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7 Day Wild West South Island Adventure Tour

Days
7

Pricing From
$1995

South Island
Book Now

Overview

Lonely Planet has named driving the West Coast of South Island one of the Top 10 Drives in the World. Come and see why!

Curious limestone formations, spellbinding glaciers, untamed coastlines, crystalline lakes, primitive-looking forests, majestic peaks, contrasting gold sand beaches, and subtropical and earthy landscapes reminiscent of a Lord of the Rings setting can all be found on this Wild West South Island Adventure Tour in New Zealand. A range of unique activities also awaits, like heli-hiking on one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, strolling amongst the oddly sculpted Pancake Rock formations, or trout-watching in reflecting lakes with water so pure it’s easy to see the fish.

The West Coast is known for its wild weather, helping shape the land and its people over time.  The coastline delights with its dramatic contrasts, and is a marvellous place for you to hike, bike or drive through. Plenty of photo opportunities present themselves along the way, so make sure your camera is ready.

Intriguing characters add another layer of interest to the West Coast. Fondly called “coasters”, the hardy yet welcoming locals of the West Coast make this underpopulated part of New Zealand all the more special. Their pioneering spirit is as evident today as it was when they first carved out life on the coast more than a century ago.

This place also overflows with colourful history. Whether you love hearing stories about the Gold Rush period, accounts of decades of coal mining, or traditional tales of the Maori hunt for the green stone or ‘pounamu’, it’s all here.

From the West Coast, we continue to the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park where an idyllic combination of beach and bush awaits. Enjoy a selection of activities your heart desires. Kayaking, hiking, sailing, seal encounters, conservation, and thrill-seeking pursuits (canyoning, hang gliding and skydiving) are just some of the adventures that will leave you invigorated.

Wild West is the place to be to witness epic sunsets, and at some stage on this Wild West trip you will be rewarded with breathtaking sunsets from our campsites. You will come to realize that nature lovers will find the Wild West tour a must-do.

Wild West South Island Adventure Tour

Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu at night

Wild West South Island Adventure Tour

Boundary Creek

Wild West South Island Adventure Tour

Fox Glacier helihike

Wild West South Island Adventure Tour

Cycling along the West Coast

Wild West South Island Adventure Tour

Setting up camp

Wild West South Island Adventure Tour

Around Punakaiki

Wild West South Island Adventure Tour

Golden Abel Tasman National Park beach

Wild West South Island Adventure Tour

Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Queenstown to Lake WanakaB,D

Leaving at 2:30pm, after the thrills and spills of Queenstown we wind down with a beautiful campsite beside the tranquil lake with spectacular views of Mount Aspiring National Park.

Boundary Creek is located on the shores of Lake Wanaka, just north of Queenstown. Surrounded by the mountains of Mt Aspiring Naitonal Park, this wilderness camp is refreshing change from the fast pace of Queenstown. The crystal clear waters reflect the snow capped peaks year round and it's the perfect place to absorb the beauty of another incredible National Park.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Bike Rides: You can make the most of the Queenstown bike trails before we leave at 2.30pm and you can ride into camp later in the day along the edge of Lake Wanaka
Walks and Hikes: Lakefront walks or other walks you may have missed yesterday when doing activities.
Optional Activities: Bungy jumping, canyon swing, skydiving, boat cruise plus much more!
Available Upgrades: No - beautiful lakeside camp with National park views
Drive Distance: Approx. 2.5 hours

Day 2Lake Wanaka to Glacier CountryB,L,D

Enjoy a relaxed morning at our lakeside camp then it's northward bound through Mt Aspiring National Park. Just before we reach the West Coast, we stop for a walk to the amazing Blue Pools, and then head over the dramatic Haast Pass. As we travel towards the wild West Coast, the road follows braided rivers and huge glacier carved valleys. There are two more great walk options along the way, one through lush and ancient forests and the other through swampy vegetation, ending on the beach where it is possible to spot Hector dolphins. Tonight, we will be staying beside the beautiful Lake Paringa enjoying a true West Coast wilderness experience.  

