4 Day West Coast Tour
from  NZ$590.00 per person twin share

A four day tour from Queenstown to Christchurch .Travel over the alpine Haast Pass to the West Coast visiting along the way, four national parks, Wanaka, the West Coast glaciers and rainforests and the Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes. Feature – a half day guided walk on the Franz Josef glacier.

Trip Duration:      Four Days
Departing From:  Queenstown
Finishing At:         Christchurch
Car Rental Type:  Toyota Echo, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry or 4WD Subaru Legacy

Included in Cost:  Complimentary transfers to car rental depot and drop off at Christchurch Airport, accommodation, guided half day walk on the Franz Josef Glacier and hire of rental car for four days (unlimited kms).

Day 1   Queenstown to the Glaciers - 410 kms
The route to the glaciers and the West Coast is via the Haast Pass. Your journey will pass by the southern lakes of Wanaka and Hawea before entering the Mt Aspiring National Park and the Haast Pass. At Fox Glacier we recommend a detour to Lake Matheson –the lake reflections of the surrounding mountains are spectacular. On arrival at Franz Josef, we recommend a scenic flight over the glaciers or alternatively drive up to the glacier carpark for views of the glacier.

Accommodation : Scenic Circle Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (includes breakfast), Bella Vista Motels or similar

Day  2  Free in Franz  Josef
Today we have included a half day guided walk which accesses the rugged terminal ice face of the Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy a fascinating commentary on the history and geology of the area. The rest of the day is free for optional activities including short walks into the native rainforest or for scenic flights up to the glaciers.

Accommodation: Scenic Circle Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (includes breakfast), Bella Vista Motels or similar

Day  3  Franz Josef /Greymouth – 200 kms
Travel north through the Westland National Park to Greymouth. On the way stop off at Shantytown (gold mining town) and try panning for gold or take a journey on their steam train. In Greymouth explore the local greenstone and paua jewellery shops – well worth a visit.

Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel, Bella Vista Motel or similar

Day  4  Greymouth/Christchurch – 260 kms
Depart Greymouth for Kumara before heading inland over the main divide to the Arthur’s Pass National Park.  See spectacular waterfalls and snow-capped Mt Rolleston as you descend into Arthur’s Pass township. Time for a lunch break before continuing your journey to Christchurch past numerous skifields and the Canterbury Plains.