we stop at such natural wonders as the Hokitika Gorge, Okarito Lagoon, and Lakes Wahapo and Mapourika. We finish with the stunningly scenic drive over Mt Hercules before arriving in Fox Glacier for the night. Be warned, it is an incredibly scenic area – so much so that it might be a miracle if you can tear yourselves from your cameras to enjoy the drive into Fox Glacier
Day 4:
Fox Glacier to Haast. Today we’re on the road early to explore the delectable delights of Lake Matheson, just to the west of Fox Glacier in the calm of the early morning. After a pleasant stroll around the lake, we resume our journey and after visiting such notable spots as Lake Moeraki, Knights Point Lookout, and Ship Creek, we eventually arrive in the southern most West Coast township of Haast. If time permits, we visit the area as far south as the hamlet at Jackson Bay before returning to Haast for the night
Day 5:
Haast to Wanaka: Leaving Haast the next morning, (if we didn’t do it yesterday!) we scoot down to Jackson Bay at the very end of the West Coast for a different perspective before heading back through Haast and towards Wanaka. Be sure to have your cameras at the ready as there is so much to see and photograph on this part of our journey which will take us over the Haast Pass, with its myriad waterfalls and blue-green river pools, and the open valley flats of Makarora before heading into Wanaka via Lake Hawea. An exploration of the lakefront and the town is mandatory. Or you can relax at one of the bars.
Day 6:
Wanaka to Christchurch. A last goodbye to Wanaka sees us with an early morning start – at least for those keen to photograph the sunrise across the lake! Shortly after leaving Lake Wanaka behind we make the ascent up the long winding incline that will take us to the summit of the Lindis Pass and then the descent down the other side and through Omarama, and (if time permits) visit Aoraki Mt Cook before heading back past Lake Pukaki as we head for Lake Tekapo and the South Canterbury town of Geraldine, before arriving back in Christchurch
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Inclusions
- Pickup from some of the main hotels within Christchurch, or alternately from the Canterbury Museum
- Expert, knowledgeable guide
- Activities and Permits
- Photography tuition (if required)
- Late model, air conditioned transport
- All meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation
- Snacks, beverages, and drinks
- Scenic stops
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Optional Extras
- Oparara Guided Ecotour