Introduction:
Hello and welcome to Koru Scenic Tours Packages for 2023~2024.
I’m Alan, your host and guide.
As a former trekking guide, outdoor lover, and keen photographer who wanted to share my abilities and love of the outdoors it seemed a logical idea to combine all three abilities into one package that we could share with like minded people, and our Photography Tours were born
As time progressed, and our Photography Tours packages were developed, it quickly became a showcase of photography for photographers by photographers, but also built in was the ability to provide photography tuition for those keen on photography who’d not done a lot with their cameras.
Subsequently, when reviewing our tours, we realised that the tours were also ideally suited for the general public. Or would be if the emphasis on that photographic niche was down-played or even removed from the packages.
Re-thought, and re-jigged our tours are now optimised as Scenic Tours that anyone can enjoy. Each tour we offer also comes with some excursions built in including a number of short walks and other such activities to further build on the nature of each tour. Additionally, some of our tours now feature optional extra activities that can be purchased as an enhancement to the original tour, but more about that later.
The pace of our tours varies from tour to tour, but are generally a relaxed affair, the highlight of the tour being the journey, not the destination. Which is just as well, as all our tours start and finish in Christchurch, in the South Island of NZ
About:
Our Scenic Tours are optimised as all-inclusive, and exclusive, small group tours with a minimum of two and no more than six guests at a time, although we can take more by prior arrangement. Just you, and your family or a small group of friends.
Each tour is priced to include all the activities, fees, transport, snacks, meals, and accommodation that is required for that tour.
Each Tour starts and finishes in Christchurch City with limited pickup and drop-off at some of the major hotels within the four avenues or from the Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Ave
We wish you every enjoyment as you join us for one of our tours!
Cover Photo: A Family Sunset ~ MarlboroughHalf Day Scenic Tours:
Our Half Day tours are designed for those short on time, or who are just passing through Christchurch on their way to somewhere else, with a few hours to spare.
Half Day Tour Basics:
Tours run only if booked and with a minimum of two people
Allow 4 to 4.5 hours (Up to 5 hours for Lees Valley)
Departure options at 8:00am (7:30am for Lees Valley) and 1:00pm
Half Day Tour Inclusions:
Limited accommodation pickup and drop-off within the Christchurch CBD
All transport for the activity duration
Morning or afternoon tea provided depending on the departure chosen
Water and other beverages provided throughout
Professional, knowledgeable guide
Assistance with photography if desired
Permits where required; Scenic stops
*Please note: On our Lees Valley Tour there are no public toilets on the Lees Valley Rd. We strongly recommend you use the facilities at your accommodation beforehand, or at our Ashley Gorge Reserve stop
Half Day Scenic Tours:
Sumner and Godley Head—From $122.50 per person
Take a tour of Christchurch’s South-East corner with visits to the Christchurch sea-side suburbs of Redcliffs, Sumner, and Taylors Mistake. Then head up to Godley Head to explore the historic gun site and former Word War II fortress, before heading into Lyttelton and then up and over Dyers Pass before returning to Christchurch
Lees Valley—From $132.00 per person
For this tour we venture deep into the heart of North Canterbury, and into the centre of the Southern Alps foothills, to the isolated farming community of Lees Valley. Accessed by a single gravel road that barely clings to the hillside, getting to Lees Valley is an adventure in itself! Longer than our regular tours, but worth it
Porters Pass and Lake Lyndon—From $134.50 per person
Explore the alpine area in the Southern Alps foothills, with a scenic tour to Porters Pass and Lake Lyndon. Higher than Arthur’s Pass on the divide, Porters Pass boasts some spectacular scenery, not least of which is the stunning Lake Lyndon with reflections of the surrounding alpine playground. We return via the Waimakariri Gorge
Half Day Scenic Tours:
Whakaraupo/Lyttelton Harbour—From $119.20 per person
Travel from Christchurch through the Lyttelton tunnel to the historic harbour town of Lyttelton before exploring the coastline of this extinct volcanic caldera now open to the sea. Eventually we stop at the end of the road at Camp Bay before retracing our steps to Christchurch via Gebbies Pass and along the crater rim on the Summit Rd
Dyers Pass to Birdlings Flat—From $119.20 per person
Heading out of Christchurch we climb up the Port Hills via Dyers Pass to the Summit Rd. From there we follow an ancient volcanic crater rim for several kilometres before dropping down Gebbies Pass out to the Canterbury Plains far below. Then its off to Birdlings Flat to admire the pebble strewn ocean beach and nearby ancient volcanic sea-cliffs
Full Day Scenic Tours:
Our Full Day tours are designed for those with a day or so to spare, or who are just passing through Christchurch on their way to somewhere else, and have stopped for a break from their travels.
