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 7 days

Price NZ$785

Grade D - medium, 1 multi-day hike
Extras - NZ$25/day kitty (food & accommodation)
Extras optional - TranzAlpine train (NZ$139), Fox Glacier hike (NZ$89), kayaking (NZ$80)
Start - Greymouth Railway Station @ 12:45pm
Finish - Queenstown 7:00pm (approx.)

Keen for more?

Link this trip with:

Secret South
Take two days to rest and play in Queenstown, then jump on the Secret South.

Volcanoes and Rainforest
Do this challenging North Island trip before or after your World Heritage Wanderer for a small group New Zealand adventure holiday.

The Far North
Do this more relaxing North Island trip AFTER your World Heritage Wanderer.

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

World Heritage Wanderer

Explore the wild West Coast of the South Island. Take a guided walk on a glacier, kayak into a rainforest, and watch the sun set over the Tasman Sea. Hike all day then soak weary muscles in natural hot pools. Time spent on this savage coast will be one of the highlights of your trip to New Zealand.

Highlights

• One of the world's top train journeys from Christchurch to Greymouth through Arthur's Pass National Park (optional extra)
• Guided walk on the spectacular Fox Glacier (optional extra)
• Kayaking the tranquil Okarito lagoon into rainforest full of native birds
• Hiking through podocarp rainforest to natural hot pools surrounded by mountain peaks.
• Stunning scenery of Lake Wanaka and the Crown Range

Day 1

Take TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth (optional extra) or meet group in Greymouth. Drive south to the peaceful coastal settlement of Okarito. Enjoy a hangi (Maori earth oven) meal and beach bonfire. Camp. 2 hours hiking.

Day 2

Kayak (optional extra) into Okarito lagoon to see birdlife, including white herons, godwits, and black swans. Explore channels into kahikatea forest. Wander the remote beach, hike to a viewpoint, or just relax. 4 hours kayaking.

Day 3

Travel south to the awesome Fox Glacier, where the glacier extends into rainforest. Take a guided walk (optional extra) on the glacier among seracs, crevasses, and ice caves. Free time in the afternoon to enjoy the charming Fox Glacier village. 5 hours hiking.

Day 4

Start 3-day hike up Copland Valley through podocarp forest and across swing bridges to Welcome Flat. Stay in hut or camp. Relax weary muscles with a soak in natural hot pools with magnificent views of 3000m peaks within Westland National Park. 7 hours hiking.

Day 5

Rest day, but the keen can explore the alpine valley. Boulder-hop to waterfalls for a refreshing shower and great views of Aoraki/Mt Cook (3754m). 4 hours hiking.

Day 6

Trek back down the Copland Valley, stopping for a swim and lunch by the glacial-fed river. Drive south to Moeraki. Camp at an isolated site and eat fresh salmon baked on a campfire. 6 hours hiking.

Day 7

Drive over Haast Pass to Lake Wanaka for a short hike, lunch and swim. Continue to Queenstown via the Crown Range. 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 TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, Fox Glacier guided walk and sea kayaking on Okarito Lagoon.
• Kitty fund and optional activities must be paid for during the trip.