West Coast Scenic Tours
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.
