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.
- 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.
- Help support remote communities with visits (and of course tastings) at local bakeries, distilleries and breweries.
- Go deeper into the history of the area with stories of gold miners, panning for gold, and hiking in the Denniston mining area.
- Reinvigorate the body with a heap of fresh coastal and mountain air, from hikes in the sweeping natural beauty of Karamea to soaking in scenic hot springs on the edge of the Maruia River.
- Witness the stunning, millions of years old scenery at the dramatic Pancake Rocks, the Oparara Basin Arches, and spot fur seals the Tauranga Bay Colony.
- Witness the stunning, millions of years old scenery at the dramatic Pancake Rocks, the Oparara Basin Arches, and spot fur seals of the Tauranga Bay Colony.
- Help support remote communities with visits (and of course tastings) at local bakeries and distilleries.
- Take in the magic of the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier region during dips in hot pools weaving through rainforests and a walk around the shimmering Lake Matheson.
- Witness the stunning, millions of years old scenery at the dramatic Pancake Rocks and the Hokitika Gorge, and spot fur seals of the Tauranga Bay Colony.
- Go deeper into the history of the area with stories of the goldrush days during visits to Reefton, Kumara and Arrowtown.
- 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 directly support 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.
- Accommodation on this trip is on twin share basis, and single travellers are paired with someone of the same gender. Please note that due to limited accommodation options in some of the destinations on this trip the group will stay in twin room accommodation with shared facilities.
