This September we're excited to host nine global travel sellers on a familiarisation trip through the Unmissable West Coast Icons.
The West Coast is known for its Untamed Natural Wilderness, boasting 6 unmissable icons this famil will take you as far south as Jacksons Bay right up to Karamea in the far north. This 600km iconic road trip is something everyone must experience, showcasing every nook and cranny of the West Coast.
Itinerary
The trip starts in Queenstown, with Hokitika Scenic Tours handling transfers for the whole famil. The group will travel along Haast Pass, stopping at key spots like the Blue Pools Track, Wilson Creek Chasm, Fantail Falls Track, The Gates of Haast, and Thunder Creek Falls Track. There's a detour to The Craypot in Jacksons Bay for lunch. The afternoon features a Waiatoto River Safari, followed by dinner at The Hard Antler in Haast and a night at Heartland Hotel Haast.
Day two begins with a drive to Fox Glacier for the Lake Matheson Walkway. The morning's main event is a helicopter flight over Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, and Mt Cook with The Helicopter Line. After lunch at Snakebite Brewery in Franz Josef, the group will go on an Off-Road Adventure with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours. The day ends with relaxation at the Waiho Hot Tubs before checking into Legacy Te Waonui Hotel and dining at their Canopy Restaurant.
The third day explores the West Coast's natural and cultural spots. A lake cruise of Lake Mapourika with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours starts the day, followed by lunch at the Hokitika Sandwich Company. Next up are The National Kiwi Centre and a walk through Hokitika Gorge. The journey then leads to Greymouth for a step back in time at Shantytown Heritage Park. The group will then visit Lake Brunner Eco Lodge for a site inspection and dinner, with the group splitting for overnight stays at Lake Brunner Eco Lodge and Hotel Lake Brunner.
Day four brings the groups back together for a site inspection of Hotel Lake Brunner before heading to the Mawhera Pounamu Pathway. A shared lunch with local operators in Punakaiki offers a chance for connection. The afternoon includes the Paparoa Experience and a walk along the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Track. The day's journey finishes in Karamea, with dinner at the Little Wanganui Hotel and a night at The Last Resort.
The final full day promises a wilderness immersion. After breakfast at Vinnies Cafe, the group will go on a Guided Honeycomb Hill Cave & Oparara Arch Tour. They will then travel back to Westport for dinner at the Denniston Dog Restaurant & Bar and a night at Bella Vista Motel Westport.
The famil concludes on the final day with time for sauna and bathing at Maruia Hot Springs before heading to Christchurch International Airport for farewells.