Full Day Tour Basics:
Tours run only if booked and with a minimum of two people
Allow 11-13 hours depending on the tour
Departures are at 6:00am or 7:00am depending on the tour chosen
Full Day Tour Inclusions:
Limited accommodation pickup and drop-off within the Christchurch CBD
All transport for the activity duration
Morning and afternoon tea provided
Full lunch
Water and other beverages provided throughout
Professional, knowledgeable guide
Assistance with photography if desired
Permits where required; Scenic stops
Some tours have optional extras available for purchase
Full Day Scenic Tours:
Aoraki Mt Cook—From $335.83 per person
Join us on a one-day expedition to visit the mighty Aoraki-Mt Cook National Park Alpine area. We follow SH1 as far as the Rangitata River before turning inland via Geraldine for our first stop before arriving at Lake Tekapo in time for morning Tea. From here we traverse the MacKenzie Basin as far as Lake Pukaki before arriving in the Aoraki Mt Cook Village. While here, we explore one or two of the short walks accessible from the village, enjoy a great lunch with fantastic views of this alpine wonderland before exploring more of the local area. If time permits we also visit the Tasman Glacier view points. All good things must come to an end though, and all too soon we depart for Christchurch, however there are still a few amazing sights to be had on the return trip.
Kaikoura—From $301.00 per person
Navigating our way North out of Christchurch City we soon pick up SH 1 which we will follow for the majority of our trip to Kaikoura. Naturally we detour here and there along the way - it wouldn’t be one of our tours if we didn’t deviate at least once - before arriving in Kaikoura in time for lunch. After lunch we explore the coastline north of Kaikoura, with the road sandwiched between snow-clad mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Along the way we stop at some of the roadside rest areas with their myriad views out over the ocean, and we can even watch seals and their pups (in season) playing or just sleeping, on the rocks right below our feet!
All too soon of course, we begin our return journey to Christchurch, with more stops along the way...
Full Day Scenic Tours: Akaroa Harbour—From $268.33 per person
We call it our Akaroa Harbour Tour, but its more like a (Half-of) Banks Peninsula Tour. Our journey to Akaroa is fraught with rarely travelled roads and infrequently visited bays and inlets. Out route takes us on a twisting turning path around the Northern edges of Banks Peninsula before arriving in Akaroa in time for lunch.
After lunch we explore the road out to the Akaroa Heads Lighthouse perched high up on top of massive sea-cliffs (OPTIONAL: Purchase a two hour Akaroa Harbour Cruise with our friends at Black Cat Cruises instead). Post lighthouse (or cruise) we explore the Western side of Akaroa Harbour before making our way over Hilltop and through Little River as we return to Christchurch. Along the way, a quick stop at Barry’s Bay Cheese is a must.
Arthur’s Pass—From $287.92 per person
Join us on an adventure to Arthur’s Pass deep in the heart of the South Island and the crossing point between East Coast and West Coast. Heading west from Christchurch we begin by climbing over Porters Pass before heading past the semi-alpine lakes of Lyndon and Moana Rua before picking up and following the Waimakariri River as far as Klondyke Corner. Form there we head into Arthurs Pass and lunch, and a walk up to the Devils Punchbowl waterfalls.
