South Island Tours NZ - Molesworth & Upper West Coast Tour
65 Willowside Place
A 7 day 7-night tour to see two out of the way South Island locations.
Molesworth Station and the top of the West Coast. On this West Coast tour you will enjoy a high country farm visit, the majestic Molesworth, travel through Lewis Pass to the stunning natural attractions of the West Coast. Visit Reefton, Karamea enjoy short walks at the Opara Arches, Pancake Rocks, visit Denniston Mine, & a family owned gold mine tour, Hokitika and Greymouth and enjoy the Tranz Alpine Train journey.
Tour starts and ends in Christchurch
8 am.
Information correct as at: 09 September 2023
Additional Information
Pickup from your accommodation in Christchurch at 8.00am. Today we journey to North Canterbury and the alpine township of Hanmer Springs. We will explore the western side of Molesworth Station and St James Station. See the historic woolshed and blacksmith shop before stopping at Lake Tennyson for a cuppa, enjoy the natural alpine plants growing in this picturesque setting. We will stop at Fowlers Hut, see the rabbit proof fence of old, drive over Island Saddle to the boundary of Rainbow Station. We will have a picnic lunch at Sedgemere Tarn before returning to Hanmer for the night an enjoyable meal out. L.D
Today we will explore the eastern side of Molesworth Station, well known for its cobb buildings. The journey follows the Acheron River to our next stop, the historic Acheron Guest House which will be open for viewing. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the original Molesworth Cob Cottage. Arrive back in Hanmer Springs in time to enjoy the hot pools if you wish or relax before dinner at a local restaurant. BLD
Today we visit the Oparara Caves and arches which have been touted as the 8th wonder of the world. Enjoy some of the shorter walks through the limestone caves and giant arches, returning to Karamea there is time to look through the local museum. It is one of the few areas left in NZ where nothing is a problem, and everyone is friendly. BLD
Departing Karamea we travel southwards to Westport stopping off for morning tea in Seddonville. We visit the historic coal mining township of Denniston [600 m above sea level] for a chat with a local and have a bite to eat on top of the plateau at Denniston overlooking the coast. We overnight in motels at Carters Beach and have dinner at a local restaurant with the friendly ambiance of the West Coast tonight. BLD
After breakfast we head to Tauranga Bay for a short walk to view the seals and rugged coastline. Driving further south we visit the family owned Mitchell’s gold mine and see an old stamping mill in working condition and other gold mining relics, this property is 5th generation on from the original settlers-amazing. Leaving the historic gold mining township of Charleston, we travel down the wild coastline to Pancake Rocks to have lunch then a stroll around the Pancake Rocks to view the wonderful blow holes. We have time for a look around Greymouth and or shopping before driving to our accommodation in Hokitika for the night; enjoy a meal out tonight. BD
Your tour ends after breakfast. B
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Pricing Information
$3375 pp twin/share, $3955 single room occupancy