Sector 6: NELSON-GREYMOUTH BREWERY TOURS, WHITEBAIT FRITTERS, WEST COAST HOSPITALITY
After leaving Nelson, we journey through the Hope Saddle and cross the picturesque Buller Gorge to the ‘Wild West Coast’. Today you will become aware of the amazing scenery and warm welcome that the West Coast is famous for. After driving through one of the many National Parks in the region – the Paparoa National Park, take in some fresh air with a stroll on the Truman Track that lets you appreciate the rainforest and amazing coastline up close. During the afternoon we take a stop to visit the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks which are a pretty amazing sight, especially when the sea is in full swing, before we head onto our overnight stop. Tonight in Greymouth we recommend you take part in a tour of the (very kiwi) Monteiths Brewery including an all you can eat BBQ. It’s a great chance to meet some of the interesting locals.
Approximate arrival time in Greymouth is 5.00pm
Sector 7: GREYMOUTH-FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER HIKING, MIRROR LAKES, UNTOUCHED WILDERNESS
This morning we travel further down the West Coast toward Hokitika, famous for its local cuisine and Pounamu / Greenstone. The traces of gold rush that brought thousands to the area in the mid 1800s are still evident in the historic town of Ross, where we stop for a spot of gold panning. During the summer months (October to March) we take a drive into the scenic Okarito lagoon. We arrive in Franz Josef alpine village in time for those who want to partake in a half day glacier hike. If you wish to aim higher, take a heli-hike that will deliver you to the top of the glacier. If you want a bit more of a challenge, allow an extra day and go for the full day glacier hike (there are not too many opportunities in the world to do something like this). If glaciers aren’t your thing, another option here is to go kayaking on a local lake.
Approximate arrival time into Franz Josef in winter is 12.00pm and summer is 1.00pm
Sector 8: FRANZ JOSEF - QUEENSTOWN UNLIMITED ADVENTURE, GREAT NIGHTLIFE, PANORAMIC VIEWS
We have an early start for an action packed day. First up we pass through Fox, another town nestled next to a glacier before stopping off at Lake Matheson. Often called the ‘Mirror Lake’ for those ‘picture postcard’ photos, as the lake reflects the Southern Alps which dominate the skyline. The scenery will change from dense forest to vast plateaus as we enter the Central Otago region. Make sure you have your cameras ready as we visit Lake Hawea and later, Lake Wanaka – a recommended overnight stop. Next up, is a stop at the home of the bungy, the Kawarau Bridge, 42m over the Kawerau River and the world’s first commercial bungy site. We head into Queenstown late afternoon where there are endless activity options, from mild to wild. We have allowed two days in Queenstown (but many people prefer to stay longer) to soak it all up.
Approximate arrival time in Queenstown is 5.30pm
Sector 99: PLEASE NOTE The departure and arrival times listed above are approximate and many different factors can cause these times to alter so please use them as a guide only.