After lunch we head across the pass itself and down the other side to investigate the Otira Viaduct area, before beginning the long drive back to Christchurch. As normal on our tours though, we always save something to look at on the way home; in this case the Waimakariri Gorge among others.
Full Day Scenic Tours: Lakes and Gorges—From $310.83 per person
On this tour we take you along the base of the Southern Alps foothills visiting a series of mountain enclosed lakes, and deep river gorges. We begin by making our way South-West from Christchurch into the Ashburton Lakes area and the beautiful Lake Heron. From there we visit the remaining Ashburton Lakes before we work our way round the base of Mt Hutt to explore the Rakaia Gorge, and enjoy a picnic lunch. After a full on picnic lunch, we head for Lake Coleridge, and then Lake Lyndon at the foot of Porters Pass (via the fair-weather road - weather permitting!) before hopping across Porters Pass itself, to visit our next destination, the Waimakariri Gorge.
Inevitably we return to Christchurch, this time via the Waimakariri River Regional Park
Two Days Scenic Tours:
Our Overnight tours are designed to cover two full days, and are for those who want a little more than can be squeezed into a single day.
Two Days Tour Basics:
Tours run only if booked and with a minimum of two people
Overnight with accommodation
Most departures are around 8:00am on day one.
Return between 5:00pm-7:00pm the following day
Two Days Tour Inclusions:
Limited accommodation pickup and drop-off within the Christchurch CBD
All transport for the activity duration
Morning and afternoon tea provided each day
1 x Breakfast/ 2 x Full lunch each day
1 x Dinner with a glass of wine or beer
1 x night accommodation (Twin Share or Double)
Water and other beverages provided throughout
Professional, knowledgeable guide
Assistance with photography if desired
Permits where required; Scenic stops
Some tours have optional extras available for purchase
Two Days Scenic Tours:
Akaroa Plus—From $805.00 per person
Day 1:
Departing Christchurch, we venture through the Lyttelton tunnel into the township of Lyttelton before setting off on an exploration of harbour starting with the Sumner Road harbour lookout. Following the road back through Lyttelton we head towards the head of the harbour following the coastline via numerous coastal settlements, all with their own tales, before ending up at Purau Bay where leave the harbour and begin our exploration of the Northern edges of Banks Peninsula with a picnic lunch along the way before arriving in Akaroa, and checking into our accommodation,. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the town, relax on the beachside or indulge in some shopping, all before dinner
Day 2:
After a leisurely breakfast you have the option (Purchased separately) to join a nature cruise of Akaroa Harbour, or join us again as we head south along Lighthouse Rd to the Akaroa Head Scenic Reserve for stunning ocean-cliff-top views of the Akaroa Harbour Heads. Once back in Akaroa, we uplift those that went on the nature cruise before enjoying a filling lunch, and then heading out to explore the Southern side of Banks Peninsula, but not before a quick stop at Barry’s Bay Cheese! Yum. Working our way round through Wainui we now explore the bays of Te Oka and Tumbledown for a spot of bird watching and peaceful solitude. Eventually we pop out at Little River on SH75, before heading back to Christchurch via Lake Ellesmere-Te Waihora
Optional Extra:
2 hour Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise with our friends at Black Cat Cruises Akaroa. Prices are $95 pp for adults. Family, and child passes available. To take advantage of this offer, please purchase via our website when booking your tour. Not just a scenic tour of the harbour, but a great opportunity to see the endangered Hectors Dolphins, the worlds smallest and rarest oceanic dolphin, and New Zealand Fur Seals up close.
