Overview
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 our modern and comfortable Mercedes Sprinter packed with extras, just to make your journey that bit easier.
What you will be doing
We leave the quiet town of Franz Josef, as we make our way towards the garden city of Christchurch
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
It 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
A quick stop at the Information centre. 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 chiselled 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
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
Also known as Death's 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 on the next adventure towards the gorgeous village of Arthurs Pass
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 Devil's Punch Bowl or spend this time around the local shop.; Devils Punch Bowl: This walking track is approx. 1 hour with a gradual incline including steps towards a ferocious 131-meter-tall waterfall. Fitness is low to moderate you walk through the bush and forest.Grab a bite to eat, a coffee and shop for local goodies! This village is a great way to really get to know the area.
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 and unique shapes you’ll see today. You might recognise 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.
Located near Porters Pass, it is a popular spot for rainbow trout fishing due to its thriving population. The lake is nestled within the Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands Park and is fed by the Acheron River, which flows into the Rakaia River
.The final stretch towards the vibrant city offers a unique blend of history, culture and 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.
Where we'll meet
🧭 Meeting/pick-up point: 36-44 Main Road Franz Josef Glacier, Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand
🗺️ Instructions: We pick up from the following hotels: Franz Josef Oasis Hotel Kea Accommodation Village Franz Josef Aspen Court Franz Josef Cron Motel Franz Josef Rain Forest Retreat Franz Josef Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Bella Vista Franz Josef Glow Worm Accommodation Franz Josef Alpine Glacier Motel Franz Josef Franz Josef Montrose Franz Josef Haka House Franz Josef Te Weheka Bed & Breakfast Inn Fox Glacier Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Hotel The Westhaven Motel Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park & Motels Mt Cook View Motel Heartland Hotel Glacier Country Bella Vista Fox Glacier Fox Glacier Lodge If you are not staying in the above hotels, please choose the nearest pick-up location. We will meet you at the entrance. If you have not booked your hotel at the time of booking, we will set you up as picking up from Scenic Hotel (Franz Josef). Please let us know once your hotel is confirmed.
Things to know
Accessibility:
Children friendly
Fitness requirement
Moderate fitness level
Tour Language
English
License requirement
None
Additional information:
Minimum age is 4
Children under the age of 7 must be in a child safety seat, as it is a legal requirement in New Zealand. If you need a safety seat or booster seat these can be added during the booking process.
Wear comfortable clothing, sensible footwear, a charging cable for your phone or camera, your e-ticket or booking confirmation number, and a small amount of cash for lunch and souvenirs. A rain jacket is a handy thing to have with you in New Zealand!
We have room for luggage, There is enough room for one large case and one carry-on bag per person on all tours. Additional luggage will be an additional NZ$40 per item and must be pre-arranged with us before the day of your tour Oversized items including bikes, surfboards and your pet can not be accommodated.
Inclusion ✅
Lunch
Water
Snack
Pick up and drop off transport
Tour transport
Tour guide
Exclusion ❌
Dinner
Gratuities
About your host
Cheeky Kiwi TravelWe are all about giving you a real Kiwi Adventure. Our tours and day trips have a maximum of 16 guests! We believe it's the small extra things we do, combined with being flexible, that make all the difference to your experience and give you an amazing trip. Our trips have been described as fun and informative, with, of course, a little bit of cheekiness. From the outset, our mission has been to nurture both our communities and the environment, aligning with and advocating for The Tiaki Promise. We've reduced our carbon emissions by adopting fuel-efficient vehicles and closely monitoring fuel usage. Our drivers are incentivised to follow eco-friendly practices, ensuring your journey is as environmentally responsible as possible. We pride ourselves on being a fully paperless office, and we prioritise responsible waste management during our operations. We encourage our guests to travel responsibly with Wild Kiwi and to commit to The Tiaki Promise to care for New Zealand, for now, and for future generations.
Qualmark Gold: Qualmark works with Tourism New Zealand to help the tourism industry deliver high-quality experiences and maintain a high level of visitor satisfaction. Only businesses that deliver a quality sustainable experience, ones that have undergone an independent evaluation, and showcase true New Zealand hospitality, are recognised through a Qualmark accreditation. It has three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze.
For every trip booked, Kodama Travel donates £1 to Just One Tree to restore our forests and the ocean.