This September, nine global travel sellers were hosted on a familiarisation trip through the Unmissable West Coast Icons.
The West Coast, known for its Untamed Natural Wilderness and six unmissable icons, took the group as far south as Jacksons Bay and right up to Karamea in the far north. This 600km iconic road trip showcased every nook and cranny of the West Coast and proved to be an experience not to be missed.
Itinerary
The trip began in Queenstown, with Hokitika Scenic Tours managing transfers for the entire famil. The group travelled along Haast Pass, stopping at key spots such as the Blue Pools Track, Wilson Creek Chasm, Fantail Falls Track, The Gates of Haast, and Thunder Creek Falls Track. A detour to The Craypot in Jacksons Bay provided a memorable lunch. In the afternoon, they enjoyed a Waiatoto River Safari, followed by dinner at The Hard Antler in Haast and an overnight stay at Heartland Hotel Haast.
Day two started with a drive to Fox Glacier for the Lake Matheson Walkway. The highlight of the morning was 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 embarked on an Off-Road Adventure with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours. The day ended with relaxation at the Waiho Hot Tubs before checking into Legacy Te Waonui Hotel and dining at the Canopy Restaurant.
On the third day, the famil explored the West Coast’s natural and cultural treasures. A lake cruise of Lake Mapourika with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours set the tone for the day, followed by lunch at the Hokitika Sandwich Company. The group then visited The National Kiwi Centre and walked through the Hokitika Gorge. From there, they travelled to Greymouth for a step back in time at Shantytown Heritage Park. Later, a site inspection and dinner at Lake Brunner Eco Lodge wrapped up the day, with the group splitting for overnight stays at Lake Brunner Eco Lodge and Hotel Lake Brunner.
Day four brought 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 created a valuable opportunity for connection. In the afternoon, the famil experienced the Paparoa Experience and walked along the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Track. The journey concluded that evening in Karamea, with dinner at the Little Wanganui Hotel and an overnight stay at The Last Resort.
The final full day offered a true wilderness immersion. After breakfast at Vinnies Cafe, the group embarked on a guided Honeycomb Hill Cave and Oparara Arch Tour. They then travelled back to Westport for dinner at the Denniston Dog Restaurant & Bar, followed by a night at Bella Vista Motel Westport.
The famil concluded on the last day with time for sauna and bathing at Maruia Hot Springs before farewells at Christchurch International Airport.
This famil was experienced by agents from the below accounts:
General Travel - Inbound
Pacific Destinations - Inbound
MTA Travel - Australia
New Zealand Journeys - Inbound
ANZCRO - Australia
Wexas Travel - UK/Europe
Antipodes Travel - UK/Europe
The Green Spot - Inbound
APTC New Zealand - Inbound