Two Days Scenic Tours:
Aoraki-Mt Cook Plus—From $871.00 per person
Day 1:
Departing Christchurch we make our way south to Rangitata via SH 1, before turning inland and stopping at the town of Geraldine for morning tea. Venturing further west we make a number of scenic stops including the famous Dog Kennel Corner where we can get our first glimpse of the spectacular Southern Alps far across the Mackenzie Basin. Arriving in Lake Tekapo in time for lunch, we also spend a relaxed hour or so exploring the local scenery before moving on to Aoraki-Mt Cook via the spectacular Lake Pukaki and Pete’s Lookout. Once checked in to our accommodation its time to explore the local area including a number of easy walking tracks with incredible views which ever way you turn, before returning to the hotel . After dinner there might be a chance to try astrophotography.
Day 2:
After a leisurely breakfast, and depending on the weather, we have the optional extra of a helicopter flight the length of the Tasman Glacier including a glacier landing, along with further exploration of the local area before departing and heading for the township of Twizel, and onto Omarama for lunch. Again weather permitting, we may try for a quick stop at Lake Pukaki visitor centre to see if the lake is calm enough for reflections. After lunch we head down the Waitaki Valley towards the coast and past the hydro dams of Lake Aviemore and Lake Waitaki for some amazing reflections across the lakes in the right conditions. Further down the river we emerge via Waimate onto SH 1 just south of Timaru, before heading back to Christchurch, arriving there late afternoon.
Optional Extra:
Scenic Helicopter Flight: Aoraki Mt Cook Paradise with our friends at Heliworks Mt Cook. Prices are $465.00 pp. To take advantage of this offer please book via our website when booking your tour. This 45 min Mt Cook scenic helicopter flight takes in the highlights of the magnificent scenery of the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Includes a Tasman Glacier landing. This popular scenic flight will show you the highlights of the National Park and it’s many spectacular features. View hanging glaciers, blue ice and deep crevasses. Usually requires a minimum of 3 people for us to have exclusive use of the helicopter.
Two Days Scenic Tours: Arthur’s Pass Plus—From $818.50 per person
Day 1:
Heading West out of Christchurch via the town of Darfield we make multiple stops the way including Five Brothers Corner for Alpine views before popping over Porters Pass to arrive at the scenic Lake Lyndon for morning tea. Carrying on further up the road, we head directly for and through Arthur's Pass settlement, over the top, and down the other side to the historic Stagecoach Hotel in the hamlet of Otira for lunch. Back tracking, we visit the Otira Viaduct Lookout among other sights before arriving in Arthur's Pass settlement, for afternoon tea and exploration of some of the local walking tracks and sights such as The Devils Punchbowl waterfall track, before retiring for the night.
Day 2:
After a leisurely breakfast, we leave Arthurs Pass for Bealey, stopping first at Klondyke Corner to admire the Upper Waimakariri River with its mountainous watershed, and clear, cold waters, before heading to, and walking up the Bealey Spur as far as the bush line , for incredible panoramic views across the Upper Waimakariri River catchment area. Superb views and plenty of "wow" factor. This track is moderately steep, so sturdy footwear and a moderate level of fitness are a must. We now work our way back towards Porters Pass with stops at Lake Pearson, and the Cave Stream Scenic Reserve before popping over Porters Pass and out via the Waimakariri Gorge, before we make our way to the Waimakariri River Regional Park for a last stop before returning to Christchurch City
Two Days Scenic Tours:
Kaikoura Plus—From $843.50 per person
Day 1:
Heading north out of Christchurch we follow SH 1 north while ocassionally dipping out to the coast as we explore a number of side roads that lead down to the coast, before arriving in Kaikoura for lunch. After lunch we continue on up the Kaikoura Coastline to Ohau Point from where we can admire the seals playing or resting on the rocks while we enjoy afternoon tea. Keep an eye for trains too - in the right conditions, if you're patient, and looking the right way, the trains can add a subtle touch to the landscape. Returning to Kaikoura township, we set up for the evening in our accommodation, and depending on the time of day and the weather we can either prep for dinner or head to the beach with cameras and tripods in hand ready for the sunset across the bay, with dinner later.
