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West Coast Day Tour from Christchurch – HD63

Punakaiki, New Zealand
Not Rated
Duration

12 Hours Max

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

4 people

Languages

English

Overview

West Coast Day Tour from Christchurch

The West Coast, or ‘the Coast’ as locals call it, is an untamed natural wilderness of rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures. From limestone cliffs and vivid turquoise water to pancake rocks, blowholes and giant rivers of ice, the West Coast has a lot to see.

Highlights

  • Waimakariri River
  • Bealey Rivers
  • Lakes Pearson
  • Lake Grasmere
  • forest scenery
  • impressive bridges
  • Pancake Rocks
  • Paparoa National Park
  • some lovely old buildings

Itinerary

Itenirary
Christchurch - Authur's Pass

Driving Through the Rural serenity and friendly towns lead you across the Canterbury Plains. You'll pass Kirwee, Darfield, Sheffield and Springfield. The road then winds up into the skiing areas of Porter Heights and Craigieburn before following the Waimakariri and Bealey Rivers to Arthur's Pass. Lakes Pearson and Grasmere are photo opportunities along the way.

The route known as Arthur's Pass was first used by Māori tribes crossing to the west coast to find pounamu (jade). Today it's a sophisticated mountain pass, memorable for its scenery as well as its breathtaking civil engineering.

The settlement of Arthur's Pass is a base for climbing, hiking, hunting and skiing adventures in the adjacent national park. There's a good choice of short walks.

Itenirary
Arthur's Pass - Greymouth

Once you're through the pass, the misty mountains gradually give way to classic west coast river and forest scenery. Rushing water, impressive bridges and tiny towns are soulfully picturesque.

Greymouth has a long gold mining history. It's the largest town on the west coast and is known for its awesome seascapes. The local brewery runs tours or you can catch up with west coast history at the museum. White water rafting, sea kayaking and gold panning are other things to do.

Itenirary
Greymouth - Punakaiki

Punakaiki is the home of the Pancake Rocks and a base for exploring the Paparoa National Park. It’s a place of luxuriant coastal forest, fantastic limestone cliffs and canyons, mysterious caves, pristine rivers, and an absolutely spectacular coastline.

Itenirary
Punakaiki - Hokitika

The road between Hokitika and Greymouth provides great views of the wild west coast. Detour to the beach and breathe the salt spray air. Driftwood is the ornamentation of choice for west coast beaches - every shape, size and colour. Shantytown, just south of Greymouth, is a reconstructed 1880s gold rush town - great family entertainment.

Hokitika was first settled in 1860, after the discovery of gold on the west coast. It still has the feel of a 'frontier town', and there are some lovely old buildings to admire. Greenstone (NZ jade) is the town's treasure these days - you can see it being polished and sculpted. You might also want to pan for gold, investigate the museum and do the historical walk.

Itenirary
Hokitika - Christchurch

In the End we will drive back to the Christchurch via same motorway

Included/Excluded

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Professional Driver
  • Hand sanitizer
  • hotel pickup and drop-off in Christchurch
  • Additional Activities
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities

Group

Adventure Tour
Friends and Family
Ground Transport
Nature and Wildlife
Outdoor Activities
Sightseeing Tours
Walking and Hiking
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from £770.00

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King Cabs

Member Since 2020

7 Reviews

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