Coast to Coast Trail

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:

Trip Itinerary

After a picturesque drive along the Summit Road you will arrive at Gebbies Pass, which is the start of your 18.5km walk on day one. You will walk along the interesting and historical Packhorse Track over McQueens Pass to Mt Bradley and on the way enjoy commanding views of Lyttelton Harbour. Stop and inspect the historic stone hut perched high in the saddle. You then continue on to Mt Herbert, whilst enjoying stunning views of the Southern Alps and the Banks Peninsula coastline. From Mt Herbert you will follow the track down to sea level and to your overnight stay at peaceful Diamond Harbour.

Day Two

Today you will cover a distance of 16kms. The track leads you up to Mt Fitzgerald where you will experience unsurpassed panoramic views of the small, secluded bays of Banks Peninsula. From the summit you will follow undulating walkways to Mt Sinclair where the scenery continues to unfold below you. In particular, you will delight in seeing Port Levy, Pigeon Bay, Lake Forsyth and (in the distance) Kaitorete Spit. You will also get your first glimpse of Akaroa Harbour.

You then arrive at our own Pentrip Lodge, where you are welcomed with a refreshing cold beverage and a hot spa. A highlight of Pentrip Lodge is the barbeque dinner, with fresh Akaroa smoked salmon and local produce - which are served while you relax on the deck, or by the fire.

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.

Tonight, enjoy the best of West Coast hospitality, with a relaxing evening at your Lodge accommodation.

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...

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

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.

_____________________________________________________________________

xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx
______________________________________________________________________