Day 2:
An early start for those of you that want to be able to photograph the sunrise as it appears to rise out of the sea. Make sure you're looking over your left shoulder though, because the rising sun can turn the mountainsides spectacular colours. Especially in winter, when there is snow on the tops. There is also the opportunity to participate in an optional whale watch tour. Leaving Kaikoura after lunch, we take the Inland Kaikoura Rd thru to Hanmer Springs in time for an optional swim before working our way back out to SH 1. If time permits we can stop at one or more of the vineyards that line SH 1 through the Waipara Valley. If you're a wine connoisseur then this is for you, before we arrive back in Christchurch early evening
Optional Extra:
1. Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour by boat. Priced from $150.00 (adult) and $65.00 (child) To take advantage of this offer please purchase via our website when booking your tour. Whale Watch is New Zealand's only vessel based whale watching company offering an exciting up-close encounter with the worlds largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment
2. Swim at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools. Priced from $35.00 (adult) and $20.00 (child). To take advantage of this offer please book via our website when booking your tour. Soak away the stresses of the day with a relaxing hour or so in these fantastic hot-pools and ease away those aches and pains in the hot soothing waters.
Two Days Scenic Tours:
Lewis Pass-Hanmer Springs—From $868.83 per person
Day 1:
Departing Christchurch early morning, we head north on SH 1 before deviating onto SH 7 at Waipara, just north of the township of Amberley. Venturing as far north as the famous Marui Falls, we eventually stop for lunch. After lunch we slowly make our way back to Hanmer Springs, while enjoying the scenery and making numerous stops for the fresh mountain air, including stops up on the Rahu Saddle (a slight deviation involved!), Lewis Pass itself, and numerous other locations along the way. Eventually arriving in Hanmer Springs late afternoon, we check into our accommodation and explore the township. There is an optional visit to the famous Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools before dinner.
Day 2:
After a leisurely breakfast, we continue our theme of scenic opportunities as we slowly work our way back towards the scenic, and “long way round” to Christchurch. Our route today takes us into a little visited area of North Canterbury with a detour through picturesque Leslie Hills and Emu Plain, through the settlement of Waiau before side-stepping Solomons Throne via Leader Road East, to pop out on SH 1 at Parnassus. We stop for lunch at one of the many Waipara Valley vineyards (Wine connoisseur alert!). After lunch we visit a number of picturesque beach and the Waimakariri River Regional Park before eventually arriving back at our starting point in Christchurch
Optional Extra:
Swim at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools. Priced from $35.00 (adult) and $20.00 (child). To take advantage of this offer please book via our website when booking your tour. Soak away the stresses of the day with a relaxing hour or so in these fantastic hot-pools and ease away those aches and pains in the hot soothing waters.
Three-Days Scenic Tours:
Our Three-Days tours are designed to cover three full days, and are for those who want to explore further afield, but still in a compact package
Three-Days Tour Basics:
Tours run only if booked and with a minimum of two people
2 x nights with accommodation
Most departures are around 8:00am on day one
Return between 5:00pm-7:00pm on day 3
Three-Days Tour Inclusions:
Limited accommodation pickup and drop-off within the Christchurch CBD
All transport for the activity duration
Morning and afternoon tea provided each day
2 x Breakfasts / 3 x Full Lunches
2 x Dinners with a glass of wine or beer
2 x nights accommodation (Twin Share or Double)
Water and other beverages provided throughout
Professional, knowledgeable guide
Assistance with photography if desired
Permits where required; Scenic stops
Some tours have optional extras available for purchase
Three
Days Scenic Tours: Central Otago Gold—From $1236.40 per person
Join us for a loop around Central Otago, and the heart of the late 19th and early 20th century gold mining activities in the South Island.
Day 1:
Today we depart Christchurch early and make our way south and then in-land at Rangitata to travel through the picturesque towns of Geraldine and Fairlie before arriving at Omarama in time for lunch. After lunch we head for Wanaka via the always scenic Lindis Pass. Arriving in Wanaka, we explore the shorelines and local areas before settling in for the night.
