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.

Highlights

• Castle Hill
• Devils punchbowl
• Arthurs Pass Village
• Otira Lookout
• Hokitika Sign
• Hokitika Gorge

Itinerary

1. Franz Josef – We leave the quiet town of Franz Josef, as we make our
way towards the garden city of Christchurch.

2. Lake Ianthe (5 min) - Lake Ianthe is surrounded by hills and podocarp
forests, with a large flax swamp at its southern end. The lake is home to a
diverse array of wetland birds, including the endangered Great Crested Grebe,
which has one of the largest populations in New Zealand. The lake is situated
in a glacial trough, surrounded by a moraine and flows into Wanganui River
through Ianthe Creek. A little stop here for those “wows” and “oooohs”

3. Hokitika Gorge (1hr) – 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.

4. Hokitika (30 mins) – Experience the laid-back atmosphere that's sure
to evoke a sense of nostalgia once we arrive in Hokitika. Allowing time for 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.

5. Greymouth (1 Hr) – Here we stop for lunch, where you'll get free
choice from a set menu. Greymouth is located in the heart of New Zealand's
South Island, Greymouth is the largest town in the West Coast region, with a
population of around 14,000 people. Nestled amidst chiseled cliff tops, wild
beaches, and the picturesque Grey Valley, this charming destination is not
only a beautiful spot itself, but also a key hub for connecting via the
renowned TranzAlpine train service.

6. Cobden Breakwater (5 min) - Cobden is a beach break with a rock
breakwater at its southern end, producing standout waves that break right up
against the structure. This picturesque spot is a photographer's paradise,
with a stunning backdrop that's sure to capture breathtaking images.

**7. Otira Gorge Lookout (10 min) ** – 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 in the next adventure towards the
gorgeous village of Arthurs Pass.

8. Arthurs Pass Village (1hr) – 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 around the local shop.

9. Castle Hill (1hr) – 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.

10. Christchurch – The final stretch towards the vibrant city, offering
a unique blend of history, culture and boasting architecture, ranging from
ancient landmarks to modern marvels, while its thriving art scene provides
endless opportunities for culture seekers. Meanwhile, the laidback lifestyle
and stunning natural surroundings make it a paradise for nature lovers,
offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern city life. Our
guide will drop you at your accommodation as you continue on with your journey
here in New Zealand. With new friends and memories, this full packed day is
sure to make you want more.

Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet
breaks.

Inclusions:

• Small Group
• Lunch
• Fully Guided Tour
• Bottled Water & Snacks

Optional Extras:

• Tranzalpine Train (Greymouth to Christchurch) Please visit our Franz Josef to Christchurch with TranzAlpine train tour page to book!

Still have questions? Please visit our FAQs
page