At a Glance
Experience the epic, untamed beauty of New Zealand’s Wild West Coast on this luxury, 9-day, self-drive road trip from Wellington to Queenstown. Discover the world’s most accessible glaciers, a UNESCO-world heritage area and some of the country’s best hiking including the Queen Charlotte Track and Abel Tasman National Park.
Departing from Wellington, journey across Cook Strait to Picton to retrace Captain Cook’s explorations on the epic Queen Charlotte Track. Venture on to Nelson and discover the coastal paradise of Abel Tasman National Park. Head south to Maruia River and Hokitika and get your heart pumping white-water rafting Buller Gorge or else exploring tranquil forest trails. Heli-hike the mighty Franz Josef Glacier and get up close and personal with this ever-changing natural wonder. At Lake Moeraki, choose your own adventure: look for ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Meals as listed
- Activities/experiences as listed
- A hire car for duration of the trip
- 8-nights’ accommodation in handpicked, boutique hotels on a twin-share basis
- Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton including lounge access
Itinerary
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Driving Information: N/A 8.45: Depart Wellington for Picton via the Inter-islander ferry. Lounge access included Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand! Departing Wellington from the ferry terminal, set sail across Cook Strait on board the iconic Interislander ferry. Enjoy included Lounge access – comfy seating with free buffet and bar. Upon arrival in Picton, pick up your hire car and check-in to your boutique accommodation, conveniently located on the marina. Explore this quaint seaside town at your leisure. Take a stroll along the bustling Foreshore. Swim or sunbake on Picton Beach. Or, people watch at one of the many charming café, bars and restaurants in London Quay. In the evening, attend a pre-departure meeting for tomorrow’s Queen Charlotte Day Walk (please refer to your booking confirmation for details) and enjoy a delicious evening meal at your hotel. |
Escape to Picton, Picton
Dinner |
Driving Information: Picton to Nelson l Distance 109km/68mi l Time approx 2hours Morning: Departing from the hotel, set out to discover the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track. Start the adventure by water taxi to Ship Cove, a favourite anchorage of Captain James Cook (the first European to define the outline of New Zealand) during his explorations in the 1770s. Take time to appreciate the Captain Cook Memorial and stunning views of the Queen Charlotte Sound before hitting the track proper. The track meanders through stunning beech and podocarp forest dotted with native New Zealand foliage. Keep an eye out for local birds including the King Shag, South Island Robin and South Island Saddleback! In the afternoon, take the coastal road to Nelson, where you will find your boutique accommodation for the evening. |
Warwick Boutique House, NelsonBreakfast, Lunch |
Driving Information: 8:00am: Drive from Warwick House to Kaiteriteri. Set out to explore the most varied section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track from Medlands Beach to Anchorage. Departing from Kaiteriteri, cruise for one hour to Medlands Beach to the starting point of your walk. Follow the well-formed track weaving through groves of fragrant ferns and manuka, pausing to take in astonishing views of the granite coast, long golden-sand beaches, lush gullies of mature forest and tranquil forest pools. Cross the impressive Falls River Swing Bridge (15-20 metres high, depending on the tide) and allow an extra 30 minutes to visit Cleopatra’s Pool: a beautiful rock pool complete with a natural, moss-lined waterslide! In the afternoon, depart from Anchorage back to Kaiteriteri to continue your onward journey to Maruia River. |
Maruia River RetreatBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner. |
Driving Information: Option 1: Buller Gorge Rafting: Option 2: Point Elizabeth Walkway Head south to Greymouth, a historic town with a history of jade hunting, gold mining and dramatic river floods. In the morning, you have the option to venture to Murchison, New Zealand’s white-water capital, to get your rafting fix on the mighty Buller River. With guaranteed water all year round, tackle rapids from grades 2-4 and marvel at the spectacular Buller Gorge, Ariki Falls, Whale Creek and a pink granite canyon. If you would prefer to relax, head straight to Greymouth where you will find cute cafes and restaurants as well as galleries specialising in pounamu (New Zealand jade). The area has a history of gold mining, which can be appreciated at the local museum and nearby Shantytown. Local brewery Monteith’s is something of a New Zealand legend; it runs tours that include a tasting session. In the afternoon, meander along Point Elizabeth Walkway and breathe in the fresh coastal air. The Rapahoe Scenic Reserve is one of the finest remaining tracts of mixed coastal forest in New Zealand, while the Point Elizabeth headland has views south toward Aoraki Mount Cook and inland towards the Paparoa Mountain Range. In the evening, check into your accommodation and feel free to venture into nearby Hokitika to enjoy an evening meal of your choosing. |