Day 2:
Today we head for Queenstown via the amazing Crown Range, and the quaint township of Arrowtown. Arriving in Queenstown in time for lunch we explore the area taking in some of the many sights including the famous Devil's Staircase, just a short drive down the side of Lake Wakatipu. Backtracking, we then make our way to Cromwell via the Gibbston Valley, and ever spectacular Kawarau Gorge. After exploring the area around Cromwell, we then head for the town of Alexandra and our accommodation for the night.
Day 3:
Departing Alexandra, we head for the settlement of Saint Bathans, and explore the area around the manmade Blue Lake, before arriving in nearby Naseby for morning tea. Then we tackle the spectacular Danseys Pass. through to Duntroon for lunch. Alternatively, if Danseys Pass is closed due to seasonal and weather conditions, we carry on down to Palmerston, and then North to Oamaru for lunch. In either case, after lunch we work our way north via the towns of Timaru, and Ashburton before arriving back in Christchurch late afternoon
Three-Days Scenic Tours: MacKenzie Magic—From $1462.25 per person
Join us on a three day expedition into the MacKenzie Basin in the heart of the South Island, based out of the spectacular lakeside township of Lake Tekapo
Day 1:
Depart Christchurch early in the morning and start tracking towards the quaint land-locked town of Geraldine where we stop for morning tea. Resuming our journey we soon arrive in Fairlie before approaching and surmounting Burkes Pass. Arriving in Tekapo in time for lunch, we now explore the Tekapo area including Lake Alexandrina, a short drive up the road, before returning to the township for our night's accommodation.
Day 2:
Departing Lake Tekapo we head for the spectacular alpine-village that is Aoraki-Mt Cook. Set deep in the heart of the national park that carries the same name, the village has spectacular views of the surrounding ranges, including, the summit of them all, Aoraki-Mt Cook himself. On this day we lunch at the famous Hermitage Hotel, and further explore and enjoy the area before returning to Lake Tekapo in time for dinner
Day 3:
This day sees us departing for the area around Lake Ohau, and the Lindis Pass before heading out to the coast via Omarama, where we stop for lunch, and the Waitaki Valley with its Hydro dams. The lakes created by the dams are a spectacle in their own right, and well worth photographing, especially in the right weather conditions! We join SH 1 just north of Waimate for the remainder of our journey back to Christchurch, arriving late afternoon
Three-Days Scenic Tours: Milford Sound Special—From $1702.75 per person
Enjoy the spectacular delights of Milford Sound deep in the Fiordland National Park in this 3-Day epic expedition.
Day1:
Christchurch to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo and the Lindis Pass. Lots of amazing scenic stops on our way south, including the incomparable Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd, before stopping in Mt Cook for lunch. After lunch our route takes us over the Lindis and down through the Central Otago towns of Tarras, and Cromwell before we pass through the spectacular Kawarau Gorge, and all before we arrive in Queenstown, our base for the next two nights.
Day2:
A big day! We start out early for Milford Sound via the spectacular Devils Staircase alongside Lake Wakatipu, and on down to Te Anau, for the run alongside Lake Te Anau before heading into the mighty Eglinton Valley and eventually arrive in Milford Sound via the Upper Hollyford Valley, Homer Tunnel, and more. Enjoy lunch with a cruise on, Milford Sound before we start back to Queenstown for our 2nd night's stopover. The journey back is a little more laid back as we take the time to enjoy some of the sights we overlooked on our run in
Day3:
Exiting Queenstown after a leisurely start, we return to Christchurch via the Lindis Pass before detouring down the Waitaki Valley and enjoying the splendours of the hydro dams of Lake Aviemore and Waitaki. We re-join SH 1 just north of Waimate for the remainder of our journey back to Christchurch, but not before stopping in the scenic Caroline Bay in Timaru for a late lunch.