The wild "West Coast" refers to the beautiful and diverse area lodged between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. This area is home to arguably the most dramatic scenery in New Zealand and the the least number of people - a perfect combination for our tours. The region is dotted with towering mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, thundering rivers and rainforest. The national parks in this region have been designated as World Heritage Areas to help keep this area of supreme natural beauty intact. Residents of the region are known as "coasters" and known for their genuine friendliness. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Bike Rides: Later in the day you have an option of a long ride into camp from Knights Point lookout to Lake Paringa
  • Walks and Hikes: There are quite a number of short walks today as we make frequent stops on this epic journey to the West Coast
  • Available Upgrades: Yes limited options
  • Drive Distance: Approx. 3 hours
Day 3Glacier Country to OkaritoB,D

Today is your chance to explore one of NZ’s most unique and spectacular natural wonders – Franz Josef Glacier.  This staggering beautiful work of nature is 12 kilometres and descends from the Southern Alps to less than 300 metres above sea level. To get on the ice you must go up by helicopter but it’s possible to view the glacier with a stunning walk through the main valley up to the terminal face. Before arriving at Franz Josef, we take a highly recommended walk around Lake Matheson where crystal clear reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman make the perfect photo opportunity. Late afternoon, we have a short drive up the coast to our beautiful beachside campsite next to the Okarito lagoon – one of the very few places where there are still rare sightings of our native kiwi bird and the home to NZ’s only colony of the White Heron (kotuku). Enjoy a fire down on the beach taking in the rugged coast and epic mountain views.    

  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
  • Bike Rides: Ride along the walk/cycleway to the Glacier viewpoint. There is also a beautiful ride on the quiet road that leads to Okarito
  • Walks and Hikes: In the morning a walk around Lake Matheson is a must do! In the afternoon if you're not hiking on the ice then definitely head up to the terminal face viewpoint
  • Optional Activities: Guided heli-hike, skydiving, kayaking, West Coast wildlife centre
  • Available Upgrades: Yes limited options
  • Drive Distance: Approx. 2.5 hours
Day 4Okarito to PunakaikiB,D

Enjoy an early morning walk, with a view of the sunrise over the Southern Alps as a reward. We then continue up this spectacular coastal road to the quirky town of Hokitika, home to the Greenstone factories and a great place to pick up a traditional souvenir of your visit. Passing through Greymouth we keep following the coast to Punakaiki where you’ll notice a change in the landscape and vegetation with huge limestone cliffs appearing and Nikau Palm trees becoming abundant. Our beach camp has great sunsets, a beautiful river and incredible views of Paparoa National Park. The pancake rocks and blowholes are the main attraction in Punakaiki where limestone rocks are stacked on top of each other and ocean swells are forced through gaps in the rock creating a whale’s blowhole effect. In the evening, explore a cavern with some glow worms hanging out in the dark then relax at the local tavern.  

  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
  • Bike Rides: Road ride on a stretch of highway that has been voted one of the most scenic roads in the world! Expect some hills but extensive views of coastline, totally rewarding!
  • Walks and Hikes: If you're up for an early start then head out to the okarito trig for fantastic views of the Southern Alps as the sun comes up. Once we reach Punakaiki there are a number of different trails you can explore to get the best out of our visit to Paparoa Nati
  • Optional Activities: Punakaiki pancake rocks & blow holes (free!), Paddleboarding, River canoeing
  • Available Upgrades: Yes (limited)
  • Drive Distance: Approx. 3.5 hours
Day 5Punakaiki to Abel Tasman National ParkB,D

Before leaving Punakaiki we take time to explore part of the Paparoa National Park with a walk along the Pororari river or cycle up Bullock creek road to visit a cave resurgence. Leaving mid-morning we travel inland through the majestic Buller gorge and onto our favourite National Park, Abel Tasman. In one of the sunniest areas of the country you will discover beautiful secluded bays and stunning golden sand beaches. We look forward to spending 2 nights at our perfectly located camp, close to the park entrance which makes it the ideal place to explore all corners of the stunning Abel Tasman. 

  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
  • Bike Rides: Trail, biking past a local beer brewer, local fruit and vegetable roadside stands, a hill to get those legs pumping, a brilliant mountain bike park and views of golden sand and invitingly warm waters, what more can you ask for?!
  • Walks and Hikes: Enjoy an afternoon or evening walk into Abel Tasman National Park from camp (yes that rights, it’s on your backdoor step).
  • Optional Activities: Skydiving
  • Available Upgrades: Yes
  • Drive Distance: Approx. 5 hours
Day 6Abel Tasman National ParkB,D

Taking time to explore arguably the best beaches and clearest waters in New Zealand - there are excellent options for everyone here. You can walk, sail or kayak around the numerous golden bays and dive into the crystal-clear waters along the way. There will be plenty of chances for wildlife spotting (dolphins, seals and even Orcas!) Explore the heart of the park on one of our most highly rated optional activities - canyoning high flow waterfalls and rapids!    

