Precision Helicopters – New Flock Hill Tour Package
Discover the Wild Heart of New Zealand: A Glacier and Alpine Adventure
This new tour will have you embarking on an unforgettable adventure from Flock Hill Station, delving into the rugged wilderness of New Zealand's South Island. Start with a scenic flight along the Rakaia River to the Ramsay Glacier, before landing on the Lyall Glacier. Continue your aerial tour over the untamed West Coast, marvelling at six glaciers and discovering historic sites, keep an eye out for wildlife, such as the Himalayan Tahr.
As you fly, your experienced pilot will share captivating stories about the region's rich history. Before returning, experience a snow landing with 360-degree views of snow-covered mountains and the rugged West Coast Sea.
Six Glacier’s included in the tour: Wilkinson Glacier, Ramsay Glacier, Dainty Glacier, Lornty Glacier, Leeb Glacier, County Glacier + many more. Landing locations include Mt Beaumont & Lyall Lake.
Location: 535 Whitcome Valley Road, Hokitika, West Coast, NZ
Contact: Lilly Newton
Email: sales@precisionhelicopters.com
Phone: 0800 246 359
Website: precisionhelitours.com
Glacier Valley Eco Tours
Glacier Valley Eco Tours are thrilled to announce they’re officially open for the season! After a successful winter hiatus, they are ready to welcome adventure seekers back to the breathtaking Glacier Country region.
Their guided tours offer an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. With knowledgeable guides, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the unique ecosystem and geological wonders of this region.
We’re also proud to announce that Glacier Valley Eco Tours have been recognised for their commitment to providing exceptional tours and customer service by winning TripAdvisor’s ‘Best of the Best’ Award 2024! A huge congratulations to Tash and Cliff!
Location: 20 Main Road, Franz Josef, West Coast (inside The Helicopter Line Building)
Contact: Tash and Cliff Goodwin
Email: info@glaciervalley.co.nz
Phone: +64 (21) 880 458
Website: glaciervalley.co.nz
Greymouth i-SITE and Explore West Coast
As spring approaches, there are exciting developments happening here at the Greymouth i-SITE and with Explore West Coast. The big news is that the iconic TranzAlpine train service is returning to a seven-day-a-week schedule starting from September 20th. This means daily opportunities for visitors to experience one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, connecting Christchurch and Greymouth. This enhanced schedule will make it easier for both locals and tourists to explore the stunning landscapes of the West Coast.
Alongside the TranzAlpine, InterCity and GreatSights coaches are also increasing their services, with routes returning to pre-pandemic levels. We’re proud to be the bus stop for these services, ensuring that travelers have seamless connections from the train and buses right here in Greymouth.
In addition to these transport updates, we at Explore West Coast are thrilled to announce our new Arthur's Pass to Moana/Lake Brunner tour. This tour offers a unique experience, picking up passengers directly from the TranzAlpine train and taking them on an adventure through the stunning Arthur's Pass. Visitors will be treated to some of the area's rich history and breathtaking highlights, including the beautiful Lake Brunner in Moana. It’s the perfect way to extend your West Coast adventure beyond Greymouth and dive deeper into the natural wonders of this region.
Location: 164 Mackay Street, Greymouth, West Coast, NZ
Contact: Kelly Ashworth
Email: kelly@westcoasttravel.co.nz
Phone: +64 (21) 2964 871
Website: westcoasttravel.co.nz
Website: explorewestcoast.co.nz
Kawatiri Pounamu Pathway
The Museum of Kawatiri offers an immersive experience that brings the rich heritage of the Buller District to life. This unique attraction invites visitors to explore the themes of Triumph and Treasure, celebrating the “taonga” of the earth - pounamu, coal, and gold - and the courage and innovation of the people who have shaped this extraordinary place, from the earliest Māori settlers to the modern day.
Start your journey in Buller, where the most northern Pounamu Pathway site is housed in the refurbished Museum of Kawatiri, formerly known as Coaltown Museum, located on Westport’s main street. Through state-of-the-art audio-visual displays created by the world-renowned Wētā Workshop, visitors can delve into the captivating stories of gold, coal, and pounamu. There are also ancient stone tools unearthed from a Māori settlement near Carters Beach, dating back to 1330. These artefacts, including obsidian and argillite tools and adzes crafted from Arahura pounamu, offer a glimpse into the lives of the early settlers.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, an adventurer, or someone seeking to connect with the cultural treasures of New Zealand, the Museum of Kawatiri is a must-visit destination. Unearth the incredible story of Kawatiri, where the past, present, and future converge in an unforgettable celebration of human endeavour and natural treasures.
Location: 123 Palmerston St, Westport, West Coast, NZ
Email: info@kawatirimuseum.co.nz
Phone: +64 (03) 789 6658
Website: pounamupathway.com/kawaitiri
Waiho Hot Tubs
New wellness option – discover the benefits of locally-sourced Manuka Hydrosol.
Waiho Hot Tubs is excited to announce a new addition to enhance your fresh water hot tub experience! You can now add Blackfern Botanicals Mānuka hydrosol, a locally grown and distilled product that adds a soothing and aromatic touch to your private Waiho Hot Tub Experience.
Blackfern Botanicals’ sustainably sourced Mānuka hydrosol is crafted by Rory Hill, just down the road from Franz Josef Glacier at The Forks. During the quiet days of the Covid lockdowns, Rory took the opportunity to tap into the abundant Mānuka resource on his property, leading to the creation of Blackfern Botanicals. His hydrosol is a byproduct of the steam distillation process used to produce Mānuka essential oil, offering the same healing properties with a gentler touch.
For those interested in natural wellness, the subtle, sweet, and earthy aroma of Blackfern’s Mānuka hydrosol is the perfect complement to our existing options of NZ distilled Rose and Lavender hydrosols.
Check out the full range of Blackfern Botanicals products at www.blackfern.co.nz and consider adding a touch of natural luxury to your next soak at Waiho Hot Tubs!
Location: 64 Cron Street, Franz Josef, West Coast, NZ
Contact: Adam
Email: soak@waihohottubs.co.nz
Phone: +64 (27) 752 1234
Website: waihohottubs.co.nz
West Coast Treetop Walk & Zipline has a New Manager
We're excited to announce that Ashley Cassin has joined the West Coast Treetop Walk & Zipline team as the new Manager!
Ashley brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked in the tourism industry in Franz Josef as the Glacier Country Tourism Group Chair and Business Manager at the Glacier Hot Pools. He is also currently the Deputy Mayor for the Westland District.
Ashley is passionate about the tourism industry and is looking forward to working with local businesses and travel trade to promote the West Coast Treetop Walk & Zipline as a must-visit activity.
A leisurely 45-minute to one hour stroll through the beautiful West Coast rainforest treetops. One of the top things to do in Hokitika, only 15 minute’s drive south of the town centre. An exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants, experience life with the birds, high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. There are two ways to enjoy the activity:
Treetop Walkway Adventure: Easy access for all to enjoy along a steel platform 20 metres high and over 450 metres long. Climb to the top of Hokitika Tower 45 metres above the forest floor.
Tower Zipline & Walkway Combo: It begins from the platform 45m or 15 storeys above the ground into the sky. Followed by a 425m long 40 seconds 60km/hr flight within the Rimu rainforest canopy before landing opposite the Cafe/Visitor Centre.
Please use the below contact details if you have any questions in regards to trade.
Location: 1128 Woodstock-Rimu Road Hokitika, West Coast, NZ
Contact: Ashley Cassin
Email: sitemanager@treetopsnz.com
Phone: +64 (3) 755 5032
Website: treetopsnz.com