Three-Days Scenic Tours: Nelson Lakes—From $1450.20 per person
Join us on a three day adventure into the Nelson Lakes area. A playground for nature lovers
Day 1:
We head north from Christchurch taking in the Kaikoura Coastline, and the scenic Wairau Valley before arriving in the picturesque hamlet of St Arnaud at the foot of Lake Rotoiti where we set up for the night in the heart of the Nelson Lakes National Park. Did you know there is a Lake Rotoiti in the North Island too? For those that wish to there may be chance for astrophotography, and getting up early could capture the sunrise as it comes up over the lake before breakfast
Day 2:
Today we work our way westwards taking in Lake Rotoroa, the township of Murchison (lunch), O'Sullivans bridge where we turn in a southerly direction and join SH 65, before arriving at the picturesque Maruia falls. Continuing the trend of heading south, we take in numerous other scenic and photogenic sites before arriving at our destination for the night at the famed Maruia Hot Springs. Note: Price includes Sauna and Bathing. If you wish to take a private bath this an additional cost per person.
Day 3:
After a leisurely start we slowly work our way south over the Lewis Pass and towards the Waipara Valley where we eventually rejoin SH 1. If time and opportunity permits we visit some of the Waipara vineyards and may get to sample their wines and enjoy some fine dining for lunch before resuming our journey back to Christchurch. A last few stops at a picturesque beach, and at the Waimakariri Riverbank Park sees us firmly back in Christchurch by late afternoon
Three-Days Scenic Tours: West Coast Sampler—From $1450.25
Join us on a three day expedition to the Hokitika and Greymouth areas of the West Coast. On this trip, we go as far south as the Hokitika Gorge, and as far north as the famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.
Day 1:
Depart Christchurch for Hokitika via Arthurs Pass, the Otira Viaduct, and Kumara Junction before arriving in Hokitika in time for lunch. Naturally, there are multiple stops along the way to enjoy the scenery! After lunch we explore the area further including a trip inland and south to visit the ever spectacular Hokitika Gorge before returning to Hokitika and our accommodation for the night
Day 2:
This morning we head north towards Greymouth and the Punakaiki Pancake rocks beyond. No hurry today, and we take our time and enjoy the scenery even going as far north as Fox River for amazing scenic views before returning to Punakaiki for a leisurely exploration of the famous Pancake rocks and enjoy lunch at one of the cafes in the area. After lunch we work our way back to Greymouth exploring some of the side roads along the way, before checking into our accommodation for the evening, and enjoying a leisurely stroll around Greymouth
Day 3:
Departing Greymouth after a leisurely breakfast, we work our way north-east alongside the Grey River. Leaving the river behind us at Ikamatua, we head into the historic town of Reefton in time for morning tea. From there its over the Rahu Saddle and Lewis Pass in time for lunch, and an optional swim at Hanmer Springs. After lunch, we head to back Christchurch via the Waipara Valley vineyards
Optional Extra:
Swim at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools. Priced from $35.00 (adult) and $20.00 (child). To take advantage of this offer please book via our website when booking your tour. Soak away the stresses of the day with a relaxing hour or so in these fantastic hot-pools and ease away those aches and pains in the hot soothing waters.
Multi-Day Scenic Tours:
Our Multi-Day tours are designed to cover anything from five to seven spectacular days, and are for those who want to explore further afield, with time to spare
Multi-Day Tour Basics:
Tours run only if booked with limited departures available. minimum of two people
Between 4 and 6 nights (5 to 7 days) with accommodation depending on the tour
Most departures are around 8:00am on day one
Return between 5:00pm-7:00pm on the last day
Multi-Day Tour Inclusions:
Limited accommodation pickup and drop-off within the Christchurch CBD
All transport for the activity duration
Morning and afternoon tea provided each day
All Breakfasts except day one / A Full Lunch each day
All Dinners with a glass of wine or beer except for the last day
All overnight accommodation suited to the length of the tour. (Twin Share or Double)
Water and other beverages provided throughout
Professional, knowledgeable guide
Assistance with photography if desired
Permits where required; Scenic stops
Some tours have optional extras available for purchase
