A 7 day 7-night tour to see two out of the way South Island locations, Molesworth Station and the top of the West Coast.
On this West Coast tour you will enjoy a high country farm visit, the majestic Molesworth, travel through Lewis Pass to the stunning natural attractions of the West Coast. Visit Reefton, Karamea enjoy short walks at the Opara Arches, Pancake Rocks, visit Denniston Mine, & a family owned gold mine tour, Hokitika and Greymouth and enjoy the Tranz Alpine Train journey.
Tour starts and ends in Christchurch
8 am.
Pickup from your accommodation in Christchurch at 8.00am. Today we journey to North Canterbury and the alpine township of Hanmer Springs. We will explore the western side of Molesworth Station and St James Station. See the historic woolshed and blacksmith shop before stopping at Lake Tennyson for a cuppa, enjoy the natural alpine plants growing in this picturesque setting. We will stop at Fowlers Hut, see the rabbit proof fence of old, drive over Island Saddle to the boundary of Rainbow Station. We will have a picnic lunch at Sedgemere Tarn before returning to Hanmer for the night an enjoyable meal out. L.D
Today we will explore the eastern side of Molesworth Station, well known for its cobb buildings. The journey follows the Acheron River to our next stop, the historic Acheron Guest House which will be open for viewing. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the original Molesworth Cob Cottage. Arrive back in Hanmer Springs in time to enjoy the hot pools if you wish or relax before dinner at a local restaurant. BLD
Travel through the scenic Lewis Pass beech forests, on our way west, stopping for lunch in historic Reefton and have a cup of ‘billy’ tea with the Bearded Miners, getting a taste of life in the old days on the coast. Enjoy the scenic drive up the West Coast to Karamea passing through the small towns of Granity, Hector, and Mokihinui all areas well known for coal mining. We stay for 2 nights in Karamea at the Last Resort. B D
Today we visit the Oparara Caves and arches which have been touted as the 8th wonder of the world. Enjoy some of the shorter walks through the limestone caves and giant arches, returning to Karamea there is time to look through the local museum. It is one of the few areas left in NZ where nothing is a problem, and everyone is friendly. BLD
Departing Karamea we travel southwards to Westport stopping off for morning tea in Seddonville. We visit the historic coal mining township of Denniston [600 m above sea level] for a chat with a local and have a bite to eat on top of the plateau at Denniston overlooking the coast. We overnight in motels at Carters Beach and have dinner at a local restaurant with the friendly ambiance of the West Coast tonight. BLD
After breakfast we head to Tauranga Bay for a short walk to view the seals and rugged coastline. Driving further south we visit the family owned Mitchell’s gold mine and see an old stamping mill in working condition and other gold mining relics, this property is 5th generation on from the original settlers-amazing. Leaving the historic gold mining township of Charleston, we travel down the wild coastline to Pancake Rocks to have lunch then a stroll around the Pancake Rocks to view the wonderful blow holes. We have time for a look around Greymouth and or shopping before driving to our accommodation in Hokitika for the night; enjoy a meal out tonight. BD
This morning we stop in at the beautiful Lake Mahinapua, where you can experience the treetop walkway and enjoy breakfast. Time to explore Hokitika CDB, have a bite to eat before boarding your Tranz Alpine Train in Greymouth to enjoy the ride to Christchurch, you will be meet here and transferred to your overnight accommodation and farewell dinner out tonight. BD
Your tour ends after breakfast. B
Thank you both for the organisation behind a very enjoyable & interesting tour. For me it was a trip down memory lane but with many differences & changes from 30 plus years ago! Having local insights from coasters was a bonus as was the beautiful scenery & bird life spotted. The accommodation was very comfortable & the meals delicious at all the local restaurants. Your home baking snacks very tasty too. Our days were full & informative accompanied with much laughter!!
I just returned from a memorable 7-day tour of Molesworth Station and beyond. Geoff, our guide was so knowledgeable about the history, plant, and wildlife, also the magnificent terrain. The scenery was fantastic. Accommodation and meals were excellent, and we were well looked after. I will definitely join another trip with South Island Tours.
The natural beauty of the West Coast was so varied. I really enjoyed the Treetop walk, the Hokitika Gorge and Lake Mahinapua and meeting lovely local people. All the accommodation rooms were very comfortable, and our driver/guide was very knowledgeable.
Thank you for a wonderful and beautiful life experience.
“We have returned home after the tour and wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed it. All the arrangements went very smoothly, and we were treated to some excellent accommodation and meals. The Omau Settlers Lodge at Cape Foulwind stood out and we enjoyed the attention of a wonderful host there. The meal and the setting at the Royal Mail Woodstock Hotel south of Hokitika was a dining highlight. We found that the inclusion of Barry when we visited the Denniston Plateau really added to our understanding and enjoyment of that part of the trip. Not only was he truly knowledgeable he is a great raconteur. Our guide was wonderful and really made sure that we all enjoyed our trip.”
