BUBBLE BUSTER HOSTED TOURS
Best of the West Coast
CHRISTCHURCH - SHANTYTOWN - HOKITIKA (3 nights) - HOKITIKA GORGE - TREETOPS WALK - WETLANDS ECO CRUISE - PUNAKAIKI - WESTPORT - REEFTON - CHRISTCHURCH.
6 days/5 nights. Depart Christchurch Mondays: February 22, May 03, June 14, August 16, November 15.
Day 1. Monday CHRISTCHURCH - HOKITIKA
8.15am Depart Christchurch railway station aboard the "Tranz Alpine" express for one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world across the Canterbury Plains climbing through the foothills of the Southern Alps criss crossing the Waimakariri River on the way to Arthurs Pass for a brief break. Travel through the Otira tunnel and descend into the rainforest of the West Coast. Pass Lake Brunner and the Grey River and arrive Greymouth 1.05pm.
You will be met by your local guide and visit Shantytown. Ride the train (usually diesel hauled now), pan for gold, and recapture something of the atmosphere of the gold rush era. On to Hokitika and catch up on Hokitika in its prime during the gold rush era and even a bit of Luminaries lore.
Three nights accommodation and breakfast at the Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika, overlooking the Tasman Sea.
Day 2. Tuesday. HOKITIKA (B)
This morning we go back to nature at the Hokitika Gorge for a short walk among the breathtaking scenery. Enjoy a leisurely Eco boat cruise on the Lake Mahinapua waterways originally used by pioneers, gold diggers, and early explorer then on to the West Coast Treetop walkway for an exhilirating treetop adventure high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi trees with great views (weather permitting) of Lake Mahinapua, Southern Alps, and Tasman Sea.
Day 3. Wednesday. HOKITIKA (B)
Free time to explore at your leisure and enjoy the rugged West Coast beach in front of your hotel and support the local shops and restaurants. Optional full day tour to the gold fields at Ross, Franz Josef Glacier lookout, and Lake Matheson - extra cost $150 per person.
Day 4. Thursday HOKITIKA - GREYMOUTH - PUNAKAIKI - WESTPORT (BD)
Drive north through Greymouth and the coal mining towns of the area to the amazing Punakaiki Rocks in the Paparoa National Park. Explore the area and continue to the seal colony at Cape Foulwind and into Westport to visit the Coal Museum. Overnight in Westport with dinner included.
Day 5. Friday. WESTPORT - GREYMOUTH - CHRISTCHURCH (B)
Depart for Denniston, site of one of the most famous coal mining areas on the West Coast. The Brakehead 40 minute loop walk will include a viewpoint over the famous Denniston incline, Denniston's first settlement camp, the Banbury drystone arch, and the historic mine workshop site. Continue to Reefton and visit The Bearded Mining Company for a visit to a recreated miners hut and cup of Billy Tea. Watch the Blacksmith and try your hand at gold panning. A short visit to the Reefton Distillery Co with a little tasting. Return to Greymouth to rejoin the "Tranz Alpine" to recross the Southern Alps to Christchurch where arrival is scheduled for 6.05pm.
Tour cost per person: Maximum 10 passengers in tour
2 per room $1,790. Single room $2,100
Tour cost includes:
** Return travel from Christchurch to Greymouth aboard the "Tranz Alpine" train.
** All travel on the West Coast by driver escorted mini or midi bus.
** 4 nights accommodation and breakfast
** Admission fees to: Shantytown, Treetops walk, Waterways cruise, Reefton Distillery.
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CHRISTCHURCH pre and post tour arrangements. Just $350 per person share twin, $540 single room.
Includes: arrival transfer from airport to hotel and hotel to train and departure transfer from train to hotel and hotel to airport plus 2 nights accommodation and breakfast at a central city 4 star hotel.
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