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Offered languages
- English
Travel from the wild beauty of the West Coast to the Garden City of Christchurch on this unforgettable small group, fully guided day trip. Journey through rainforests, mountain passes, alpine villages, and glacier country while your guide brings the landscapes to life with stories and local insight.
This route is one of New Zealand’s most scenic, showcasing the best of the South Island from rugged beaches to the snowcapped Southern Alps.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
- Pickup offered from listed locations only. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there.
- If your accommodation is yet to be confirmed, we ask that you select Scenic Hotel Franz Josef for now. You can update this later.
- Pick-ups begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside by this time.
- Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance.
- Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To ensure a timely departure, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late guests.
- You will receive an email with important pickup information the day prior, please read this information.
Itinerary
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Franz Josef (Pass by)
Depart the peaceful township of Franz Josef and begin your journey east across the South Island.
Admission ticket free -
1Lake Ianthe
Stop for a quick photo at this serene lake surrounded by forest and wetlands, home to rare native birdlife.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Hokitika
Explore Hokitika, a charming coastal town known for its black sand beaches, local art, and laid-back vibe.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Hokitika Gorge Walk
Admire the vivid turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge on a short, easy walk through native bush. This hidden gem is one of the West Coast’s most photographed spots.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
4Greymouth
Enjoy a lunch stop in Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and gateway to the TranzAlpine route.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
5Cobden Beach
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.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Otira Viaduct Lookout
Pause at this impressive lookout, known as Death’s Corner, to view the 440-metre-long Otira Viaduct and the surrounding national park. Watch for cheeky alpine parrots (Kea) that often visit this spot.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Arthur's Pass Village
Stop in this alpine village surrounded by snowcapped peaks. Choose to hike to Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall, a 131-metre cascade reached by a moderate 1-hour walk, or relax with coffee and explore the local shop.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
8Castle Hill
Wander among the dramatic limestone rock formations of Castle Hill, a surreal landscape made famous by movies such as Narnia and The Lord of the Rings.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
Christchurch (Pass by)
Arrive in the Garden City in the evening, where your guide will drop you off at your accommodation. Reflect on a day filled with stunning landscapes, fascinating stories, and unforgettable memories.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
- The tour duration includes travel time
Additional info
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
- The tour duration includes travel time
- Not recommended for travelers with limited mobility
- Not recommended for travelers confined to a wheelchair
- Kindly advise dietary requirements. Food options include; Vegan, Gluten Free and Dairy Free options.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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