5 - 14 guests
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Read more about the Active Range
Price
USD $4699/per adult (+tax)
Tax info:
Our New Zealand trip fares are subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST 15%)
Next available departure
1 Apr - 5 Apr
Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Earn Your Lunch
I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
Step into a largely undiscovered world filled to the brim with temperate rainforest, towering mountains, and glaciers on our 5-day West Coast Adventure hiking trip. From the picturesque Pancake Rocks and the otherwordly Tatare tunnels to the dynamic Franz Josef glacier and the wildlife-filled Okarito Lagoon, you'll discover why the West Coast is a geological marvel changing with time. Nowhere else can you experience such photogenic landscapes complete with snowcapped peaks, panoramic ocean views, beaches, towering waterfalls, and interesting rock formations. Let your guides lead the way as you enjoy a moment in time on our West Coast Adventure hiking tour, and stay in some of the most stunning accommodations in the region. And what better way to finish the adventure than with a scenic flight above Milford Sound?
This trip is operated by Active Adventures.
Day 1
After meeting our group we’ll settle into our comfortable transport and get our adventure underway, traveling into the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass where we’ll venture out on our first hike together, the Devil’s Punchbowl. This walk will take you through native beech forest to an incredible 131 meter (430 feet) waterfall, so you’ll want to make sure you have your camera on hand! After our hike, we’ll continue on our way through Arthur's Pass - this stunning drive is surrounded by rolling hills, and winds through river valleys. We'll descend a steep and impressive highway, a feat of engineering which needs to be seen to be believed! Once we arrive in Punakaiki, we’ll check out the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes – aptly named limestone formations that have been sculpted through the relentless pounding of the Tasman Sea. The rugged coastlines and sculptured landscapes around the Pancake Rocks are simply mesmerizing and now is the perfect time to slow down and really soak it all in. Keep an eye out for playful Hector’s dolphins or little blue penguins playing in the surf and if we’ve timed it right we might be treated to the spectacular booming of the blowholes in action. After exploring the rocks we'll then settle into the comfortable and well-appointed Punakaiki resort for dinner and chat about the days to come (and, if the weather's right, hopefully catch a sunset!).
Punakaiki Resort, Punakaiki (Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 2 kilometers, 0.5-1 hour, elevation +/- 100 meters
Day 2
Temperate rainforest clinging to sheer limestone canyon walls sets the scene as we venture into the Paparoa National Park where we’ll spend the morning hiking a portion of the Inland Pack Track, following in the footsteps of gold miners who established this trail over a century ago. Moss and ferns add to the delightful and rich tapestry of textures and colors, with impressive views up the valley and cobbled rocks dotting the river, offering the perfect opportunity to try your hand at skimming. After our hike, our next stop is Hokitika, a coastal settlement known as the “Cool Little Town”, famous for its pounamu, also known as greenstone or jade. As New Zealand's pounamu capital, Hokitika is a vital stop to learn about its history, and the carving process - it's also a great place to grab a gift or two! After we stretch our legs on the beach we'll carry on to the township of Franz Josef where we’ll stay for the next couple of nights. Nestled in the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, Franz Josef is the heart of glacier country on the West Coast and we'll base ourselves here to explore the glaciers and hidden gems of the area. After we settle in we'll head out on our late afternoon walk to the historic Tartare Tunnels where we'll search for the native glowworm!
