BUBBLE BUSTER HOSTED TOURS
Best of the West Coast
CHRISTCHURCH - SHANTYTOWN - HOKITIKA (3 nights) - HOKITIKA GORGE - TREETOPS WALK - LAKE MATHESON - FRANZ JOSEF - PUNAKAIKI - WESTPORT - REEFTON - CHRISTCHURCH.
8 days/7 nights including transfers and 1 night in Christchurch before the tour and 1 night after.
6 days/5 nights commencing Christchurch railway station sunday mornings and ending Christchurch railway station friday afternoon.
THE TRAIN CONNECTION. This tour connects from our GRAND RAIL TOUR departing Auckland mondays for Wellington (3 nights), Picton (1 night), arriving Christchurch friday for 1` extra night connection.
THE FAST TRACK. Depart Auckland thursday by "Northern Explorer" for Wellington 1 night) and ferry and train to Christchurch friday with 1 extra night included.. Extra cost 2 per room $890. Single room $1,190.
6 days/5 nights
Commence Christchurch (Minimum 2 passengers and covid alert level one required)
Saturdays: 2021 November 13, 2022: January 15, March 12,
This tour can commence any saturday in Covid Alert Level One for a minimum of 4 passengers at the same price.
Day 1. Saturday ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH
Arrive Chirstchurch and you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Day 2. Sunday CHRISTCHURCH - HOKITIKA
Passengers on the 8 day tour will be transferred to the railway station.
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), 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 3. Monday. 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 explorers.
Day 4. Tuesday. HOKITIKA - TREETOPS - LAKE MATHESON - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER - HOKITIKA (B)
Our full day tour explores the gold fields of Ross and on to Harihari and Franz Josef Glacier for a lunch break and scenic flight option. Visit the Franz Josef Glacier lookout* and continue to Fox Glacier township. Walk through the forest to beautiful Lake Matheson before returning to Hokitika
We highly recommend a scenic flight by ski plane or helicopter to land on the snows of the Franz or Fox Glaciers - weather permitting and extra expense. Ski plane or helicopter flight (30 mins $249 – no landing) With landing on the glacier 35 mins $359, 45 minutes $499, Grand Circle 55 minutes - the ultimate sightseeing experience $599. prices subject to confirmation.
*Please note: with the reduced walkway length from the car park to the viewpoint the only way to get a decent view of Franz Josef glacier is by helicopter.
Day 5. Wednesday.
Free day to enjoy Hokitika, stroll the beach, explore the town, support the shops, or just relax.
Day 6. Thursday GREYMOUTH - PUNAKAIKI - WESTPORT (BD)
Drive north through Greymouth and the coal mining towns of the area to the amazing Punakaiki Pancake Rocks in the Paparoa Natiuonal Park. Explore the area and continue to the seal colony at Cape Foulwind and into Westport to visit the Coal Museum then on to Westport for the night. Dinner included at a local restaurant.
Day 7. 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. Passengers on the 8 day tour will be transferred back to your hotel. 6 day tour ends on arrival at Christchurch Railway Station.
Day 8. Saturday CHRISTCHURCH DEPART (B)
Passengers on the 8 day tour will be transferred to the airport.
Tour cost per person: (8 day tour)
8 day tour $2,690. Single room $3,290
2 per room $2,390. Single room $2,790
Tour cost includes (8 day tour):
** Arrival and departure transfers and 1 night accommodation and breakfast in Christchurch before and after the West Coast.
** Return travel from Christchurch to Greymouth aboard the "Tranz Alpine" train.
** All travel on the West Coast by driver escorted mini or midi bus.
** 7 nights accommodation and breakfast and 1 dinner in Westport.
** Admission fees to: Shantytown, Treetops walk, Waterways cruise, Reefton Distillery
Programme for tuesday and wdnesday may be interchanged to get the best weather at the glaciers.
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