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SOUTHERN ALPS & THE WILD WEST COAST
Enjoy High County Living & Life on the West Coast:
6-Day Nature & Heritage Tour

This Coast-to-Coast adventure takes you on a journey through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes with genuine local experiences. You'll get a taste of how Kiwis have been living in these stunning, remote regions for years. From the high-country farms in the Southern Alps to the rugged beauty of the West Coast, this tour gives you a chance to relax, enjoy the scenery, and hear the stories that make this part of New Zealand so special.

You’ll get rare, behind-the-scenes access to Mt White Station - a 40,000-hectare high-country farm tucked deep in the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, surrounded by rugged peaks, remote valleys, and braided rivers. With over a century of history, it’s a place few get to explore, and you'll get to see it firsthand.

On the West Coast, soak up the charm of small towns, uncover fascinating history at iconic sites, and meet locals who’ll share stories that you won’t hear anywhere else. The adventure concludes with the world-famous TransAlpine train ride - the perfect way to cap off this unforgettable South Island experience.

Tour Highlights

 

  • ​Experience the peace and grandeur of one of New Zealand’s largest high-country stations with a two-night stay at Mount White Station. Explore unspoilt wilderness areas and vast pastoral landscapes. Enjoy home cooked meals with fresh produce from the land

  • Learn about the wonder of honeybees in the beautiful Canterbury high country. Enjoy a private Beekeeping tour, from honey tasting to jumping into a bee suit and experiencing a day in the life of a beekeeper

  • Journey through dramatic high-country vistas, serene lakes, lush native rainforests, and rugged coastlines

  • Explore the Mahinapua waterways on an Eco Cruise.  Spot native wildlife, admire breathtaking views of Mount Cook, the Southern Alps, and native flora and fauna

  • Visit the Brunner Mine historic site, Kumara Cemetery and Blackball's vibrant past with engaging local guides

  • Meet fascinating local characters, including a gold miner and his wife, who share unique stories of life on the West Coast

  • Gain entry to private properties and lesser-known attractions including a working gold mine, high country station and NZ’s first hydroelectric power station 

  • Conclude the trip with one of the world's most picturesque train rides on the Tranz Alpine from Moana to Christchurch

  • Enjoy expertly guided tours, comfortable accommodations, delicious meals and great company throughout the trip

  • Small group for personalised experience (max 8 guests)

Tour Inclusions

 

  • Complimentary airport pick-up on arrival day

  • 5-nights’ accommodation, twin share

  • Transportation throughout the tour in comfortable 12-seater van

  • Driftwood Tour Guide throughout the tour

  • 5 breakfasts. 5 lunches, 5 dinners

  • All guided vehicle and boat tours as describe in itinerary

  • Exclusive access to private properties

  • Tranz Alpine train journey from Moana to Christchurch
     

Tour Exclusions

 

  • Transport and flights to Christchurch where the tours starts

  • Tour guide on the Tranz Alpine Train from Moana to Christchurch

  • Travel insurance

  • Snacks and alcoholic beverages
     

Other Details

 

  • All prices are in NZD and include GST

  • Minimum of 6 guests is required to guarantee this departure. Tour will be confirmed when minimum numbers are reached and no later than 60 days prior to tour departure date

  • Need help with transport, flights, or travel insurance? Our co-owner, a travel agent, can help organise everything before or after your trip

  • Delays due to weather may require additional accommodation, meals at your own cost. Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover such circumstances

Tour Dates:

​15 Feb - 20 Feb 2026; and

1 Mar - 6 Mar 2026

Starts: Christchurch City

Ends: Christchurch City

Days: 6
 

Group Size: Min 6 / Max 8

Guides: 2 + 1 local guide at activities

Destinations: Christchurch, Lake Coleridge, Mount White Station, Kumara, Hokitika, Blackball and Moana

Transport: Private 10 seater van, charter boat and TranzAlpine Train

Accommodation: 3-nights at a 4-star accommodation twin share with ensuite, 2-nights in modern shearers quarters in a private room with shared bathrooms (4 bathrooms between 8)

Price: $5,490 per person (twin share)

To have your own room: $500 additional

Comments:

Mt White has only recently opened its doors to the public and can only be accessed by private groups. It is suggested to book early to avoid disappointment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Molesworth Tour Fitness Level Required 2+/5
Questions?

DONATING

PER TOUR TO LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUP

$800

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Meet new friends, try new things.

Itinerary
"Unforgettable, memorable, quite laid back but at same time completely organised."
Ngaire Marwood
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Driftwood Eco-Tours Commited to Sustainable Tourism
Driftwood Eco-Tours Outdoors Mark Certified
Driftwood Eco-Tours DOC Approved
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©2022 Driftwood Eco Tours Est. 2004

Sustainable Small Group Guided Eco Tours of the South Island - Connecting You With Rural NZ

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