Rainforest Resort, Franz Josef (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Porari River Hike: 6 kilometers, 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 130 meters
Hiking: Tatare Tunnels Hike: 4.6 kilometers, 2 hours, elevation +/- 120 meters
Day 3
With some 140 glaciers making their way down from the Southern Alps, this area is fittingly known as glacier country. Few sights equal the spectacle of two of these giant frozen rivers (Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers) imperceptibly grinding their way down through the temperate rainforest to just 250 meters above sea level. We’ll spend most of the day near Franz Josef Glacier where our hike will take us from the Franz Josef township, along the Waiho River bed up the valley to Sentinel Rock. Sentinel Rock emerged from beneath the glacier in 1865 and is an example of how the glacial ice ground the hard schist bedrock into a Roche moutonnee or ‘rock sheep’. After we re-group and enjoy lunch, we'll drive to a little-known beach community on the coast, Okarito. Okarito is home to the only native white heron colony in New Zealand, as well as a host of other interesting birds like the Okarito brown kiwi! We'll take to the water in sea kayaks and glide along a picturesque lagoon, set against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks. And if there's time tonight you can venture out after dark to listen to some of New Zealand’s nocturnal birdlife, such as the morepork owl.
Rainforest Resort, Franz Josef (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Sentinel Rock Hike: 10.2 kilometers, 3 hours, elevation +/- 112 meters (365 feet)
Kayaking: 3 hours
Notes: Optional Heli-hike (extra fee applies): An outrageously scenic alternative to this afternoon’s hike is to heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier itself. After being fitted with crampons, ice axes and so on, you’ll board a modern turbine helicopter and fly towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, landing on the glacier at 1300 meters (4265 feet) above sea level. Led by specialist glacier guides, you’ll hike through the grand ice formations of the glacier, checking out its crevasses, seracs and tunnels – no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice and make sure you make the most of the conditions. At the end of your hike on the ice, you’ll take another helicopter ride out of the mountains and back to civilization.
The heli-hike is extremely popular and must be reserved at time of booking only.
The is also a weight limit of 115kg (250 pounds).
Day 4
Our hike this morning around Lake Matheson is nestled in ancient forest and is famous for mirror views of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, This stunning hike through temperate rainforest is just a short distance from Franz Josef Glacier, and provides a striking and beautiful contrast to the glacier we visited yesterday. Birdsong and peaceful tranquillity make this a walk not to be missed and with well-placed viewpoints and botanical explanations, you’ll be an expert on the local flora and fauna with some incredible photos too. After lunch we'll head south, taking one of the most beautiful coastal journeys in the world along the South Island's West Coast, looking out to the Tasman Sea as we wind our way towards the small township of Haast. We'll turn inland from here and cross the Haast Pass, to our final location for the night, the township of Wanaka. Whether you’re skipping stones on the lake’s edge or relaxing by the fire at the lodge, Wanaka is a great spot to rediscover simple pleasures. We'll enjoy our final night together with a celebratory dinner as we sit and soak in the adventures from the last few days.
Edgewater Resort, Wanaka (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 2.8 kilometers, 1.5 hours
Day 5
This morning we'll rise early and jump straight on board our scenic flight to Milford Sound! Departing from Wanaka Airport. Our flight will take us over Lake Wanaka, then out to Mt. Aspiring National Park; this stunning region is part of the World Heritage areas of Te Wahipounamu and recognized for its unspoiled beauty. We'll fly past the peak of Mt. Aspiring and view glaciers, remote valleys and pristine alpine lakes over Fiordland National Park - the views as we fly into Milford Sound will stay with us forever and we'll even have views out to the Tasman Sea! The scale of Milford Sound is best appreciated from the air, with cascading waterfalls and sheer cliffs which fall into the blue waters of the Sound. We'll return via the Dart Valley and Glenorchy before heading over the Cardrona Saddle to Queenstown where we'll say our goodbyes and arrive in time for late afternoon flights.
No Accommodation (Breakfast, Lunch)
Looking for a private departure? Let us know when you fill your enquiry form, and our Adventure Planners will let you know your different options.
Tax info:
Our New Zealand trip fares are subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST 15%)
Almost Full
We’ve selected the accommodation on the West Coast Adventure trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable bed and breakfasts, lodges and apartments, all of which have private bathrooms.
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience with the perspective of an insider.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, are experts in motivation, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. Every detail is handled; all you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted vendors and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides and our seasoned operations team at headquarters.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries and sustained relationships for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience. If we’ve done our job, they’ll have you saying “wow!”