Rimu Lodge, Hokitika Breakfast |
Driving Information: Hokitika to Franz Josef | Distance 130km/80mi | Time appox. 1hr 45min Morning: Breakfast at hotel Journey to Glacier Country and get ready to explore New Zealand’s highest mountains and largest glaciers. With a professional guide, set out to experience the transformative face of the Franz Josef Glacier on the Glacier Valley Walk. Following the glacier’s path of retreat, traverse the mighty Waiho River and learn about the glacier’s history and the legend of Ka Romimata o Hinehukatere. Near the terminal face, be rewarded with spectacular views of the rapidly changing terminal face of the glacier. In the evening, return to Franz Josef: relax in your hotel’s private spa pools, and enjoy a delicious 4-course meal at the hotel restaurant. |
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef Breakfast, Dinner |
Driving Information: Franz Josef to Lake Moeraki | Distance 111km/69mi | Time appox. 1.5hrs Morning: Breakfast at hotel Take flight in a helicopter to witness jaw-dropping aerial views of the mighty Franz Josef Glacier and snow-capped Southern Alps before touching down to get up close and personal with this natural wonder. Because the glacier is so fast moving, its features are constantly changing – you might find yourself sliding through a narrow crevasse or between towering walls of ice, crawling through blue tunnels, hanging out in ice caves, or witnessing the glacier calving. After your heli-hike, head back to town to relax and unwind in the Glacier Hot Pools before journeying on to Lake Moeraki, nestled between wet temperate rainforest and the wild Tasman Sea. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant before venturing out on a complimentary Night Sky and & Glow Worm Discovery tour where you will have the opportunity to learn about the stars of the southern sky and see glow worms light up the rainforest. |
Wilderness Lodge Lake MoerakiBreakfast, Dinner |
Driving Information: N/A Morning: Breakfast at hotel Enjoy Guided Nature and Wilderness Activities scheduled daily: daily-guided programme consists of two shorter guided activities (each approx. 1 hour). Activities include rainforest, bird and tree fern walks, freshwater life/giant eel feeding, kayak instruction on the river and lake and night sky Southern Cross/glow-worm walks. Evening: Dinner at hotel Optional Upgrade: Private guided program to explore the best of the Moeraki Valley, which has only been accessible on foot since 1965. Kayak Lake Moeraki or the Tasman Sea. Head down to Monro Beach in search of dolphins and fur seals and enjoy the world’s best views of the gorgeous Tawaki, or Fiordland Penguin. Venture into the rainforest and hike to the historic Blue Hut. Or fish from a kayak or the shore for large brown trout. The choice is yours! In the evening, enjoy another delicious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. |
Wilderness Lodge Lake MoerakiBreakfast, Dinner |
Driving Information: Lake Moeraki to Wanaka via Haast Pass | Distance 173km/107mi | Time appox. 2hrs Morning: Breakfast at hotel Head inland to Haast Pass where you will find the Roaring Billy Falls Walk along with several other impressive waterfalls. Stop for a quick stroll through the forest for some incredible photos. Journey on to Wanaka and the breathtaking lake for which this charming, alpine town is named. In the afternoon, cruise the lake and venture to the remote and magical Mou Waho Island nature reserve, which is predator-free and home to the rare, flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920). A one-hour guided bushwalk takes you to the secret lake on top of the island, where you will enjoy high tea overlooking the Southern Alps. You can even plant a native tree as part of your eco-experience! |
Maple Lodge, WanakaBreakfast, Lunch |
Driving Information: Wanaka to Queenstown | Distance 75km/45mi | Time appox. 1hr 20min Morning: Breakfast at hotel Departing from your hotel, set out to discover the shimmering Diamond Lake and mighty Rocky Mountain. With a local guide, take in awe-inspiring views of Lake Wanaka before ascending the 775m trail to Rocky Mountain summit, which will feel like the top of the world. Enjoy lunch with unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains before heading down a different loop track to the starting point. In the afternoon, journey on to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the Southern Hemisphere. Explore this buzzing town at your leisure and enjoy your final night in boutique accommodation overlooking the majestic Lake Wakatipu. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Hidden Lodge, QueenstownBreakfast, LunchAccommodation
Dates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available. Surcharge applies to festival/holiday season.
More Info
Known as the “Land of the Long White Cloud”, New Zealand’s climate is complex with cool temperate climates in the far south and severe alpine conditions in the mountainous areas. The average annual temperature in the South Island is 10 degrees Celsius, with the warmest months being January or February and the coldest month being July. The mean annual rainfall in New Zealand’s West Coast varies from 2000mm to 10,000mm and is considered one of the wettest regions in the country.
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.
