West Coast Magic (January) 8 Days

Day 1 – Christchurch to Wanaka

Departing Christchurch for Wanaka we stop at various points of interest including Tekapo, Clay Cliffs and Bendigo, a ghost town high above the Upper Clutha Valley.

Day 2 – Wanaka to Haast Pass

We head up the Makarora Valley and over the Haast Pass before descending into the rainforest of the Southern West Coast, stopping at a number of lovely places. We will finish the Day at Haast following a visit to the Okuru Saltwater Lagoon.

Day 3 – Haast Pass to Fox Glacier

Starting from Haast we make our way North, stopping at places like Knights Point, and take in stunning coastal views. Monro Beach is a very worthwhile walk. We complete the Day at Fox Glacier where we will stop for two nights.

Day 4 – Fox Glacier

A Day to do what you want. This could include a glacier heli-hike (highly recommended) or a half Day walk on the glacier, plus many other options with walks or sight-seeing. Weather permitting we will have a BBQ tea at Gillespies Beach.

Day 5 – Fox Glacier to Punakaiki

Heading north we stop at Okarito, see the old settlement and climb a hill with lovely coastal views. A short stop in Ross, one of the original gold towns, on to Hokitika where you can wander through a real Coast town, and finally to Punakaiki via Greymouth.

Day 6 – Punakaiki to Karamea

View the Pancake Rocks if you resisted them the night before, and walk the lower reaches of the Pororari Gorge before heading north through Westport, maybe even the Charming Creek Walkway, finishing the Day in Karamea.

Day 7 – Karamea to Reefton

From Karamea we can go to the start of the Heaphy Track and walk the Nikau Walk, or even to the lookout over Scotts Beach. Then on to the Oparara Arches. Heading south we can visit Denniston, once a bustling town making a living from coal. Up the Buller Gorge to the mining town of Reefton for our final night on the road.

Day 8 – Reefton to Christchurch

Leaving Reefton a stop at Blacks Point Museum is a must. Following this we head towards the Lewis Pass with a couple of short stops, a late lunch at Hanmer Springs, with time for a soak in the hot pools leaves us relaxed for the final trip to Christchurch.

Tour includes:

• Free pick up within Christchurch metropolitan area. 
• All travel and accommodation costs. 
• All meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner (except one evening meal out). 
• Entry to Coaltown Museum. 
• Entry to Mitchell’s Gully. 
• Entry to Hanmer Springs Hot Pools complex.

Extras you will need to budget for: 

• Travel costs to and from Christchurch.
• Any extra nights you may wish to stay in Christchurch. 
• One evening meal out during the trip. 
• Café extras (special coffees etc). 
• Helicopter or scenic flight if you wish.