Wild West - Colours of the Coast

Itinerary

Haast, West Coast
10th - 18th November 2022
Itinerary - 2022
Day One    Hometown to Nelson       
Dinner

Fly from your hometown to Nelson. Met at the airport you are transferred to our central city hotel. This evening meet your fellow travellers over a pre-dinner beverage.   
Rutherford Hotel, Nelson                  1 night

Day Two  Nelson to Westport   
Breakfast, Dinner

From Nelson we head to Murchison and then on through the spectacular Upper and Lower Buller Gorge to Westport. Visit the Coaltown Museum housing a number of displays bringing the past to life and linking it with the present before heading up to the Denniston Plateau and exploring the top of the incline and mining ruins.  
Bella Vista Motel, Westport                1 night

Day Three  Westport to Hokitika
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we head down the coast to Charleston where it is all aboard the ‘Rainforest Train’ for a journey through the magnificent Nile River Canyon. Our journey to Hokitika continues with a stop at Punakaiki famous for its pancake rocks and blowholes.  
Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika                2 nights

Day Four  Hokitika    
Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we drive to the Hokitika Gorge. A short 5 minute walk through podocarp forest to the viewing platform gives you stunning views of the gorge. We visit the Treetop Walkway for a unique perspective of the West Coasts forest. The treetop walkway is a leisurely and easy stroll along steel platforms high up in the tree canopy.
 
Day Five  Hokitika to Fox Glacier
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we join the White Heron Sanctuary Tour. This tour takes us to New Zealand’s only White Heron (Kotuku) nesting colony. The sanctuary is accessed by a 4WD through private farm, followed by a 15 minute walk through the rainforest to the viewing hide. View the White Heron, Spoonbill, Little Shag and a host of other birdlife. At Franz Josef take the short bush walk to the lookout to view the glacier.
Distinction Hotel, Fox Glacier                1 night
Day Six  Fox Glacier to Haast
Breakfast, Dinner
This morning enjoy the easy 2.6km walk around Lake Matheson. The lake is famous for its reflective views of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, and is home to many bird species. This afternoon we continue south to Haast, stopping at spectacular vantage points.
Heartland Hotel, Haast                1 night

Day Seven Haast to Queenstown
Breakfast, Dinner
Today we join a jet boat safari on the Haast River. The Haast River Safari is a leisurely scenic cruise in a fully enclosed boat, taking you on a journey through the untouched awe-inspiring natural wilderness of the South Westland World Heritage area. Hear stories of the Kiwi spirit that enabled the community to survive on the edge of the wilderness and learn about the physical attributes of the glacial valley and thriving rainforest. Leaving the river we make our way through the Haast Pass to Wanaka stopping at many points of interest and short scenic walks. In Wanaka visit the Lavender Farm where you can walk through the lavender fields, browse the shop full of beautiful lavender gifts and indulge in a lavender ice-cream before continuing to Queenstown. 
Mercure Queenstown Resort               2 nights

Day Eight Queenstown
Breakfast, Dinner

A leisurely day to explore Queenstown. This evening we transfer to TSS Earnslaw for a cruise across the lake and delicious BBQ dinner at Walter Peak.
 
Day Nine Queenstown to Home
Breakfast
A leisurely start this morning before transferring to the airport mid afternoon for the return flights home.  
 
 
General Information
  • Twilight Travel reserves the right to alter the itinerary, reschedule or substitute tours and sightseeing at anytime due to operational and logistical requirements.
  • The walks vary in distance from 0.1 - 2.5km, and are on well formed tracks and even surfaces. Some have steps and slopes. A moderate level of fitness and mobility is required. 
  • Accommodation in Westport is motel style and does not have a restaurant on-site. Breakfast and dinner will be at a local restaurant. 
 
About Us

Twilight Travel & Tours is a New Zealand owned boutique tour operator providing small group tours within New Zealand since 2005.
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