New Zealand Walking Tour:
West Coast Trail
Where
Christchurch to Christchurch
Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Fitness
Frm $2195
Book now for next summer
Please enquire for a date for your group
- Start Date Status
- Thurs 19 Nov 26FULL
- Mon 19 Jan 26Last 4 places
- Fri 27 Feb 26
Low Season $2195
November, December, January, April
High Season $2395
February, March
Do you have another date in mind?
We can build a tour especially for your group, please enquire for details.
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This 4-day walking adventure is perfect for hikers who love variety. From alpine vistas in Arthur’s Pass to lush rainforest, wild coastline and tranquil river valleys, you’ll explore some of the South Island’s most stunning short and mid-length day walks.
Designed for all walking levels, this East to West journey includes trails through two National Parks and offers a rich, up-close experience of the landscapes that make the West Coast unforgettable.
Add on some cycling! This tour can be followed by the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail for a multi day walk and cycle experience. See available dates.
Tour Itinerary
Frm $2195
Day 1 Christchurch to Arthurs Pass
Distance:
Varied distance walked (max 7km)
Accommodation: Arthurs Pass - Modern Motel
Your journey begins at 8am in Christchurch, heading west along the spectacular Great Alpine Highway.
First stop: the striking limestone landscapes of Castle Hill. This sacred Māori site, once part of ancient pounamu trading routes, offers a short walk among its surreal rock formations.
Next, it’s on to Arthur’s Pass. Visit the DOC Visitor Centre, take a historic village stroll, then stretch your legs on the stunning Punchbowl Falls track—worth the climb for the views!
The afternoon is yours to relax, before a local dinner and a comfy bed at your accommodation.
MEALS INCLUDED: L D
Day 2 Arthurs Pass to Greymouth
Distance:
Varied walks (max 10km)
Accommodation: Lodge / Hotel - Greymouth
Fuel up with breakfast, then set out on the Bealey Track, following the river up to the base of Mt Rolleston. It’s a scenic walk with a picnic lunch and alpine views to match.
Next up is the Dobson Nature Walk—an easy stroll through colourful alpine vegetation, tussocks and wetlands, framed by sweeping mountain and valley vistas.
Heading further west, over the engineering marvel that is the Otira Viaduct, you’ll explore goldmining relics on the Goldsborough Track near Kumara. Try your luck at gold panning before discovering hand-dug miners’ tunnels on the Tunnel Loop Walk.
Round off the day with a warm welcome and a relaxed evening at your West Coast accommodation.
MEALS INCLUDED: B L D
Day 3 Greymouth to Punakaiki
Distance:
Varied walks (max 10km)
Accommodation: Punakaiki - Beachfront hotel
Today offers a range of walking options—your guide will chat through the choices, depending on the weather (and how your legs are feeling!).
One we won’t miss is a visit to the iconic Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki. These layered limestone stacks are spectacular anytime, but at high tide the sea puts on a real show.
Another must-do is the beautiful Truman Track through coastal rainforest to a clifftop lookout with sweeping views the length of the coastline.
This evening, enjoy a relaxed group dinner and raise a glass to your final night on the coast.
MEALS INCLUDED: B L D
Day 4 Punakaiki to Christchurch
Distance:
Varied walks (max 11km)
After breakfast, your final walk takes you along the beautiful Pororari River Track. Wander through lush West Coast rainforest and dramatic limestone canyons, surrounded by towering rātā, tree ferns, and coastal broadleaf forest.
By midday, your walking adventure wraps up in Greymouth—where again you have choices:
- Hop on the TranzAlpine – one of the world’s great train journeys (additional cost), with epic views across the Southern Alps.
- Ride with us back to Christchurch – via the scenic inland route (no extra cost).
- Keep the adventure going – car hire is available in Greymouth if you want to discover more of the South Island at your own pace, or perhaps consider joining our West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail tour to explore further (by bike this time).
MEALS INCLUDED: B L
Gallery
What’s Included
Accommodation
Each night you will stay in comfortable hotel, motel or bed and breakfast accommodation.
Rooms are double (one queen or king bed) or twin (2 separate beds). If you have a preference for a twin room, please let us know when you make your booking. All rooms have their own ensuite bathroom.
If you are a single traveller, you can nominate to share a room with another single of the same gender or pay an additional single supplement to secure a private room for the duration of the tour.
The single room supplement for this tour is $545
An experienced guide
Our guides are very experienced, friendly walkers and bikers who love to share their knowledge of New Zealand’s flora and fauna and local history. They all hold current first aid certificates, passenger driving licences and are the very best people to ensure your experience will be one to remember.
Food
You will enjoy great local cuisine; continental breakfasts and hearty packed lunches during the day, and restaurant meals in the evenings. If you have any dietary issues or food allergies, we are happy to cater for these, please advise the office of details when you make your booking. Alcohol is not included in the tour cost, but is available for purchase most nights.
Safety and Risk Management
To ensure maximum safety for all, our guides are certified first aiders and fully qualified drivers. Tuatara Tours operate under a Safety and Risk Management Plan which is regularly audited and approved by a qualified and independent auditor.
Luggage & Transfers
Tuatara Tours transports all your luggage for the duration of the tour.
Tour Kit Bag Exclusive to Tuatara Tours
To ensure you get the very best out of your journey with the least of fuss, we provide you with a bag of useful goodies.
This will be given to you at the start of your tour.
All transport
Access and Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
NZ Goods and Service Tax (GST)
Testimonials
We would recommend. Great for all ages
Sue B
This tour met my exercise, tramping needs and with the help of guide John it was pleasurable, informative and fun
Helen W
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