  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
  • Bike Rides: Kaiteriteri mountain bike park, cycle rides from camp if not on activities
  • Walks and Hikes: Exploring the Abel Tasman National Park - single & multi day walk options
  • Optional Activities: Multi day & single day kayaking options, canyoning, sailing, water taxi / walk, conservation projects (free), conservation tour
  • Available Upgrades: Yes
  • Drive Distance: No driving today
Day 7Abel Tasman National Park to PictonB

Today we head to sunny Nelson. In addition to being one of the sunniest areas of NZ its home to more than 350 working artists and craftspeople creating traditional, contemporary and Maori arts + it's a wonderful place to live! Relax and enjoy the sunshine and café culture before we depart for wine country – Marlborough, home to some of the World’s best known grapes and where we’ll treat you to a free tasting in one of their best vineyards before your tour finishes in Picton.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Bike Rides: 14-16km off road and road cycling
  • Walks and Hikes: Walk to the geographical centre of New Zealand
  • Available Upgrades: n/a
  • Drive Distance: Approx. 3.5 hours

COST PER PERSON

Oct 2022 - Apr 2023

  • Adult: from NZ$1,995

OPTIONS

  • Bike Hire: NZ$200
  • Bike (bring your own): NZ$100
  • Single Tent Upgrade: NZ$110
  • Sleeping Bag Hire: NZ$75

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Queenstown to Lake WanakaB,D

Leaving at 2:30pm, after the thrills and spills of Queenstown we wind down with a beautiful campsite beside the tranquil lake with spectacular views of Mount Aspiring National Park.

Boundary Creek is located on the shores of Lake Wanaka, just north of Queenstown. Surrounded by the mountains of Mt Aspiring Naitonal Park, this wilderness camp is refreshing change from the fast pace of Queenstown. The crystal clear waters reflect the snow capped peaks year round and it's the perfect place to absorb the beauty of another incredible National Park.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Bike Rides: You can make the most of the Queenstown bike trails before we leave at 2.30pm and you can ride into camp later in the day along the edge of Lake Wanaka
Walks and Hikes: Lakefront walks or other walks you may have missed yesterday when doing activities.
Optional Activities: Bungy jumping, canyon swing, skydiving, boat cruise plus much more!
Available Upgrades: No - beautiful lakeside camp with National park views
Drive Distance: Approx. 2.5 hours

Day 2Lake Wanaka to Glacier CountryB,L,D

Enjoy a relaxed morning at our lakeside camp then it's northward bound through Mt Aspiring National Park. Just before we reach the West Coast, we stop for a walk to the amazing Blue Pools, and then head over the dramatic Haast Pass. As we travel towards the wild West Coast, the road follows braided rivers and huge glacier carved valleys. There are two more great walk options along the way, one through lush and ancient forests and the other through swampy vegetation, ending on the beach where it is possible to spot Hector dolphins. Tonight, we will be staying beside the beautiful Lake Paringa enjoying a true West Coast wilderness experience.  

The wild "West Coast" refers to the beautiful and diverse area lodged between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. This area is home to arguably the most dramatic scenery in New Zealand and the the least number of people - a perfect combination for our tours. The region is dotted with towering mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, thundering rivers and rainforest. The national parks in this region have been designated as World Heritage Areas to help keep this area of supreme natural beauty intact. Residents of the region are known as "coasters" and known for their genuine friendliness. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Bike Rides: Later in the day you have an option of a long ride into camp from Knights Point lookout to Lake Paringa
  • Walks and Hikes: There are quite a number of short walks today as we make frequent stops on this epic journey to the West Coast
  • Available Upgrades: Yes limited options
  • Drive Distance: Approx. 3 hours
Day 3Glacier Country to OkaritoB,D

Today is your chance to explore one of NZ’s most unique and spectacular natural wonders – Franz Josef Glacier.  This staggering beautiful work of nature is 12 kilometres and descends from the Southern Alps to less than 300 metres above sea level. To get on the ice you must go up by helicopter but it’s possible to view the glacier with a stunning walk through the main valley up to the terminal face. Before arriving at Franz Josef, we take a highly recommended walk around Lake Matheson where crystal clear reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman make the perfect photo opportunity. Late afternoon, we have a short drive up the coast to our beautiful beachside campsite next to the Okarito lagoon – one of the very few places where there are still rare sightings of our native kiwi bird and the home to NZ’s only colony of the White Heron (kotuku). Enjoy a fire down on the beach taking in the rugged coast and epic mountain views.    

