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West Coast, South IslandSmall group activities

Our most recommended West Coast, South Island Small group activities

Franz Josef: Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

1. Franz Josef: Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

See two of New Zealand’s biggest glaciers — the Franz Josef and then either the Fox or Tasman Glacier with uninterrupted views from a helicopter. After you check in and have a safety briefing, you will be transferred to the activity provider's hangar, where you will meet your pilot and guide and board the helicopter. You will be provided with headsets in order to hear your guide’s commentary. Fly amongst the Southern Alps, admiring the ice pinnacles and crevasses whilst learning about the awesome spectacle from your pilot. You will make a stop and get to explore on foot for 10 minutes at an elevated site which is perfect for taking photos.

From Queenstown: Lord Of The Rings Tour to Glenorchy

2. From Queenstown: Lord Of The Rings Tour to Glenorchy

Enjoy a small-group tour of the most iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand, specially designed for fans of the films. Within minutes of leaving Queenstown, reach the Glenorchy Road, which follows the edges of the Great Lake Wakatipu, and has been voted  one of the top 10 drives in the world. Admire snowcapped mountains that arise around every corner of the journey. Your first stop will be the 12 Mile Delta. Here, enjoy a short nature walk over the 12 Mile canyon footbridge and spot trout and salmon in the crystal-clear water below. Learn about the local flora and fauna and visit the locations, where scenes from the films were shot. Next, refuel with a delicious morning or afternoon tea picnic near the famous Glenorchy red shed and wharf. Once you have eaten enough to satisfy a Hobbit, adventure further into the World Heritage Mt. Aspiring National Park, home of Lothlorien Forest, where you will have the opportunity to snap some photographs dressed as your favorite Lord of the Rings character with replica swords from the trilogy. Next, head up the Dart Valley through "Paradise" to Isengard for some time to enjoy this amazing location in this spectacular glacier-carved valley. Stories and behind-the-scenes secrets will be shared by your passionate local guides on the way back to Queenstown.

Fox Glacier: Half Day Walking & Nature Tour with Local Guide

3. Fox Glacier: Half Day Walking & Nature Tour with Local Guide

Walk through the lush historic glaciated rainforest in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, spotting the huge rata, rimu trees and moss. During the walk your guide will provide informative commentary on glaciation, geothermology geology, flora and fauna. Dip your hand into a geothermal spring to feel nature up close. Take in the views of upper Fox Glacier, Fox Neve, and Mount Tasman, one of New Zealand's highest mountains. Due to the location, you won't get up close to the terminal face of the glacier, this walk is predominantly focused on the stunning nature in the Fox Glacier Valley.  Upon completion of the walk, your guide will drop you back to your accommodation.

Greymouth: Full-Day Best Of The West Tour

4. Greymouth: Full-Day Best Of The West Tour

Start the tour with pickup from your accommodation in Greymouth. Set off along the famous Coast Road, rated one of the top 10 coastal drives in the world. First, stop at the Pancake Rocks, where the sea, winds, and massive geological change have shaped the landscape creating fascinating stacked limestone rocks and blowholes. This area is rated a must-do attraction when visiting the West Coast. Then, continue on to the Tree Top Walkway which offers the experience of walking amongst the treetops. This exhilarating adventure among temperate rain forest giants, high above ancient Rimu's and Kamahi trees offers a 20-meter high platform with a 450-meter-long walkway to explore and enjoy the views. Climb the 47-meter tower for a better view if you dare, and enjoy a refreshment at the local cafe. Admire beautiful views of majestic Lake Mahinapua while listening to the bird song. Finally, explore the famous Hokitika Gorge, a popular tourist spot that is known for its vibrant blue water and tranquil rain forest setting. This natural attractions is another must-do on the West Coast and is a great place to have a picnic or a swim to cool off in summer. At the end of your tour, return to Greymouth where your trip ends.

Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk

5. Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk

Enjoy a relaxing small-group walking tour in the glacier valley to view the Franz Josef Glacier with an experienced local guide where you will learn about glaciers and the local nature, history, local stories & Maori legends. Get picked up from your accommodation and drive to the glacier carpark to begin your guided tour. Stroll through the tepid rainforest full of creeks, beautiful flora, fauna, and native trees. Discover hidden gems such as native snails, mushrooms, orchids, and birds, waterfalls & glowworms. During the walk, enjoy a cup of tea with a view, listen to the songs of the forest birds & chat with your guide.

From Greymouth: Punakaiki Blowholes & Pancake Rocks Tour

6. From Greymouth: Punakaiki Blowholes & Pancake Rocks Tour

Travel the Coast Road, a scenic drive passing beaches and bays with native West Coast bush background. Stop for photos along the way before reaching Punakaiki where you will be guided through the pancake rocks and blowholes. Enjoy a nature walk with access to interpretation panels to learn about your surroundings.  After spending time at the blow holes you have time to grab a refreshment at the local cafe before travelling on to the Truman Track. Take a short walk to an ocean viewing platform and sandy bay. At low tide you can access the bay and walk along to the rock pools.  Head back via the famous Coast Road and if time allows the tour guide can stop off at some bays along the way and allow time for more photos. Your tour ends back in Greymouth at your accommodation or at the visitor centre.

