At a Glance
Experience one of the world’s great train journeys – the TranzAlpine – and the highlights of the New Zealand’s wild West Coast, with this unforgettable 6-day journey from Christchurch to Queenstown.
See the South Island like never before with one of the Great Journeys of New Zealand. Commencing in Christchurch, step aboard the TranzAlpine and travel across the spectacular Southern Alps towards the wild West Coast. Stop off at Arthur’s Pass, the highest most spectacular pass across the Alps, and discover a landscape of two halves. On the eastern side, you will see wide, shingle-filled riverbeds and vast swathes of beech forest. Descend on the western side and you venture through dense rainforest alongside and over deeply gorged rivers. Your local knowledgeable guide will take you hiking to see the highlights.
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Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 2-nights’ accommodation at Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass on a twin share basis.
- 1-nights’ accommodation at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef on a twin share basis.
- 2-nights’ accommodation at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki on a twin share basis.
- Meals: 5 x Breakfast, 6 x Lunch, 5 x Dinner
- TranzAlpine train Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass (Day 1).
- 2 x Guided nature or farm activities at Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass (Day 2).
- 2 x Guided nature activities at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki (Day 5).
- Travel by deluxe minivan.
- Local knowledgeable guide (fully escorted experience).
Itinerary
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Walking information: 6.8km/ | 2-4hrs | Easy: rack is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy. Clearly signposted. Stream and river crossings are bridged. Depart Christchurch aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train. The first leg of your journey takes you across the Canterbury Plains and through the dramatic Waimakariri Gorge to Arthur’s Pass National Park, famous for its high mountains, steep gorges and wide braided rivers. Disembark for a 2-4 hour guided hike through the national park. Follow the old stagecoach route and view the hazardous Otira Gorge, testament to the road builders of the 1860s and the route taken by the Maori in their quest for Pounamu (greenstone). Visit Cave Stream, where it burrows underground in an area of limestone cliffs, gorges and craggy outcrops. This area was used for the filming of CS Lewis’ The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe. Alternatively, visit the captivating Castle Hill rocks, unique weatherworn outcrops that are regarded as sacred by the Maori. You’ll stay the night at Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass, one of New Zealand’s foremost family-owned and operated nature lodges. Settle into your Mountain View Room and later enjoy a table d’hôte style dinner in the Mount Rolleston Restaurant. Make sure to try the ‘Wilderness Lodge Lamb’, top quality Merino-Hampshire cross lamb raised with care on the property. |
Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass, Arthur’s Pass
Lunch, Dinner|
Spend the day exploring Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass and its 4,000 acres of high country. Make the most of complimentary guided nature and farm activities. Let a real sheep farmer introduce you to life on the farm – watch sheepdogs work, handfeed tame sheep, and learn about shearing and Merino wool. Explore the reserves and learn about bizarre ‘moa’ shrubs and enjoy panoramic views. Delve deep into the mossy beech forest surrounding the lodge and search for orchids, watch birdlife and see manuka (tea tree) recolonise the grasslands. Or join a guide to learn the stars of the southern sky. The clean air and lack of light pollution makes for brilliant clear skies. Alternatively, why not venture further afield on a half or full day guided trip (additional cost)? Climb high into the Otira glacial basin and enjoy mountain panoramas, alpine flowers and cascades culminating in picnic below Mount Rolleston. Paddle a gentle mountain lake and enjoy lunch among limestone castles. Or traverse beech forest to open mountain tops high above the Waimakariri River. You can explore with a group or with your own private guide to suit your particular interests and fitness level. In the evening, relax in the lodge and enjoy another delicious restaurant dinner. |
Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass, Arthur’s PassBreakfast, Lunch Dinner |
Follow the rivers towards the West Coast. Make a stop in the ‘Cool Little Town’ of Hokitika, first settled in 1860, after the discovery of gold on the West Coast. Step back in time on the town’s historic walk and learn about gold miners, pounamu hunters and shipwrecks. Call into a local gallery, jeweller or souvenir shop to pick up a memento of your visit. Continue south, passing West Coast forests and further evidence of the last Ice Age in the kettle lakes created by the melting ice sheets. Your journey culminates in the World Heritage-listed Glacier Country, home to the formidable Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. You’ll stay the night at the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier. Settle into your comfortable room and make use of facilities including the Amaia Luxury Spa ahead of a delicious 3-course dinner at the Canopy Restaurant at Te Waonui Forest Retreat. |
