TRAVEL ALERT  Flooding (South Island)

New Zealand West Coast Adventure

7 Days | Cross the Southern Alps into rugged, untamed coastal territory

4.7 out of 5 based on 23 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR €2,016

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.

Trip overview

Map of New Zealand West Coast Adventure including New Zealand
Start
Christchurch, New Zealand
Finish
Queenstown, New Zealand
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
New Zealand
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
PHSW
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

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.
  • 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.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 May 2025 to 31 August 2026.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 July 2023 - 30 April 2025

Itinerary

Map of New Zealand West Coast Adventure including New Zealand

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
  • 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
Optional activities
  • Lewis Pass - Hanmer Hot Springs - from - NZD40
  • Fox Glacier - Glacier Heli Hike - from - NZD655

Dates and availability

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Important notes

START & FINISH TIMES
This trip starts at 8am in Christchurch on day 1 and finishes upon arrival in Queenstown on the last day at approximately 10:30am.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 based on 23 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Jillian · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 26 Oct 2024

Ana · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 12 Oct 2024

Jennifer · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 21 Sep 2024

Arun Chandra · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 20 Sep 2024

Nahrin · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 16 Sep 2024
New Zealand West Coast Adventure
From
EUR €2,016