Wild West Coast Road Trip 9D8N, Self-Drive

Driving Information: N/A

8.45: Depart Wellington for Picton via the Inter-islander ferry. Lounge access included
11:45-12:15pm: Arrive in Picton
Afternoon:
-Pick up car
-Check into hotel
-Free time to explore Picton
Evening:
-Pre-departure meeting for tomorrow's Queen Charlotte day walk
-Dinner at hotel

Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand! Departing Wellington from the ferry terminal, set sail across Cook Strait on board the iconic Interislander ferry. Enjoy included Lounge access – comfy seating with free buffet and bar.

Upon arrival in Picton, pick up your hire car and check-in to your boutique accommodation, conveniently located on the marina.

Explore this quaint seaside town at your leisure. Take a stroll along the bustling Foreshore. Swim or sunbake on Picton Beach. Or, people watch at one of the many charming café, bars and restaurants in London Quay.

In the evening, attend a pre-departure meeting for tomorrow’s Queen Charlotte Day Walk (please refer to your booking confirmation for details) and enjoy a delicious evening meal at your hotel.

Driving Information: Picton to Nelson l Distance 109km/68mi l Time approx 2hours
Walking Information: Queen Charlotte Track l Distance 14km/9mi l Time Approx. 5hours l Difficulty: Easy

Morning:
-Breakfast at hotel
-Pick up from hotel for the Queen Charlotte day walk
Afternoon:
-Complete walk
-Drive to Nelson via coastal road
Evening:
-Check into hotel
-Dinner at hotel

Departing from the hotel, set out to discover the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track. Start the adventure by water taxi to Ship Cove, a favourite anchorage of Captain James Cook (the first European to define the outline of New Zealand) during his explorations in the 1770s. Take time to appreciate the Captain Cook Memorial and stunning views of the Queen Charlotte Sound before hitting the track proper. The track meanders through stunning beech and podocarp forest dotted with native New Zealand foliage. Keep an eye out for local birds including the King Shag, South Island Robin and South Island Saddleback!

In the afternoon, take the coastal road to Nelson, where you will find your boutique accommodation for the evening.

Driving Information:
-Nelson to Kaiteriteri | Distance 59km/37mi | Time approx. 1hr
-Nelson to Maruia River | Distance 158km/98mi | Time appox. 2hrs
Walking Information: Abel Tasman National Park | Distance 12.4km | Time approx. 4hrs | Difficulty: Easy

8:00am: Drive from Warwick House to Kaiteriteri.
9:20am: Depart from the Kaiteriteri Ticket Office.
10:20am: Arrive at Medlands Beach. Take time to enjoy your walk to Anchorage (10.6km/6.5 miles, maximum elevation 150m/500ft) on a well-formed track weaving through groves of fragrant manuka and ferns between breathtaking views of the granite coast, lush gullies of mature forest, tranquil forest pools and long golden-sand beaches. Cross the rushing Falls River by an impressive suspension bridge (15–20m high, depending on the tide). Allow an extra 30 min to take a short (500m) side track beside a crystal forest stream to visit tranquil Cleopatra's Pool. If you want to try the natural waterslide, be prepared – it's cold (but very refreshing!)
3:30pm: Vista Cruise departs Anchorage
4:15pm: Return to Kaiteriteri.
7:00pm: Arrive Maruia River.

Set out to explore the most varied section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track from Medlands Beach to Anchorage. Departing from Kaiteriteri, cruise for one hour to Medlands Beach to the starting point of your walk. Follow the well-formed track weaving through groves of fragrant ferns and manuka, pausing to take in astonishing views of the granite coast, long golden-sand beaches, lush gullies of mature forest and tranquil forest pools. Cross the impressive Falls River Swing Bridge (15-20 metres high, depending on the tide) and allow an extra 30 minutes to visit Cleopatra’s Pool: a beautiful rock pool complete with a natural, moss-lined waterslide!

