- New Zealand: 0800 377 378
- Australia: 1 800 044 633
- World: +64 3 962 3280
* Due to fluctuating exchange rates, prices may vary at the time of booking if a tour is based on a different currency from its home country currency.
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For dates, availability & customisations Enquire or Book
Overview
Tours run: November - April (Sunday or Thursday departures)
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4 Days / 3 Nights
- START - Christchurch
- END - Christchurch
- Walking
Activity Level Guide
EasyAn average level of fitness. Walk 7km, Bike 15km
Well formed tracks and roads with very little incline MildAn average level of fitness . Walk 12km, Bike, 25km
Well formed tracks and roads with average incline ModerateAbove average level of fitness. Walk 20km, Bike 45km
Formed tracks and roads with average to steep inclines at times ChallengingAbove average level of fitness Walk 20+km, Bike 50+km
Partially formed tracks and roads with some steep inclines and possibly some easy river crossingsPlains to Alpine Passes to Sub Tropical Bush to the Beaches!
What's included
- All accommodation
- All meals
- Fully guided
- Free Tuatara Tours kit bag
- Luggage transport each day
- Walking poles
- Comprehensive safety systems
The West Coast Trail is a walking adventure that departs from Christchurch and takes you on a discovery of the alpine pass area through to the Wild West Coast of New Zealand. With four days of unique West Coast walks, you experience a diverse range of rugged and dramatic landscapes including tussock lands, alpine bush, West Coast native rainforest and sub-tropical bush.
You will be able to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and history of the famous West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.
Itinerary & MapWest Coast Trail Highlights Video
(4:06min)
- Contrasting landscapes
- NZ the way it used to be
- History
- Tranquility
- Food to die for
Dates and Availability?
Tours run: November - April (Sunday or Thursday departures)
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Customisations?
We can customise tours to suit.
Fitness levels?
We can help you prepare and evaluate your fitness.
Nicky
Hamish
Itinerary & Map
The West Coast Trail is a walking adventure that departs from Christchurch and takes you on a discovery of the alpine pass area through to the Wild West Coast of New Zealand. With four days of unique walks, you experience a diverse range of rugged and dramatic landscapes including tussock lands, alpine bush, West Coast native rainforest and sub-tropical bush.
Larger Map
Day 1: Christchurch to Flock Hill
You depart from Christchurch and travel along the Great Alpine Highway to Castle Hill where you walk amidst the distinctive limestone rock formations. You will continue your journey with an afternoon on Flock Hill. This working high country sheep station was part of the movie set for the climactic battle between Aslan’s forces and the powerful army of the White Witch in... The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
“Most remarkable was the battle scene filmed at Flock Hill Station which shows off New Zealand’s uninhibited beauty…” – Reuters.
To top off your high country experience you will dine and stay overnight at Flock Hill’s lodge accommodation. *(During lambing season walkers will instead walk in the Craigieburn Forest Park)
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Lodge
Lodge
Relax and enjoy the surroundings.- Lodges are usually run by managers who live on site and will also prepare meals for you.
- Most are in scenic locations.
- Known for individuality in design or landscaping.
- Comfortable beds, all linen and amenities provided.
Known for special extra touches such as complimentary beverages, designer linen, hand crafted accessories, boutique wines (may vary at each property)
- Walking
Day 2: Flock Hill to Greymouth
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 a picnic lunch together.
The Dobson Nature Walk is the next experience along the trail. You will pass 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.
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Lodge
Lodge
Relax and enjoy the surroundings.- Lodges are usually run by managers who live on site and will also prepare meals for you.
- Most are in scenic locations.
- Known for individuality in design or landscaping.
- Comfortable beds, all linen and amenities provided.
Known for special extra touches such as complimentary beverages, designer linen, hand crafted accessories, boutique wines (may vary at each property)
- Walking
Day 3: Greymouth to Punakaiki
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. You will be guided through lush coastal rainforest and capture fantastic views of the coastline.
From there you walk along the Cave Creek Track , 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 coast scenery, and enjoy an entertaining evening meal.
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Resort
Resort
A host of extra features in a comfortable, relaxed environment.- Usually large properties with many rooms.
- Rooms are private, comfortable and spacious, many with scenic views.
- All linen and amenities provided.
- Full in house bar and restaurant facilities.
Special features may include swimming pool, sauna, spa, bike hire, kayak hire, tennis courts ( varies depending on property)
- Walking
Day 4: Punakaiki to Christchurch
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 West 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.
- Walking
What's included?
Accommodation
Lodge
Relax and enjoy the surroundings.- Lodges are usually run by managers who live on site and will also prepare meals for you.
- Most are in scenic locations.
- Known for individuality in design or landscaping.
- Comfortable beds, all linen and amenities provided.
Known for special extra touches such as complimentary beverages, designer linen, hand crafted accessories, boutique wines (may vary at each property)
Resort
A host of extra features in a comfortable, relaxed environment.- Usually large properties with many rooms.
- Rooms are private, comfortable and spacious, many with scenic views.
