A wonderful tour through a wonderful country with wonderful people in the group and, last but not least, a wonderful guide! Danke schön, for everything. You've never lost your good mood, even if some people sometimes ask too much about trees! Andreas, Germany

Thanks for this wonderful safari on this great country! Denise, Portugal

Our guide Kath has unending enthusiasm and knows tonnes about New Zealand nature, history and people. Kareen, Canada

Length 4.5 days

Price NZ$560

Grade D - medium, 2 multi-day hikes
Extras - NZ$25/day kitty (food & accommodation)
Extras optional - TranzAlpine train (NZ$139)
Start - Nelson Visitor Centre, Corner Halifax & Trafalgar Streets @ 8:00am
Finish - Greymouth 12:30pm (approx.)

Keen for more?

Link this trip with:

Volcanoes and Rainforest
Do this trip BEFORE the Coast and Canyons and you have two days to travel by ferry and bus from Wellington to Nelson.

Volcanic Plateau
Combine these two short trips for a walking holiday that samples both islands of New Zealand. Do the Volcanic Plateau AFTER the Coast and Canyons and you have three days to travel between the islands.

I wasn't sure what to expect having just arrived in New Zealand but it was the best decision I have made. Experience New Zealand the New Zealand way. Sandra, UK

Coast and Canyons

Adventure travel on the wild West Coast of the South Island. Explore beech forests, mountains and extraordinary limestone formations. Wade through crystal clear rivers and feast on home grown organic produce. Time spent on this savage coast will be one of the highlights of your trip to New Zealand.

Highlights

• Beech forests, limestone sinkholes, and the mountains of Kahurangi National Park
• Wading across rivers and exploring glowworm caves in Paparoa National Park
• intriguing layer rock formations of Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks and blowholes
• One of the world's top train journeys from Greymouth to Christchurch through Arthur's Pass National Park (optional extra)

Day 1

Drive to Flora Saddle and start 2-day hike through beech forest to tussock-covered tablelands of Kahurangi National Park. Stay overnight in a natural rock shelter. 4 hours hiking.

Day 2

Trek over Gordons Pyramid (1501m), past limestone karst, to Mount Arthur (1795m). Drive to a character cottage overlooking a gorge to enjoy a home-cooked meal made with locally grown organic produce. 7 hours hiking.

Day 3

Visit a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals, then head south to Paparoa National Park and begin 2-day hike up ‘Rivendell’ canyon. 4 hours hiking.

Day 4

Tramp up a side canyon to see glowworms, stopping along the way for a refreshing swim. Explore caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Afternoon stroll to sea caves used as shelter by early Maori. 6 hours hiking.

Day 5

Visit Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Drive south to Greymouth. Take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch (optional extra) through the lush forests of Arthur's Pass National Park. 2 hours hiking.

Additional costs

• Kitty fund NZ$25/day (for food and camp/hut fees). During winter (April-September) or on wet weather summer trips, you may need to budget an extra NZ$10/day as we use alternative accommodation more often.
• The prices for optional activities are listed in the trip summary box on the top right of the page, and in the trip dossier. Optional activities include the TranzAlpine train from Greymouth to Christchurch.
• Kitty fund and optional activities must be paid for during the trip.