Please kindly recheck the pickup details, meeting point, and session time stated on the voucher for your selected package.
Franz Josef - We start by leaving Franz Josef, or Kā Roimata o Hinehukatere, and head north along State Highway 6 towards our first stop.
Lake Ianthe (5 minutes) - Surrounded by hills and native podocarp forests with a large flax swamp at its southern end, the lake is an important home for endangered wetland species such as the Great Crested Grebe.
Hokitika (1 hour 30 minutes) - This ‘Cool Little Town’ is famous for its rugged black sand and driftwood laden coastline. After a brief photo stop at the beach to take in the surf and views of the Tasman Sea, you have the option to again explore the local shops or join the group on a trip to the Hokitika Gorge.
Hokitika Gorge (1 hour) - Perhaps one of the West Coast’s most iconic and photographed spots, on a fine day, its striking turquoise waters frame a distinct contrast from the mature native podocarp forest that borders it.
Greymouth* (5 minutes) - We make a quick stop in Greymouth at the Information Centre to drop off any guests who chose to add on the TranzAlpine from Greymouth to Christchurch (booked and sold separately).
Cobden Breakwater* (5 minutes) - Located just a short drive away from the centre of Greymouth, Cobden is a beach break with a rock breakwater at its southern end, producing incredible waves that pound right up against the structure.
Otira Gorge Lookout (10 minutes) - Also known as Death's Corner, the Otira Viaduct Lookout is an amazing spot to see the National Park in all its glory. This bridge is the only reason that driving through Arthur’s Pass is possible today.
Arthur’s Pass Village (1 hour) - After a short drive we land in Arthur’s Pass Village. Once we arrive, you can choose to either walk to Devils Punch Bowl, or grab a coffee and spend some time exploring the local shops.
Please note that depending on time, your guide will let you know how long you have and will assist you on the day in regard to the best activity for the weather and time allocated.
Lake Lyndon (5 minutes) - Next up we stop at Lake Lyndon. Nestled at the base of Porters Pass, Lyndon, or Te Hāpua Waikawa, is popular amongst jetboaters, bird watchers, and brave swimmers.
Castle Hill (1 hour) - Castle Hill, or Kura Tāwhiti, is perhaps one of Canterbury’s most distinguishable settings. Famous for its scenery that would later inspire Middle Earth™, nearby Flock Hill, which shares its geology with Castle Hill, went on to become one of the filming locations used for The Chronicles of Narnia. Please note that this is not a guided walk, so you will be left to explore this piece of beauty on your own.
Christchurch – After a long day of exploring, we enter the Canterbury region and head towards Christchurch.
Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks.* These two stops are only made if there are any travellers booked with the Greymouth to Christchurch TranzAlpine train service.