  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
  • Bike Rides: Ride along the walk/cycleway to the Glacier viewpoint. There is also a beautiful ride on the quiet road that leads to Okarito
  • Walks and Hikes: In the morning a walk around Lake Matheson is a must do! In the afternoon if you're not hiking on the ice then definitely head up to the terminal face viewpoint
  • Optional Activities: Guided heli-hike, skydiving, kayaking, West Coast wildlife centre
  • Available Upgrades: Yes limited options
  • Drive Distance: Approx. 2.5 hours
Day 4Okarito to PunakaikiB,D

Enjoy an early morning walk, with a view of the sunrise over the Southern Alps as a reward. We then continue up this spectacular coastal road to the quirky town of Hokitika, home to the Greenstone factories and a great place to pick up a traditional souvenir of your visit. Passing through Greymouth we keep following the coast to Punakaiki where you’ll notice a change in the landscape and vegetation with huge limestone cliffs appearing and Nikau Palm trees becoming abundant. Our beach camp has great sunsets, a beautiful river and incredible views of Paparoa National Park. The pancake rocks and blowholes are the main attraction in Punakaiki where limestone rocks are stacked on top of each other and ocean swells are forced through gaps in the rock creating a whale’s blowhole effect. In the evening, explore a cavern with some glow worms hanging out in the dark then relax at the local tavern.  

  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
  • Bike Rides: Road ride on a stretch of highway that has been voted one of the most scenic roads in the world! Expect some hills but extensive views of coastline, totally rewarding!
  • Walks and Hikes: If you're up for an early start then head out to the okarito trig for fantastic views of the Southern Alps as the sun comes up. Once we reach Punakaiki there are a number of different trails you can explore to get the best out of our visit to Paparoa Nati
  • Optional Activities: Punakaiki pancake rocks & blow holes (free!), Paddleboarding, River canoeing
  • Available Upgrades: Yes (limited)
  • Drive Distance: Approx. 3.5 hours
Day 5Punakaiki to Abel Tasman National ParkB,D

Before leaving Punakaiki we take time to explore part of the Paparoa National Park with a walk along the Pororari river or cycle up Bullock creek road to visit a cave resurgence. Leaving mid-morning we travel inland through the majestic Buller gorge and onto our favourite National Park, Abel Tasman. In one of the sunniest areas of the country you will discover beautiful secluded bays and stunning golden sand beaches. We look forward to spending 2 nights at our perfectly located camp, close to the park entrance which makes it the ideal place to explore all corners of the stunning Abel Tasman. 

  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
  • Bike Rides: Trail, biking past a local beer brewer, local fruit and vegetable roadside stands, a hill to get those legs pumping, a brilliant mountain bike park and views of golden sand and invitingly warm waters, what more can you ask for?!
  • Walks and Hikes: Enjoy an afternoon or evening walk into Abel Tasman National Park from camp (yes that rights, it’s on your backdoor step).
  • Optional Activities: Skydiving
  • Available Upgrades: Yes
  • Drive Distance: Approx. 5 hours
Day 6Abel Tasman National ParkB,D

Taking time to explore arguably the best beaches and clearest waters in New Zealand - there are excellent options for everyone here. You can walk, sail or kayak around the numerous golden bays and dive into the crystal-clear waters along the way. There will be plenty of chances for wildlife spotting (dolphins, seals and even Orcas!) Explore the heart of the park on one of our most highly rated optional activities - canyoning high flow waterfalls and rapids!    

  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
  • Bike Rides: Kaiteriteri mountain bike park, cycle rides from camp if not on activities
  • Walks and Hikes: Exploring the Abel Tasman National Park - single & multi day walk options
  • Optional Activities: Multi day & single day kayaking options, canyoning, sailing, water taxi / walk, conservation projects (free), conservation tour
  • Available Upgrades: Yes
  • Drive Distance: No driving today
Day 7Abel Tasman National Park to PictonB

Today we head to sunny Nelson. In addition to being one of the sunniest areas of NZ its home to more than 350 working artists and craftspeople creating traditional, contemporary and Maori arts + it's a wonderful place to live! Relax and enjoy the sunshine and café culture before we depart for wine country – Marlborough, home to some of the World’s best known grapes and where we’ll treat you to a free tasting in one of their best vineyards before your tour finishes in Picton.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Bike Rides: 14-16km off road and road cycling
  • Walks and Hikes: Walk to the geographical centre of New Zealand
  • Available Upgrades: n/a
  • Drive Distance: Approx. 3.5 hours

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