Greymouth: Hokitika Gorge and Tree Top Walkway Half-Day Tour

7. Greymouth: Hokitika Gorge and Tree Top Walkway Half-Day Tour

Enjoy a scenic one-hour drive to Hokitika Gorge and follow the coastline before heading inland through farmland and native bush.  Walk across the swing bridge and spend time enjoying this magical place. With a forty five minute loop walk accessing different view points along the way and access down to the waters edge. Take in its vivid turquoise waters surrounded by lush native bush and see for yourself why it is a key photo stop on the West Coast must-do list.  Explore Tree Top Walkway and experience life with the birds high up in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Gain easy access to the steel platform, which is 20 meters high and over 450 meters long. Enjoy the magnificent views of the Lake Mahinapua and surrounding mountain ranges. On a fine day as far as Mount Cook can be seen. Cafe on site for refreshments. If you’re a thrill-seeker, feel your heart pump as you climb to the top of Hokitika Tower, which is about 40 meters above the forest floor. Be inspired by a sensational vista of the majestic snow-capped Southern Alps, Lake Mahinapua, and the Tasman Sea.  Travel back to Greymouth to your accommodation or to the TranzAlpine train.

Franz Josef: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing

8. Franz Josef: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing

Lift off from a heli-base in Franz Josef and explore the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers from above on a scenic helicopter tour. Experience this natural phenomenon up close as you land on a glacier and walk through the snow. Meet your pilot and guide at the helicopter base and receive a brief introduction before boarding your flight and setting out on your adventure. Watch the ground disappear beneath you as you climb higher and enjoy the view as the city below turns into wilderness. Take in the vistas of the Southern Alps and marvel at the vastness of 2 of New Zealand's largest glaciers while enjoying informative commentary provided by your pilot. Then, get ready to experience this unique scenery up close as your helicopter prepares for a snow landing. Stand on the ancient ice of the glacier, breathe in the clean alpine air, and feel the seclusion of this awe-inspiring landscape. Hop back aboard your helicopter and enjoy more panoramic views on your return journey to the base. Throughout your flight, you'll also fly over the Tasman Glacier on the eastern side of the Southern Alps and past Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.

From Greymouth: Highlights West Coast Day Tour

9. From Greymouth: Highlights West Coast Day Tour

An all day tour showcasing some of the most popular and lesser known features of the West Coast. You will start your adventure in Greymouth at approximately 8.30am and travel up the Coast Road, famous for its stunning scenery. The first activity is the unique and captivating Punakaiki Pancake Rocks walk. You then carry on up the Coast Road to the Seal Colony at Tauranga Bay where you can be delighted by the beautiful seals in their natural habitat. Lunch in Westport is followed by a visit to the Shortjaw Brewery (Tuesday to Saturday) for a tasting of the onsite brewed beers using local and New Zealand sourced ingredients. Be amazed by the grandeur of the Buller Gorge as you wind your way to Reefton and a visit to this charming little towns award winning distillery tasting rooms to sample the award winning unique gins and liqueurs (Tuesday to Saturday). You will also have time for a look at some of the special parts of this historically fascinating town. Time now to head along the pretty Grey Valley as you are driven to the Historic and scenic Brunner Mine Site, your last stop before heading back to Greymouth in the late afternoon, bringing to an end a full day of some of the sights and tastes of the West Coast.

Franz Josef: Glacier Helicopter Ride with Snow Landing

10. Franz Josef: Glacier Helicopter Ride with Snow Landing

Board the helicopter at the local partner’s base in Franz Josef, then ascend into the New Zealand's highest mountain range known as the Southern Alps, where panoramic views await. Soar across the sky, passing over the spectacular ice pinnacles and crevasses of Franz Josef Glacier on the way to the snow landing site. Throughout the tour, soak up once-in-a-lifetime views of snow-capped mountains, ancient glacier as well as some of New Zealand’s highest peaks. Arrive at the landing site and take your first steps onto the snowy landscape. Be amazed by the sheer beauty of your surroundings as you are dwarfed by the size of this mountainous West Coast region. Enjoy enough time to take photos and soak up this magical location, then board the helicopter for the return journey to the base. Another view of this amazing and unique glacier formation as you descend back down across temperate rainforest and safe landing back at base.

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What people are saying about West Coast, South Island

Had such a lovely time on this walk. The family all enjoyed it as well. Cliff is very knowledgeable, funny and ensured we had a terrific time. Definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to walk through the track (some of which are off the beaten path) with someone that can point out some facts about New Zealand flora and fauna. The tea break near the glacier is enjoyable and provides plenty of opportunities to take snaps.

It was a day trip from Greymouth to Franz Josef. You may choose to skip some of the itinerary to join the 30mins flight at your own cost. It is good for those travelers who have limited times but want to cover all best scenaries. Not really need to stay overnight at Franz Josef.

Must choose this travel agency. We have wonderful days with the tour guide, Paul. We booked Franz Josef and west tour day tour for 2 days. He did such a great job and made our anniversary memorable. He is knowlegeable about history and story about everything here.

Spectacular!! I would give it more stars if I could! Staff was super professional! We saw all the glaciers. So beautiful!! Highly recommend! Worth every penny!!

If was fantastic. The scenery was spectacular and the snow landing was magical. Definitely a tick off the bucket list