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Day 2: Māwhera Pounamu Pathway Immersive Experience, West Coast Wilderness Trail Cycling Adventure
South Island · Rail Journey

West Coast Wilderness Trail Cycling Adventure

  • 8 days, 7 nights
  • Starts and ends in Christchurch
  • Hotel 3 star

Overview

Please be advised that certain aspects of this tour may operate on specific days of the week during the winter months. 8 days through the South Island, starting and finishing in Christchurch. Along the way: Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Māwhera Pounamu Pathway Immersive Experience, TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth Scenic Plus. Every night is booked and the travelling is handled, so the itinerary below is what you actually do rather than a list of things you could arrange yourself.

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 4 included activities
  • 8 meals included
  • 1 optional add-on

Trip highlights

Included in your price

  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens
  • Māwhera Pounamu Pathway Immersive Experience
  • TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth Scenic Plus
  • Pre-Tour Night
  • Go to Whoa: The Full West Coast Wilderness Trail with Kiwi Journeys
  • Hokitika to Hokitika

Extras (optional)

Not in your price. Add any of these and we re-quote, or leave them and decide once you are here.

  • Christchurch Triple Pass - Tram, Punting and Gondola

What is included

7 nights of accommodation, staying in hotel 3 star
7 nights of accommodation, booked and confirmed before you travel
Scenic rail sectors with seats reserved
4 included activities and entries along the way
A detailed day by day itinerary with every booking reference
Support from a New Zealand based specialist while you travel

This itinerary can be customised: extra nights, different rooms, more activities or a different vehicle. Tell us what you would change.

Where you will go

Overnight stops, in route orderVisited, not overnight3 overnight stops across 8 days. Select a stop to jump to that day.

Day by day itinerary

Your journey:ChristchurchGreymouthHokitikaChristchurch

Christchurchview on Google Maps

Located just 15 minutes from the city centre, Christchurch’s 75-acre Botanic Gardens boast the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants in New Zealand. This impressive collection creates a tranquil oasis, with spring daffodils, stunning summer roses and herbaceous borders, vibrant autumn foliage, and cozy conservatories to warm up in during winter. There’s something to enjoy in every season. The New Zealand Garden also offers a unique glimpse into the country’s wilderness, providing a peaceful escape throughout the year.

Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

Welcome to Christchurch City

New Zealand’s garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it is known for its wide tree lined avenues and lush gardens. A great way to explore the city or easy way to see the sights or ride the historic trams across town to the renowned botanic gardens and the unique cardboard Transitional Cathedral, that’s right it is built of cardboard!

Christchurch Triple Pass - Tram, Punting and GondolaOptional

Experience three of Christchurch’s iconic attractions in one day: the Christchurch Tram, Christchurch Gondola, and Punting on the Avon River. The historic tram is a delightful way to explore the evolving inner city, taking in the various sights with the hop-on hop-off pass and learning about the city from the live commentary. You’ll also enjoy a bird’s eye view of Christchurch and the Canterbury region including the distant peaks of the Southern Alps when you ride the gondola cableway to the top of the Port Hills in Heathcote Valley. Punting on the Avon River takes you through the city’s green belt: a relaxing way to explore what is affectionately known as the 'Garden City'.

ChristchurchTourism New Zealand
Included this dayScenic Hotel Cotswold

The Scenic Hotel Cotswold is just a few minutes walk to boutique shopping at Merivale and Hagley Park. The distinctive architecture of the Scenic Hotel Cotswold reflects Christchurch’s image as the most English of cities outside of England.