In the afternoon, depart from Anchorage back to Kaiteriteri to continue your onward journey to Maruia River.

Driving Information:
-Maruia River to Murchison | Distance 34km/21mi | Time appox. 25min
-Murchison to Hokitika via coastal road | Distance 231km/143mi | Time 3hrs 20min
Walking Information: Point Elizabeth Walkway | Distance 11km/7mi return | Time 3.5hrs | Difficulty Easy

Option 1: Buller Gorge Rafting:
Morning: Breakfast at Hotel
9:00am: Depart for Ultimate Descents base at 38 Waller Street, Murchison
9:30am: Check-in and depart for rafting.
1:30pm: Finish rafting. Depart for Hokitika via the coastal road (option to stop in at Greymouth).
Evening: Arrive at accommodation.

Option 2: Point Elizabeth Walkway
Morning: Have breakfast at hotel.
9:00am: Depart for Greymouth.
11:00am: Arrive Greymouth. Free time to explore the town. Have lunch.
Afternoon: Drive 6km north of Greymouth via Cobden onto Bright Street, Domett Esplanade and North Beach Road to access the southern end of Point Elizabeth walkway. Walk takes approx. 1hr 45min one way.
Evening: Check into accommodation.

Head south to Greymouth, a historic town with a history of jade hunting, gold mining and dramatic river floods. In the morning, you have the option to venture to Murchison, New Zealand’s white-water capital, to get your rafting fix on the mighty Buller River. With guaranteed water all year round, tackle rapids from grades 2-4 and marvel at the spectacular Buller Gorge, Ariki Falls, Whale Creek and a pink granite canyon.

If you would prefer to relax, head straight to Greymouth where you will find cute cafes and restaurants as well as galleries specialising in pounamu (New Zealand jade). The area has a history of gold mining, which can be appreciated at the local museum and nearby Shantytown. Local brewery Monteith’s is something of a New Zealand legend; it runs tours that include a tasting session.

In the afternoon, meander along Point Elizabeth Walkway and breathe in the fresh coastal air. The Rapahoe Scenic Reserve is one of the finest remaining tracts of mixed coastal forest in New Zealand, while the Point Elizabeth headland has views south toward Aoraki Mount Cook and inland towards the Paparoa Mountain Range.

In the evening, check into your accommodation and feel free to venture into nearby Hokitika to enjoy an evening meal of your choosing.

Driving Information: Hokitika to Franz Josef | Distance 130km/80mi | Time appox. 1hr 45min
Walking Information: Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk | Time approx. 3hrs | Difficulty Easy

Morning: Breakfast at hotel
9:00am: Depart Franz Josef
11am:
-Arrive Franz Josef. Drop luggage at hotel.
-Free time to explore Franz Josef. Have lunch.
2:15pm: Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk.
Evening: Private spa pools. Dinner at hotel.

Journey to Glacier Country and get ready to explore New Zealand’s highest mountains and largest glaciers. With a professional guide, set out to experience the transformative face of the Franz Josef Glacier on the Glacier Valley Walk. Following the glacier’s path of retreat, traverse the mighty Waiho River and learn about the glacier’s history and the legend of Ka Romimata o Hinehukatere. Near the terminal face, be rewarded with spectacular views of the rapidly changing terminal face of the glacier.

In the evening, return to Franz Josef: relax in your hotel’s private spa pools, and enjoy a delicious 4-course meal at the hotel restaurant.

Driving Information: Franz Josef to Lake Moeraki | Distance 111km/69mi | Time appox. 1.5hrs
Walking Information: N/A

Morning: Breakfast at hotel
10:00am: Walk 4min down the road from your hotel to The Helicopter Line Base, situated on the Main Road (State Highway 6). Check in with Helicopter Line/Franz Josef Glacier Guides representatives for your Glacier Heli Hike. Get kitted out with the essential gear and receive a pre-trip briefing
11am: Set out on your Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
2:00pm: Conclude heli-hike. Enjoy a late lunch (at your own cost) and check out the Glacier Hot Pools (located 4min behind your hotel), which are included in the price of your Heli Hike
4pm: Self-drive to Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Evening: Complimentary Night Sky & Glow Worm Discovery tour

Take flight in a helicopter to witness jaw-dropping aerial views of the mighty Franz Josef Glacier and snow-capped Southern Alps before touching down to get up close and personal with this natural wonder. Because the glacier is so fast moving, its features are constantly changing – you might find yourself sliding through a narrow crevasse or between towering walls of ice, crawling through blue tunnels, hanging out in ice caves, or witnessing the glacier calving.

