Best of the West

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Christchurch to Lake Mahinapua

   Your adventure begins with the world-class train journey across the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train (optional). You'll meet early in Christchurch and head to the railway station. On the west side of the Southern Alps, you'll reach the historic gold town of Ross, backed by ranges cloaked in native bush. After a starting photo in the official West Coast Wilderness picture frame, you’ll saddle up for your first ride along the trail.

   On leaving the town you'll cross the Totara River over a railway bridge dating back to 1908 and follow the old tramway through native bush, wetlands, and mill sites to reach Lake Mahinapua. You will be greeted by the welcoming hosts at your first night's accommodation and then you'll join a sunset cruise. Here you will experience the serene beauty of the Mahinapua waterways with the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps.

   A delicious evening meal will later be served by your hosts.
   

   • 17.4 miles
   • Lake Mahinapua Waterway Accommodation
   • Dinner

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     Lake Mahinapua Luxury Cottages

     Hidden away beside the verdant Lake Mahinapua Waterways, the cottages are beautifully furnished with their own bathroom and kitchen facilities

2. Day 2Hokitika to Lake Kaniere

   After breakfast you'll head towards Hokitika and then ride inland through rural country to reach the bush-lined Kaniere water race – always a favourite for its flowing riding and babbling waters. Nestled in the forested foothills, Lake Kaniere is a grand sight indeed. You’ll follow its shores to reach the small township of Kokatahi where you’ll stop for a picnic lunch. Hokitika Gorge is up next.  A short walkway crossing 2 impressive swing bridges offers a chance to see its granite boulders and swirling, surreal turquoise waters from many angles.

   From there, you’ll drive back to Hokitika, a quirky little town known for its arts and crafts, pounamu (greenstone), and glassware. There will be time to explore the small town and take a walk along the dramatic wild beach with its driftwood sculptures and incredible sunsets.
   

   • 27.3 miles
   • Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Discover Hokitika

     Stay and explore this beautiful arty town with the driftwood beach framing the view

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     Beachfront Hotel

     Overlooking the beach, the stunning Beachfront Hotel is located in central Hokitika, with beach combing, shopping, artisan shops and galleries right on the doorstep

3. Day 3Lake Kaniere to Kumara

   Today you'll drive back to Lake Kaniere and continue your ride through the amazing bush trails of this cycleway. Firstly on rural roads and then the dedicated trail that takes you to the coffee stop at Milltown, home of saw-milling in earlier times. The trail crosses a swing bridge and then a kilometre of switchback climbing takes you to the high point and more superb riding. From here it's mainly downhill, as you follow water races, bush tracks and reservoir roads taking in the spectacular views as you gradually descend to your overnight at Kumara and the beautiful historic hotel that is your accommodation.
   

   • 31.1 miles
   • Theatre Royal Hotel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Theatre Royal Hotel

     Your home for the night is the West Coast's only fully restored gold miners' hotel, and once world-renowned theatre. The historic gold rush hotel features six themed ensuite rooms

4. Day 4Kumara to Punakaiki

   Your final day on the Wilderness Trail sees you riding on the old tramway out of Kumara and then north to Greymouth on a combination of riverside and coastal pathways. The views of the Southern Alps back down the coast can be impressive on a clear day. After a café lunch, there’s time for a stroll around the town or an optional visit to the historic Monteith's Brewery.

   In the afternoon you'll drive the stunning coastal highway to explore Paparoa National Park. First, you’ll explore the Pororari River with its dramatic limestone gorge, with a 3.5km walk up to a suspension bridge, returning the same way. Then you'll take a leisurely stroll around Punakaiki’s Dolomite Point, famous for its Pancake Rocks and thundering blow holes.
   

   • 18.6 miles
   • Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Pororari River Gorge

     Take a walk into this lush and verdant terrain

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     Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

     This well appointed 4 star hotel is located right on the beachfront with views of the ocean, Punakaiki Beach and surrounding rainforest and is minutes from the famous pancake rocks

5. Day 5Punakaiki to Cape Foulwind

   After breakfast, you'll head north out of Punakaiki following the trail to the Truman Track, where a short walk takes you through striking sub-tropical forest to reach a rugged beach. You'll then drive along the quiet coastal road with vantage points high above the sandy beaches and wild sea and wind your way inland to the sleepy west coast township of Charleston. Here you'll join an excursion to experience spectacular calcite formations, water-sculpted canyons and one of the world's best glowworm displays. It starts by taking a rainforest train through the Nile River Canyon and then guided by the light of head torches, a walk deep into the cave system. You can explore the vast Te Ananui caves and be awed by the magical array of glowworm galaxies! To join this tour you must be sure footed, be able to walk comfortably for 2 hours and be able to climb 135 steps.

   Back out in daylight, you'll drive to the famous surfing beach at Tauranga Bay for your last walk of the day along the panoramic Cape Foulwind walkway. The easy track takes you high above rocky coastal bluffs to a fur seal breeding colony and along to the Cape Foulwind lighthouse. Your final night is spent out on the Cape, with wonderful ocean views and dramatic sunsets, a fitting finale with your final group dinner and reflection on your West Coast adventure.
   

   • Omau Settlers Lodge, Cape Foulwind
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Cape Foulwind Walkway Views

     Take a walk around this stunning spot on day 5

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     Omau Settlers Lodge

     Perched on a cliff top on the edge of isolated Cape Foulwind, with vast views of the wild Tasman Sea and Paparoa Ranges, the lodge offers comfortable studio units with king sized beds

6. Day 6Kawatiri Trail to Westport, drive to Christchurch via Reefton

   After breakfast, you will leave to test drive the new Kawatiri Cycle Trail from Tauranga Bay to Westport. Some sections are yet to be completed, but follow quiet roads and you'll get to sample the breathtaking route meandering alongside the crashing sea, through native forest and wetland, over suspension bridges and boardwalks. From Tauranga Bay the trail climbs gently for 3km to the lighthouse and then meets the road to continue downhill to Carters Beach, the final 5.5km section takes us off-road again to the Buller River and onto the centre of Westport. Here you'll grab a coffee before leaving the West Coast behind and beginning your journey back to Christchurch.

   Firstly you'll follow the mighty Buller (Kawatiri) River twisting inland through the bush-clad Buller Gorge to Reefton. You'll have time for lunch and to explore this small gold mining town, famous for having the first electrical lighting in the Southern Hemisphere. More recently it's been known for Reefton Distilling Company, producers of some of New Zealand's most awarded gin, and here you'll enjoy a tour and tasting. Onwards you'll cross over the Southern Alps via the Lewis Pass and enjoy the scenic mountainous drive back to arrive in Christchurch in the early evening. 
   

   • 12.4 miles
   • Breakfast