Hiking Tour

Start:	Nelson Visitor Centre, Cnr Halifax St. & Trafalgar St., 8:00am
Finish:	Greymouth 12:30pm (approx.)
Length:	5 days
Grade:	D (River crossings, some uneven terrain)
Price:	NZ$750
Extra Costs:	$30/day kitty
Departs:	Mondays

Please click on the map to enlarge it

Highlights: Your New Zealand bush walking tour on the west coast is packed full of highlights including a hike through beech forest, past limestone sinkholes and across tussock-covered mountain slopes in Kahurangi National Park. Watch the antics of New Zealand fur seal pups at a breeding colony. Hike through lush rainforest in a limestone canyon, wade across crystal clear rivers, and explore glowworm caves in Paparoa National Park.

Day 1: Begin with a drive to Flora Saddle, where we have lunch and pack gear. Start two day hike through beech forest on a pack track down the Flora Stream then up to tussock-covered tablelands of Kahurangi National Park. Stay overnight in a natural rock shelter. Introduction night. 4 hours hiking.

Day 2: Up early to explore sinkholes. Hike up over Gordon's Pyramid (1501m), past limestone karst to Mount Arthur (1795m). Return to Flora Saddle and drive to a character cottage overlooking the Buller Gorge. Enjoy a home cooked meal made from locally grown organic produce. 7 hours hiking.

Day 3: Visit a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals (once almost hunted to extinction), then head south to Paparoa National Park and begin two day hike up 'Rivendell' canyon to the Ballroom Overhang to camp with elves. 4 hours hiking.

Day 4: Hike up a side canyon with a refreshing swim to see glow-worms. Explore caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Hike back down river, then to overnight accommodation in Punakaiki. Check out the unusual Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. 6 hours hiking.

Day 5: Coastal walks, then drive south to Greymouth where you are dropped off at your choice of accommodation or town centre/railway station. 2 hours hiking.

Alternative Options: This safari can be combined with the TranzAlpine Train to finish in Christchurch on Day 5. We can book the train for you for from NZ$161. The train departs Greymouth at 1:45pm.

This safari is the first few days of the West Coast Wilderness. If you would like a longer tour then please go to the West Coast Wilderness page.

Click here for the detailed trip dossier

HIKING NEW ZEALAND
Postal Address: PO Box 93,Lyttelton 8841, New Zealand.
Phone: + 64 3 384 3706; Fax: + 64 3 3766 483
Free Phone New Zealand: 0800 697 232;
Free Phone Australia: 1800 141 242
Email: info@NZhike.com