After your heli-hike, head back to town to relax and unwind in the Glacier Hot Pools before journeying on to Lake Moeraki, nestled between wet temperate rainforest and the wild Tasman Sea.

In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant before venturing out on a complimentary Night Sky and & Glow Worm Discovery tour where you will have the opportunity to learn about the stars of the southern sky and see glow worms light up the rainforest.

Driving Information: N/A
Walking Information: Your Choice

Morning: Breakfast at hotel
9:00am:

Enjoy Guided Nature and Wilderness Activities scheduled daily: daily-guided programme consists of two shorter guided activities (each approx. 1 hour). Activities include rainforest, bird and tree fern walks, freshwater life/giant eel feeding, kayak instruction on the river and lake and night sky Southern Cross/glow-worm walks.

Evening: Dinner at hotel

Optional Upgrade: Private guided program to explore the best of the Moeraki Valley, which has only been accessible on foot since 1965. Kayak Lake Moeraki or the Tasman Sea. Head down to Monro Beach in search of dolphins and fur seals and enjoy the world’s best views of the gorgeous Tawaki, or Fiordland Penguin. Venture into the rainforest and hike to the historic Blue Hut. Or fish from a kayak or the shore for large brown trout. The choice is yours!

In the evening, enjoy another delicious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Driving Information: Lake Moeraki to Wanaka via Haast Pass | Distance 173km/107mi | Time appox. 2hrs
Walking Information:
-Roaring Billy Falls Walk | Distance 1km/0.6mi return | Time approx. 25min return | Difficulty Easy
-Lake Wanaka Cruise and Island Nature Walk | Distance 2km/1mi return | Time approx. 1hr | Difficulty Easy

Morning: Breakfast at hotel
9:00am: Depart Lake Moeraki.
10am: Stop at Haast Pass for the Roaring Billy Falls walk.
11:30am: Arrive in Wanaka
1:30pm: Eco Wanaka Lake Cruise and Island Nature Walk
Evening: Dinner at hotel.

Head inland to Haast Pass where you will find the Roaring Billy Falls Walk along with several other impressive waterfalls. Stop for a quick stroll through the forest for some incredible photos.

Journey on to Wanaka and the breathtaking lake for which this charming, alpine town is named. In the afternoon, cruise the lake and venture to the remote and magical Mou Waho Island nature reserve, which is predator-free and home to the rare, flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920). A one-hour guided bushwalk takes you to the secret lake on top of the island, where you will enjoy high tea overlooking the Southern Alps. You can even plant a native tree as part of your eco-experience!

Driving Information: Wanaka to Queenstown | Distance 75km/45mi | Time appox. 1hr 20min
Walking Information:
Eco Wanaka Diamond Lake/Rocky Mountain Walk | Distance 7km/4mi return | Time approx. 3.5hr | Difficulty Intermediate

Morning: Breakfast at hotel

Departing from your hotel, set out to discover the shimmering Diamond Lake and mighty Rocky Mountain. With a local guide, take in awe-inspiring views of Lake Wanaka before ascending the 775m trail to Rocky Mountain summit, which will feel like the top of the world. Enjoy lunch with unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains before heading down a different loop track to the starting point.

In the afternoon, journey on to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the Southern Hemisphere. Explore this buzzing town at your leisure and enjoy your final night in boutique accommodation overlooking the majestic Lake Wakatipu.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.