Historic West Coast

Experience New Zealand's wild West Coast

From $963* per person twin share
From $1079* single person price

*One night, travel 17 December 2021 - 15 April 2022. Enquire today for other travel dates

Family package rates available - please enquire for pricing. 

Your adventure begins aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine, departing Christchurch in the early morning. Over the next four hours, you'll enjoy an astonishing journey, meandering through intimate river valleys and beneath soaring mountain peaks, as you wind your way from coast to coast.

After crossing the Southern Alps, your destination is New Zealand's West Coast. Here you will discover an untamed world of rugged geological architecture. A land sculpted by the harsh meteorological conditions pounded over millions of years.

Day 1: Morning

Climbing aboard the TranzAlpine in the early morning, you'll enjoy Morning Tea while watching a boundless patchwork of fields and paddocks pass by your window. This is the vast Canterbury Plains, punctuated in the west by the looming Torlesse mountains that push the TranzAlpine north into the Waimakariri River valley. Skirting around the steep banks of the ice-blue river, the TranzAlpine dives in and out of tunnels and across breathtaking viaducts before carving through narrow mountain passes as it ascends into the Alps.

Squealing through tight turns and heaving up steep gradients, the TranzAlpine spills out on to the high plains of Cragieburn, surrounded by magnificent peaks and glistening mountain lakes. Step outside and breathe in the mountain atmosphere from the TranzAlpine's Open-air Viewing carriage. This is the sensational climax of your TranzAlpine journey.

After easing into Arthur's Pass for a short pause, you'll then descend into the 8.5km Otira Tunnel. Emerging from the darkness on the far side of the Main Divide, you'll witness firsthand the effect the damper West Coast climate has on the scenery. Winding through river valleys with imposing bush-clad hills rising above, you can settle back and enjoy your TranzAlpine Lunch while watching a luscious green world pass by. On the final stretch, you'll pass the immaculate Lake Brunner and peaceful Lake Poerua before joining the Grey River.

On arrival in Greymouth in the early afternoon, your tour host will meet you and take you for your afternoon adventure.

Day 1: Afternoon

Setting off from the Greymouth train station, you'll head out along the world-famous Coast Road, rated one of the top ten coastal drives in the world. You'll get to explore the enigmatic Punakaiki Blow Holes and Pancake Rocks. One of the wonders of the world, this geological marvel was forged by raging seas, violent winds and tectonic upheaval over millions of years.

Following your trip to Punakaiki you'll be returned to your accommodation to settle in for the evening.

Day 2: Morning

Fuel up for the day with breakfast at your accommodation before setting off on another West Coat adventure where you'll have the opportunity to strike it rich on our Shantytown Heritage Park Tour with Gold Panning.

Shantytown Heritage Park is a village constructed and opened in the early 1970s of 30 re-created historic buildings, born out of the desire of the Greymouth community to preserve the West Coast Gold Mining history. Over the years they have gifted a collection of thousands of artefacts. Shantytown has lots to offer including a Stream Train ride, Gold panning, Chinatown, short walks and also King Dick’s café to enjoy a lovely lunch or snack why you explore the history.

At Shantytown you'll enjoy living history in a recreated gold-rush village. Real experiences, real stories and a warm welcome awaits you…

Your tour will then end back at the Greymouth train station in time for the departure of the TranzAlpine.

Day 2: Afternoon

You will then spend the afternoon enjoying Afternoon Tea aboard our world-famous TranzAlpine while returning to Christchurch.

Accommodation

You can choose your accommodation from the following options when booking this package.

Coleraine Suites and Apartments: 4 Star

Coleraine Suites & Apartments is located in Greymouth just off State Highway 6 and provides quality and comfortable accommodation on the West Coast.

In addition to the range of facilities you might expect in a stylish establishment you’ll also get multi-channel television and free Wi-Fi. All rooms offer exquisite chattels, SKY Guest Select 50+ television channels, DVDs, and spacious, comfortable beds.

Room type: Standard Studio

Bella Vista Greymouth: 3 Star

Located in close proximity to the town centre for shopping, entertainment and other activities.

Bella Vista Motel provides modern accommodation with basic cooking facilities. All rooms are quiet and include heating, electric blankets and satellite TV.

Guests enjoy unlimited free WiFi.

Room type: Queen/King Studio

Room upgrades are available at a surcharge (subject to availability). During times of high demand, if the advertised package hotel is not available, a substitution of a similar standard hotel may be made to complete the package. A surcharge may apply.

Add a hotel in Christchurch

Extend your holiday by adding one these great Christchurch hotels before or after your Taste of the West Coast break

Add activities in Christchurch 

Make the most of your time in Christchurch by adding these optional activities before or after your Taste of the West Coast package