High Country Journeys Tours

Day two we will be back on the highway and over the Arthurs Pass to Ahaura to do the famous Napoleon Hill track and its amazing tunnels and then carry on to overnight in Reefton.

Day three will see us turn in at Lyell to do the stunning bush clad pylon track that will take us up onto the Denniston Plateau which will see you explore the remnants of the township of Denniston and its amazing history as portrayed in the book ‘The Denniston Rose’ . This will be followed by a track climbing to the top of Mt Rochford before descending into Westport for the nights accommodation.

Day four will be a tour of the Stockton Coalmine as we join Mickey Ryan of Outwest tours on his purpose built Unimog that wil seat the whole group (Mickey is a true West Coast local who knows all the history of this area). Mid-afternoon will see you make your way down the coast past the famous gold mining area of Charleston and the famous Punakaiki blowholes and time permitting calling into the famous town of Blackball to visit the iconic Blackball Hilton Hotel and nearby salami shop before overnighting in Greymouth or Kumara. May also include gold mining areas of Stafford and Goldsborough to Hokitika.

Day five will be an easy day and from Kumara junction will take the back road through the goldming area of Goldsborough to Hokitika and then travelling around Lake Kaniere to the Kokatahi area and the Hokitika Gorge. After a late lunch at either the Treetop walk or Ross it will be on down to overnight at Franz Joseph with a stop at the historic Okarito lagoon on the way.

Day six is over the hill to Fox Glacier and then out to Gillespie’s Beach for a look at the famous black sand’s gold mining operation. After lunching at the Salmon farm, it is on to the Waita river to do the famous Coppermine Creek track and its many river crossings. This is followed by a quick visit to the whitebaiting township of ‘Kwitchatown’ before arriving at your accommodation at Haast.

The last day will see you experience an amazing jet boat ride in the morning on the Waiatoto River and then we will follow the road down over the Martyr Saddle into the stunning Cascade River Valley and after a late lunch and taking in this spectacular setting it will be back to the famous fishing port of Jacksons Bay and then on back to Haast for the last nights’ accommodation at the same venue where the tour will finish after breakfast the following morning. This tour is also fully guided every day by a local guide.

The accommodation on this tour may range from really nice motel units to motor lodges and historic hotels. The accommodation at Mt White is slightly unusual in that although it is brand new and quite stunning each couple will have their own room, however some may have to share a bathroom. Just to have access to this amazing property and its stunning scenery is quite a bonus and we are quite privileged to be able to be part of it. All bedding including towels will be provided. As usual there is an additional surcharge for one person per room which is explained on the booking form, however as we have limited space on this tour, couples will have first preference. You will be well fed on the trip with packed lunches and all meals provided and mostly a choice of continental or cooked breakfast.