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
Spend the day exploring the fabulous Franz Josef and Fox Glacier region. Choose from a range of guided hikes. Walk to the terminal face of a glacier and witness its descent down the mountain into the rainforest, hike the icy surface of a glacier (with an alpine guide), or take an exhilarating helicopter flight over the Southern Alps complete with snow landing on the upper reaches of the glacier (additional cost). A beautiful and tranquil walk can be taken around the edge of Lake Matheson, the mirror lake. On a clear day, breathtaking reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman can be observed in the water’s crystalline surface. Another option is to visit Okarito, where you can meet some ‘coasters’ in a village with a population of 18. Depending on the weather and tides, you may be able to rent a kayak or take a nature boat tour of the lagoon. Your guide is at your disposal to help you explore and enjoy this pristine and ethereally beautiful location. At the end of the day, transfer to Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, your luxury accommodation for the next 2 nights. Settle into your Rainforest Room and make the most of complimentary facilities including satellite WIFI, library, guest laundry and stable kayaks. Later, head into the Riverside Restaurant to savour some great West Coast wilderness cuisine including fresh seafood, local meats and delicious fruit and vegetables. |
Wilderness Lodges Lake Moeraki, Lake MoerakiBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
Spend the day exploring Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki’s lakes, rivers, rainforest and seacoast. Make the most of complimentary guided nature activities. Discover 1000-year-old trees, orchids, and a myriad of ferns. Search for birdlife and learn about the conservation campaigns that saw these rainforests protected in perpetuity as a World Heritage site. Join a trained guide to paddle safe and stable kayaks over the calm waters of Lake Moeraki. After dinner, take a stroll to learn about the stars of the southern sky and see glow worms light up the rainforest. Alternatively, why not venture further afield on a half or full day guided trip (additional cost)? Scramble over volcanic boulders and through rainforest to see penguins and fur seals on the seacoast. Discover rockpools, islands, coastal caves and see the world’s smallest dolphin. Fossick for wave-sculpted driftwood, jade and other gemstones. Hike the majestic floodplain forests then kayak a calm lagoon to the coast. Or cross a swing bridge spanning thunderous rapids to enjoy lunch in a historic hut. You can explore with a group or with your own private guide to suit your particular interests and fitness level. In the evening, relax in the lodge and enjoy another delicious restaurant dinner. |
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, Lake Moeraki Breakfast, Lunch Dinner  |
Say farewell to the wild West Coast and journey south to reach the Haast River Valley. The mighty Haast River gathers its water from a network of creeks and streams flowing and often cascading down the Southern Alps along Haast Pass. Following the Haast Highway, observe how the landscape changes dramatically as the road climbs over the Pass from the dense rainforest of the West Coast to the drier tussock lands of Otago. After the Haast Pass, continue on to Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea, both of which were gouged out by the Wanaka and Hawea Glaciers. Two arms of the glaciers joined at a narrow piece of land called The Neck. From here, it’s just a short drive to reach Wanaka, then Arrowtown, and finally Queenstown, where your guide will bid you farewell. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchAccommodation
More Info
New Zealand’s West Coast is greatly dependent on its exposure to weather systems from the Tasman Sea and the lie of the Southern Alps to the east. Although mean annual rainfall is very high, dry spells do occur, especially in late summer and during winter. Heavy rainfall occurs from the northwest. Summers are mild. Typical summer daytime maximum air temperatures range from 17°C to 22°C and seldom exceed 25°C. Winter days often start with frost. Typical winter daytime maximum air temperatures range from 10°C to 14°C. Northnortheast winds prevail along the coast in Westport and Hokitika while southwesterlies prevail in coastal areas further south. Sea breezes can occur on warm summer days. Make sure to dress appropriately to visit the glaciers.
- Half day and full day guided trips at Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass and Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki.
- Hike on the surface of either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier with an alpine guide.
- Helicopter flight over the Southern Alps complete with snow landing on the upper reaches of either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