- All linen and amenities provided.
- Full in house bar and restaurant facilities.
Special features may include swimming pool, sauna, spa, bike hire, kayak hire, tennis courts ( varies depending on property)
*Please note accommodation is double or twin share. If single room accommodation is requested, an additional fee of $394 per person is payable to cover this requirement for the duration of the walk.
Food
You will enjoy great local cuisine; continental breakfasts and hearty packed lunches during the day, and either restaurant meals or wholesome home-cooked fare prepared by your host/hostess in the evenings.
If you have any dietary issues or food allergies, we are happy to cater for these, please advise the office of details when you make your booking.
Alcohol is not included in the tour cost, but is available for purchase most nights or you are welcome to bring a small amount with you for personal consumption if you prefer.
Fully Guided
Our guides are very experienced, friendly walkers and bikers who love to share their knowledge of New Zealand’s flora and fauna and local history. They all hold current first aid certificates, passenger driving licences and are the very best people to ensure your experience will be one to remember.
Exclusive to Tuatara Tours - Tour Kit Bag
To ensure you get the very best out of your journey with the least of fuss, we provide you with a calico kit bag full of useful goodies.
Your Tour Kit Bag Contains the Following
Contents may vary from time to time!
- Tuatara Tours cap
- Tuatara Tours mug
- Tuatara Tours drink bottle
- Tuatara Tours pen
- Tuatara Tours hand sanitiser
- Tuatara Tours tissues
- Tuatara Tours rain poncho
- Tuatara Tours emergency whistle
- Tuatara Tours postcard
- Tuatara Tours brochures
- Field & History Guide of the area
- Bag of Tuatara scroggin
- Bag of Tuatara energy plus confectionary
Luggage
Tuatara Tours transports all your luggage for the duration of the tour.
All you carry is a small day pack with your personal gear, drink and lunch.
We do the Rest
What Do I Bring
For your own safety there are a few things that you must bring yourself:
- Footwear with good ankle support – we recommend good hiking boots
- Thermal top wool or polypro
- Thermal bottom wool or polypro or long trousers
- Waterproof parka with hood
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Fleece jacket or woollen jersey
- Woollen or fleece hat
- Gloves
- Medium size day pack
Other things we recommend you bring are:
- Woollen socks
- Hat, sunglasses
- Drink bottle – at least one litre capacity (we supply you with one bottle, but you may wish to bring another)
- Swim wear
- Camera
- Small personal first aid kit including blister block or similar
- Casual attire for the evenings
- Any other personal items
- Your sense of humour
Safety and Risk Management
To ensure maximum safety for all, our guides are certified first aiders and fully qualified drivers. Tuatara Tours operate under a Safety and Risk Management Plan which is regularly audited and approved by a qualified and independent auditor.
Photos
West Coast Trail click on the pic you wish to see in more detail
History
West Coast Trail - Free Field and History Guide
On the West Coast Trail we provide you a comprehensive field and history summary of the West Coast.
- Maori History
- Fauna
- Flora
- Geology
- Did You Know?
- And more...
People
According to legend, the Maori chief Ngahue was brought to the West Coast of the South Island around 950 AD by the canoe Tahiriangi
Archaeological evidence suggests the first Maori settlers lived a coastal existence; exploring the mountains and bush in search of pounamu (jade or greenstone).
Because of the hardness of pounamu, it was prized for making ornaments tools and weapons of warfare.
Ngati Waewae, a hapu (sub-tribe) of Ngai Tahu, claimed ownership of much of the West Coast.
In 1831 a band of invaders from the North Island defeated Poutini Ngai Tahu and briefly obtained control of the main pounamu gathering sites, including the Arahura River. They remained for a few years, but when they withdrew around 1837, Poutini Ngai Tahu regained control of the region.
The first European settlers arrived in the early 19th century however it was the discovery of gold and coal that drove the main settlement of Europeans to the West Coast in the late 19th century.
Flora and Fauna
Flora: A huge area of the West Coast remains in an almost original state. Some areas nearer the coast have been cleared for farming and mining but there remains huge areas of conifer, broadleaf and beech forests.
Fauna: Because of the large forested areas on the West Coast, the abundance of native birds is greater than in most other parts of New Zealand. Conifer and broadleaf forests tend to support larger bird populations than beech forest because it is richer in food sources.
Before the arrival of man the area was populated by an abundance of bird life. Previously as an important food source for Maori and more recently because of the introduction of cats, stoats, ferrets and weasels by the European settlers, bird numbers and varieties have been drastically reduced.
Fortunately the region hosts a number of rare and protected birds such as kea, the New Zealand falcon, rock wrens, black stilt, wrybills, and black–fronted terns and these can still be seen today.
Introduced deer, thar, and chamois can also be found here and are hunted recreationally.
Industry
Although forestry is still an important industry on the West Coast, logging of nearly all native species has been stopped to preserve the pristine environment for future generations.
Gold and coal mining as well as tourism and fishing are now the main areas of industry in this region.
