The Tuatara Coast to Coast guided walking trail is a wonderful way to experience the different scenery and geological formations on both sides of the Southern Alps of New Zealand. The trip takes you from the East Coast to the West Coast... with the option of returning to Christchurch, via the famous and fascinating TranzAlpine Railway.

The philosophy of Tuatara Tours is to combine the wonderful scenery of the South Island with challenging exercise... and have the ability to enjoy a glass of wine at night, with excellent cuisine, in good quality accommodation. We combine recreation with ambience, exercise with relaxation.

Your trail begins with a three-day guided walk from Christchurch to Akaroa. You travel along the stunning Summit Ridge on Banks Peninsula, experiencing unsurpassed views of the Southern Alps, Canterbury Plains, Lyttelton, Diamond Harbour, Port Levy, Okuti, French Farm Valley, Kaituna, Wainui, Lake Forsyth, Lake Ellesmere and Akaroa.

You will then have a "break day" to enjoy an exciting cruise on Akaroa Harbour - taking in all of the views, as well as sighting the rare Hector's dolphins at play, before returning to Christchurch to check into your hotel.

You then continue your trail to the West Coast where you will walk through some of the most stunning areas of inland and coastal native forest. From the picturesque alpine area of Flock Hill Station, famous for being the site of the blockbuster movie: The Chronicles of Narnia… to the spectacular Pancake Rocks and blowholes at the coastal village of Punakaiki on the South Islands rugged West Coast.

The Coast to Coast Trail is achievable for all outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy exploring by day and being pampered by night. You will immerse yourself in the natural beauty and history of the famous East and West Coasts of the stunning South Island of New Zealand.

The trail requires a moderate standard of fitness for maximum enjoyment. We recommend plenty of hill walks in the weeks prior to your departure date.

Features of the trail include:

  • Your trip is fully guided by a well trained and experienced guide


  • Your bags are transported for you. All you will need to carry is a daypack, camera and essential clothing items


  • Transportation during the tour


  • All meals for the trip duration except dinner on Day Four


  • Accommodation on all seven nights


  • A cruise on Akaroa Harbour to view the rare Hector's dolphins at play


  • Ferry trips across Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours

 

Trip Itinerary

Day One
 
Your Coast to Coast Trail starts with a Gondola trip to the Summit Ridge overlooking Lyttelton Harbour. You will view the Heritage Time Tunnel and then walk 9km along the Summit Track to Godley Head...where you will see the World War II gun emplacements and the Lyttelton Timeball Station - which was built in 1876 to signal Greenwich Mean Time to vessels. You will then ferry across to Diamond Harbour where you will stay at the historic (licensed) Godley House in Diamond Harbour – built in the 1880's.


Day Two
 
You will walk 22km along the ridge trails with commanding views of the harbours, valleys and inlets of Banks Peninsula, until you reach the "Hilltop" – where you stay at the relaxing Pentrip Lodge.


Day Three
 
The day starts with a visit to a 2,000 year old Totara tree followed by an 11km walk down meandering valley tracks overlooking Akaroa Harbour, until you reach Wainui. We then take you by boat across to Akaroa Village, where you will stay in good quality accommodation and celebrate the first three days of the journey with an entertaining evening meal in one of Akaroa's top restaurants.


Day Four
 
You will enjoy an exciting cruise on Akaroa Harbour taking in all of the views and the sights of rare Hector's dolphins at play... before returning to Christchurch to check into your hotel. Tonight you are free to explore and eat at the restaurant of your choice, (at your own expense).


Day Five
 
You will be collected from your hotel at 9:30am and leave Christchurch on the second leg of your experience. Your first walk of the day is in the distinctive limestone rock formations at Castle Hill in the world famous Southern Alps. After lunch you will walk on the fabulous 14,000 hectare working high country station of Flock Hill, also known for being the film site of the blockbuster movie The Chronicles of Narnia. Tonight you stay and dine at Flock Hill Lodge.


Day Six
 
A short walk before breakfast takes you to a spectacular view of Lake Pearson which is situated at the base of the foothills of the Southern Alps. After breakfast you will begin your walk along the Bealey Track in Arthur's Pass where you will be guided up the Bealey River to the base of Mt Rolleston. The group will stop to enjoy the scenery and have a picnic lunch together.

The Dobson Nature Walk is the next experience along the trail. You will walk through colourful alpine vegetation, tussock, and wetlands while enjoying the view of mountains and valleys towering in the distance.

You will then explore some of the old goldmining relics on the Goldsborough Track near Kumara. This historic walk takes you through a wonderful array of West Coast ferns, with some of the best remaining examples of hill country rimu and miro. You can try your hand at gold panning.

You are then guided along the Tunnel Loop Walk where you will see an outstanding display of hand dug goldminers' tunnels.

The evening is spent at a high quality West Coast lodge...a tranquil setting in which to enjoy a scrumptious meal (and perhaps a glass of wine) and relax after a day's walking.

Day Seven
 
Your day begins by exploring the 'Jewel of the West Coast', the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes. You will walk around these spectacular limestone formations that were created over 30 million years ago. The timing of this walk will coincide with high tide so that you can see the huge water spouts that blast from the crevices in the rocks...a truly spectacular and breathtaking sight. The Truman Track is the next stop on the trail and you will then be guided through lush coastal rainforest and capture fantastic views of the coastline.

From there you walk along the Fox River Track or the Cave Creek Track (depending on weather), in the fascinating heart of the Paparoa National Park.

You will stay in high quality West Coast lodge accommodation amongst the nikau palms, with magnificent coastal scenery, and enjoy an entertaining evening meal...

Day Eight

Your adventure continues this morning, after breakfast, with the Pororari River Walk, where you will experience spectacular West Coast native rainforest and broad limestone canyons, while walking alongside the lovely Pororari River. The track passes through dense sub-tropical forest of coastal broadleaf, tree ferns and towering rata.

Your Coast to Coast Trail walking experience ends at mid-day leaving you with a number of additional options:

  • Return to Christchurch by:
    • The TranzAlpine Railway - rated 'one of the top 6 train rides in the world’ and highly recommended by Tuatara Tours. From your carriage you will enjoy stunning views of farmland, gorges, river valleys, lush beech forests and the Southern Alps. (4 hours)

      or

    • Coach (4 hours)

Ask our team for details.

  • If you wish to continue your stay in the West Coast region or explore another area of the South Island there are hire car facilities in nearby Greymouth.
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