Greymouthview on Google Maps

Māwhera Pā in Greymouth is the first location along the Pounamu Pathway touring route to open. This self-guided experience is a historical and creative exploration of the Poutini Ngāi Tahu and the Māwhera Pā settlement people, retold by their ancestors. The exhibition will lead you through six different narratives, each tale including a large-scale masterpiece, artistically crafted by Weta Workshop to cultivate an immersive journey of visuals and sound.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth Scenic Plus

's Scenic Plus carriage provides comfort and vast panoramic views, making our TranzAlpine scenic train journey the perfect way to explore coast-to-coast through the 'Great Divide' and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand’s South Island. Scenic Plus offers an all-inclusive experience on the unique TranzAlpine scenic rail journey to invigorate all the senses! Feast your eyes on epic scenery while you savour regionally inspired cuisine paired with sumptuous wine and beer all from the comfort of your luxurious seat, a hosted dining experience like no other. Quite simply, we have done everything we can to ensure you feel at peace as you sink back in your seat and soak up the scenery.

Shared Transfer from Christchurch CBD Accommodation to Christchurch Train Station with Christchurch Touring Company

You will be met by a driver at your Christchurch Accommodation and transferred to the railway station.

Included this dayCopthorne Hotel GreymouthBreakfast and lunch

The hotel offers some of the most comfortable and well-equipped rooms in Greymouth. Settle into a slower pace of life and explore the South Island from the Copthorne Hotel Greymouth.

Greymouthview on Google Maps

Begin your 4-day cycling adventure today with a safety debrief and bike fitting from Kiwi Journeys in Hokitika before your experience begins tomorrow.

Go to Whoa: The Full West Coast Wilderness Trail with Kiwi Journeys

The West Coast Wilderness Tour will take you along one of the country’s smoothest, most accessible and most popular cycle trails. Journey through ancient rainforests and wetlands, along historic bridges and down icy cold Glacial rivers. On the West Coast, you are likely to experience all weather events, making this an unforgettable cycling journey along New Zealand’s Wilderness Trail. Perfect for cyclists of all abilities, this grade 2-3 trail offers a relaxed and adventurous experience, but does require a baseline level of comfort on a bike. Not sure if it’s the right fit? Reach out to your travel specialist for some great alternatives!

Included this dayTeichelmanns Bed and Breakfast or similarBreakfast

Set in Hokitika’s historic heart, Teichelmann’s Bed & Breakfast offers quality accommodation on New Zealand’s West Coast. The beautifully restored heritage building is set in the very location of Eleanor Catton’s 'The Luminaries'.

Hokitikaview on Google Maps

Head off from Hokitika by bike, cruising south past the golf course and into the enchanting Kohaihai Forest. This serene, ancient woodland, filled with towering kahikatea and totara trees, offers a peaceful ride over boardwalks and through wetlands, following the historic Mahinapua Tramline. You’ll soak in the natural beauty and rich industrial past. A short ride on a sealed road leads you to the Treetops Walkway. Pause your cycle to wander among the canopies, enjoying vibrant birdlife and sweeping views of Lake Mahinapua. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing lunch amidst nature. Afterward, cycle back through the forest to your comfortable Hokitika accommodation for a peaceful evening. Total distance - 28km

Included this dayWest Coast Scenic Waterways or similarBreakfast and dinner

Experience tranquility at West Coast Scenic Waterways Accommodation, set along the serene wetlands of Hokitika. Enjoy cozy, eco-friendly stays with stunning water views and easy access to kayaking, birdwatching, and nature walks. Perfect for unwinding and connecting with the beauty of New Zealand’s wild West Coast.

Hokitikaview on Google Maps

Begin your day by shuttling to the stunning Hokitika Gorge, where vivid turquoise waters meet dramatic rock formations. After taking in this incredible sight, head to Lake Kaniere for a relaxed lunch and photos amidst the scenic bays. Then, enjoy a mostly downhill bike ride through native bush, tracing the historic Kaniere Water Race, hand-dug in 1875 and a testament to gold mining ingenuity. The Kaniere Tram Road leads you back to Hokitika, where you can explore local shops, or enjoy afternoon tea. Finish your cycle at your Hokitika accommodation, reflecting on a day of breathtaking scenery and rich history. Total distance - 29km

