Nine IBO (Inbound Tour Operators) are set to explore New Zealand's South Westland region this July.
The famil begins with a TranzAlpine Scenic Plus train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth. The group will tour Monteith's Brewery and visit Shantytown Heritage Park for gold panning. They will inspect Awatuna Sunset Lodge and dine at the Woodstock Hotel, staying overnight at Beachfront Hotel Hokitika.
The next day, the group splits. One half will take a Precision Helicopters flight over six glaciers, while the other walks to Hokitika Gorge. They will then switch activities before having lunch at Hokitika Sandwich Company. The group then travels south to inspect Ross Beach TOP10 Holiday Park and Wilder in Franz Josef. They will dine and stay two nights at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel.
Day three in Franz Josef includes a scenic cruise and nature walk on Lake Mapourika with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours, followed by an Off-Roading Adventure. Lunch will be at Snakebite Brewery. The group will then get a VIP Backstage Pass at the West Coast Wildlife Centre. They will relax at Waiho Hot Tubs before dinner at Blue Ice Restaurant & Bar.
The group will take a Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike. Lunch will be at Matheson Cafe, followed by a walk on the Lake Matheson Walkway and a visit to the Fox Glacier Viewpoint - Te Kopikopiko O Te Waka. They will inspect Heartland Hotel Glacier Country, host a networking hour and dinner with local tourism operators at Betsey Jane Eatery & Bar, and stay overnight at Te Weheka Hotel Fox Glacier.
The final day features a guided kayaking tour on the Okarito Lagoon with Okarito Kayaks. The group will then experience the West Coast Treetop Walk & Zipline combo. The famil concludes with farewells and a flight from Hokitika to Christchurch.