OUR NEW ZEALAND MULTI ACTIVITY TOURS  

Explore 'The Coast' from a multitude of perspectives on this captivating tour designed for those who appreciate a mix of activity and diversity

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Discover the beauty of this region through a range of shorter walks ranging from 20 minutes to 5 hours. First, we’ll explore the beautiful Wanaka area, then uncover the best spots along the West Coast, followed by some time in the Alpine Arthur’s Pass region.

But this tour isn't just about walking – we'll also enjoy unique experiences on water. A water taxi will take us to a unique island in Lake Wanaka where we can explore nature truly off the beaten track and have the rare opportunity to take a dip in a lake on an island in a lake on an island. A one-of-a-kind Jet Boat Tour will take us on an adventure filled with local stories and breathtaking scenery. Don't be misled by the thrill-seeking jet boat tours you may have heard of - this tour is all about nature and history. Additionally, we'll embark on a guided Kayak & Walk Tour on the beautiful Lake Mapourika, where we will learn about Kiwi conservation, surround ourselves with native bird life and experience the pristine wilderness of a remote part of the West Coast.

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Day 1: Queenstown to Wanaka – Mou Waho Island Boat Trip and Walk

We meet in Queenstown around 9:45 to 10:30 am and enjoy a beautiful drive to Wanaka over the picturesque Crown Range Road, the country's highest main road.

Our first Special highlight awaits us at Lake Wanaka. We embark on a scenic one-hour water taxi ride to the remote and stunning Mou Waho Island on Lake Wanaka and admire its rugged coastline, hidden beaches, diverse birdlife, and a unique and enchanting lake nestled atop the island in the lake. We’ll hear intriguing tales of the area's history and geology from our skipper on the way. Upon arrival at the island's small jetty, you'll have 1.5+ hours to immerse yourself in its natural beauty. Take a leisurely hike to discover the hidden lake, formed by ancient glacial activity. You can take a refreshing dip here and/or venture further to the peak for breathtaking vistas of lakes and majestic mountains before we get picked up again for our return journey.

Walking Time: around 1 hour (self-guided walk)

Accommodation: Wanaka – Guest House

Meals: D

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Day 2: Mount Aspiring National Park – Rob Roy Glacier Walk

We drive for about 1 hour on an unsealed road into the Matukituki Valley near Wanaka to the starting point of the Rob Roy Glacier Track that takes us into a dramatic alpine landscape including snowfields, glaciers, sheer rock cliffs and waterfalls. After crossing a swing bridge, the track climbs through a small gorge into beech forest, then into alpine vegetation at the head of the valley, with great views of the Rob Roy Glacier. Chances are high that we will encounter the playful and inquisitive Kea mountain parrots here – lots of wonderful photo opportunities today, that’s for sure!
Walking Time: around 3 to 4 hours

Accommodation: Wanaka – Guest House

Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 3: Haast Pass Walks and Jet Boat Safari

We leave the Wanaka region and head to one of the most fascinating and remote parts of the West Coast. We get there via Haast Pass, another great drive. The 140km section of highway is a spectacular and scenic road linking Wanaka and Haast. We take our time on several shorter walks to enjoy views of the changing landscapes from golden tussock-covered hills to steep mountains cloaked in lush rainforest. Once we reach Haast, rather than staying on the main highway, we turn off towards the remote Jackson Bay to dive deep into The Coast. Here we go on a Jet Boat Safari (~2.5 h) up the Waiatoto River - one of the best Jet Boat trips in New Zealand (in our opinion). This tour is not a 'thrill ride' but is full of adventure and local stories, in one of the most picturesque areas you can imagine.
And of course, we will not miss out on driving to the southernmost terminus of the West Coast's roads in the small fishing village of Jackson Bay. The settlement contains about 30 dwellings but few permanent residents – a wonderful place to learn about life on the wild West Coast.
Walking Time: different walks between 20 to 45 mins each

Accommodation: Haast – Motel

Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 4: The Best Short West Coast Walks

From Haast we head up The Coast and stop at all the best short walks we know of, and there are some good ones! At Ship Creek we immerse ourselves in lush, shaded forest and experience one of the best examples of swamp forest, featuring stunning specimens of New Zealand’s tallest tree, the Kahikatea. Another option here is a Dune Lake Walk where we can take in spectacular views of the coastline. Near Lake Moeraki we’ll walk through beautiful native bush to the remote Monro Beach, a breeding area of Fiordland Crested Penguins.
Walking Time: different walks between 20 mins to 1.5 hours each

Accommodation: Fox Glacier– Guest House

Meals: B, L, D, S

 

Day 5: Kayak & Walk Tour Lake Mapourika and Walk at Okarito Lagoon or Rainforest Walk near Fox

We start early today for another very special adventure. On a guided Kayak & Walk Tour (~ 4h) at Lake Mapourika we will learn about Kiwi conservation, spot native birdlife and experience the pristine wilderness of the West Coast in a truly unique and remote part of the West Coast.
In the afternoon we have the option to go for a walk at the lovely Okarito Lagoon, up to a trig for fabulous views, or to just enjoy the beach. Or we can drive back to Fox and go on a nearby beautiful rainforest walk.

Walking Time: around 1.5 hours each

Accommodation: Fox Glacier – Guest House

Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 6: Lake Matheson, Treetop Walk and Arthur's Pass

Another early start today, this time to nearby Lake Matheson, known as one of the most picturesque mirror lakes in the world. Early on a calm day the lake is usually so still that we can fully enjoy the truly stunning reflections of New Zealand's highest peaks – Aoraki / Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
As we drive up The Coast we take the time for another special experience – a Treetop Walk. Experience a very different perspective on a leisurely stroll through the beautiful West Coast rainforest canopy including ancient Rimu and Kamahi trees.

Then we enjoy another very scenic drive, up to Arthur’s Pass, where we stay the night. If there is sufficient time, we will go on a first walk in the national park to get a feel for our stunning alpine surroundings. We enjoy a two-course meal in a restaurant near our accommodation tonight. 

Walking Time: around 1 to 1.5 hours each

Accommodation: Arthur's Pass - Motel

Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 7: Arthur’s Pass Walk and drive to Christchurch 

Of the many walk options in Arthur's Pass National Park we have chosen the fabulous half-day walk at Bealey Spur as today's walk. It is more gradual than most of the alpine tracks around Arthur’s Pass village and climbs gently up the spur, through mountain-beech forest. The track leads up to a historic musterers’ hut and offers wonderful views in fine weather. Higher up, the track takes us through tussock grasslands and subalpine scrub and passes near several picturesque tarns (small mountain lakes). We can enjoy expansive views of the Waimakariri River valley and surrounding mountains.

Then it’s time to head down to Christchurch, where we arrive around 5:30pm and have to bid farewell.

Walking Time: around 3 to 5 hours

Meals: B, L, S

B-Breakfast  L-Lunch  D-Dinner  S-Snack

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Grading of this tour: Grade 2 (Easy)

Tracks are mostly well-formed, some sections may be rough, muddy or steep. Most walks are fairly flat, with some altitude differences of up to 300m. Average walking time is about 2-3 hours, with walks ranging from 20 minutes to around 5 hours. This tour can easily be managed with a reasonable level of fitness.
No prior experience is necessary for the kayaking.

You can find more info here: Our Hiking Track Grading System Explained