Hokitikaview on Google Maps

After a good breakfast, Kiwi Journeys shuttle you to Canoe Cove to begin your ride. Your ride starts with a gentle ascent up the Arahura Valley, famous for its stunning river and rich history of greenstone (Pounamu) harvesting. Follow the gravel road to Milltown, where the real adventure begins. Today includes a short climb to 300 metres at the Kawhaka Pass for panoramic views, followed by a long, exhilarating descent into Kumara. The Southern Alps will be a stunning backdrop for your photos. As you near Kumara, a smooth boardwalk and bush trail will guide you into town. The ride will provide you with incredible views of the Southern Alps and along a smooth sweeping boardwalk and bush trail so be sure to take your camera. Total distance - 47km

Included this dayTheatre Royal Hotel or similarBreakfast

Within the town of Kumara, one of New Zealand’s last gold rushes, the Theatre Royal Hotel was built in 1876 and is steeped in historic charm. The hotel was renovated and reopened in 2012 with a grand celebration where townspeople dressed up and old vehicles paraded the streets.

Christchurchview on Google Maps

On arrival at the Christchurch railway station, you will be met by a driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch Scenic Plus

's Scenic Plus carriage provides comfort and vast panoramic views, making our TranzAlpine scenic train journey the perfect way to explore coast-to-coast through the 'Great Divide' and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand’s South Island. Scenic Plus offers an all-inclusive experience on the unique TranzAlpine scenic rail journey to invigorate all the senses! Feast your eyes on epic scenery while you savour regionally inspired cuisine paired with sumptuous wine and beer all from the comfort of your luxurious seat, a hosted dining experience like no other. Quite simply, we have done everything we can to ensure you feel at peace as you sink back in your seat and soak up the scenery.

Kumara to Greymouth

Saddle up for your final ride! Head towards the coast, taking in breathtaking views of the Taramakau River as you cycle towards the Tasman Sea. You’ll pass scenic sand dunes and tranquil lagoons before following the Grey River into Greymouth. Once in Greymouth, you’ll find various dining options, including the famous Monteith’s Brewery. Kiwi Journeys will meet you at the finish line, opposite the train station, at midday. Enjoy your celebration and the last of the stunning West Coast scenery! Total distance - 28km

Included this dayScenic Hotel CotswoldBreakfast

Christchurchview on Google Maps

Bid farewell to Aotearoa / New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Māori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!

Private Transfer from Accommodation to Airport with Christchurch Touring Company

Enjoy a seamless, private transfer from your Christchurch city accommodation directly to the Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.

Good to know

Departures

This itinerary departs on the dates that suit you, subject to availability. Peak season (December to February) books out early, so enquire well ahead for summer travel.

Make it yours

Add nights, upgrade rooms, swap activities or extend into the other island. Tell us what you would change and we will re-quote, no obligation.

Never travelling alone

Your whole itinerary lives in a smart travel app with live vouchers, maps and daily guidance, and your own travel specialist is reachable seven days a week while you are on the road. If plans change, we rearrange them in real time.

Watch: Christchurch on this itinerary

Asked before booking

Still deciding? Worth a read: Is the TranzAlpine worth it? A straight answer · The Cook Strait ferry, without the surprises

  1. Tell us about your trip

  2. Get your firm quote

  3. Shape it until it fits

  4. Confirm with a 20% deposit

  5. Everything is booked for you

  6. Travel with us beside you

The Silver Fern Promise

You never hand over more than a small deposit

Nothing to enquire, nothing until your quote is confirmed in writing, and never more than your deposit until the balance falls due 70 days before travel. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme’s protections in play.

How your money is protected

A firm quote within one business day

Availability checked with our New Zealand operations team and confirmed in writing, not an automated estimate.

No booking fees, and nothing to pay to enquire

Quotes are free and carry no obligation. You pay a deposit only once the itinerary is right and you say go.

One person, before and during your trip

The same specialist plans your trip and is reachable while you are travelling, alongside in-country support seven days a week.

100% Pure New Zealand InsiderQualmark Gold, the official quality mark of New Zealand tourismInsider status, Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme. IATA certified. Every itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator.

Questions before you enquire? Email hello@silverferntravel.com and ask. No form required.

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