The best of West Coast, Arthurs Pass and Wanaka

Day 2: TranzAlpine & Arthurs Pass

In the morning we will take the TranzAlpine Train to Arthurs Pass. This is the best part of the journey with winding railway tracks above Waimakariri River. (If you don't like to go by train, a driver can take you to Greymouth via Castle Hill) We will spend the afternoon around the Arthurs Pass village enjoying the alpine environment and you can walk to Devils Punchbowl Waterfall. From the village we will continue in the minibus via Otira Gorge with a few scenic stops on our way to Punakaiki.

Accommodation: Punakaiki

Day 4: Punakaiki, Hokitika, Ross

In the morning we will explore Punakaiki with famous Pancake Rocks, part of Paparoa National Park. We will enjoy a short walk along the Pororari River with the rainforest resembling Gondwana times. Hokitika is the heart of Pounamu country, we visit the oldest greenstone workshop to get to understand local history of jade and in the town are a few nice heritage buildings. If the weather is favourable we can visit scenic Hokitika Gorge. We will have a stop by Lake Mahinapua, in goldming Ross we might visit one of the oldest pubs and there is still an operational open gold mine. (According to the weather we might visit Okarito Lagoon, however preferably next day).

Day 6: Fox Glacier village, Lake Matheson, Southern Alps, Haast

In the morning we travel to Fox Glacier village where we can walk around beautiful Lake Matheson. Later we will continue south along the Southern Alps with a few scenic stops and a walk amongst prehistoric kahikatea trees.

Accommodation: Haast

Day 8: Wanaka

In Wanaka we can visit Rippon Vineyard (must be booked in advance) with perhaps the best views in New Zealand and taste special biodynamic wines. Really worthwhile is a cruise to Mou Waho Island. Alternatively you can visit local museums, we can enjoy several walks or just relax :-)

Accommodation: Wanaka

Optional Extensions

We are happy to assist with all bookings and adjust your itinerary accordingly.

• Te Anau & Milford Sound, Fiordland- visit for a day, two or more...

• Doubtful Sound cruise - full day or two days (overnight cruise) add a day or two in Fiordland. Doubtful Sound’s fjord is a less famous neighbour of Milford Sound. However, being far larger and more remote many travelers regard it as superior. Access to Doubtful Sound is only via Lake Manapouri or in a helicopter. For overnight cruises we recommend travelling on a smaller vessel which offers a more intimate experience.