Top 10 Tours in West Coast Region, South Island

December 21, 2021 Enriqueta Cusson

Discover the best top things to do in West Coast Region, New Zealand including 1 Hour Enchanted Forest Track - QUADS, Private Luxury Tour Anywhere in NZ - Choose any number of days & destinations, 55-Minute Grand Circle Helicopter , 55 minute Grand Circle Ski Plane , Glacier Heli-Hike, Explore Shantytown Heritage Park & Gold Panning , 23-Day Epic New Zealand Tour, 3-Hour Fishing Charter Experience at Franz Josef Glacier, 7 Day South Island Lick Tour, Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier.
Restaurants in West Coast Region

1. 1 Hour Enchanted Forest Track - QUADS

Greymouth, Greymouth, West Coast Region, South Island On yer bike! Adventures
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

On the 1-hour Enchanted Forest tour, you’ll be guided across farmland before taking on some of the very best off-road tracks on the West Coast. Drive through a mystical, untouched, rainforest where you'll be enchanted by its beauty with tall native trees, ferns, moss-lined tracks, and rocky creeks! Your friendly, experienced guide will take you places similar looking to scenes out of a lost world movie. Our AWESOME tracks are spread out over 250 acres of private land that's been in the family since 1917, so definitely no formed roads here, just 16km pure off-road enjoyment!

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Wet weather gear, helmets and boots

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Souvenir photos (available to purchase for $25)

Reviewed By Dreamer64988343039

Great fun for a first-timer like myself. Very patient guide (and the rest of my group). Took me the first hour to get my confidence but loved it. Will have to go again so I can enjoy the whole trip!!

2. Private Luxury Tour Anywhere in NZ - Choose any number of days & destinations

Auckland & Beyond Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Travel New Zealand in luxury with an experienced local guide. We pick you up from any airport or Cruise Ship Port and take you on a private trip for your group. Let us make an itinerary for you or plan your own and tell us where you would like to go. Book 1 day or multiple days, we will stay with you throughout your vacation and give you an authentic unforgettable Kiwi experience.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Bottled water, Light refreshments, Snacks, Professional guide, Port pickup and drop-off, Private tour

Exclusions: Accommodation, Meals

Reviewed By AdiS491

The tour of the set was excellent. The place is a well oiled machine from ticket office to bus ride etc. Our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about the movies and all other aspects . The movie set was awesome and the gardens amazing . Even if you’re not a movie buff the experience and sheer brilliance of PJ et al is totally worth it . Having a drink ( free) at the Green Dragon ???? was fantastic.

3. 55-Minute Grand Circle Helicopter

Aoraki Mount Cook Aviation Services, 22 Dehavilland Drive, Pukaki, Airport, Twizel 7901, New Zealand Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters by Inflite
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Soar through the sky on this 55-minute scenic Helicopter experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks flying over the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glacier, included a glacier landing (10-15 minutes). The ultimate way to see the Southern Alps and a bucket list flight. Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the flight time.

Inclusions: Headsets to hear the guide clearly, Live commentary on board

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By amandasargeant

For me this was a chance to tick off two of my bucket list items all in one - ride in a helicopter and stand on a glacier. What an incredible experience. Andrew (the pilot) made sure he told us all we needed to know (both in terms of helicopter safety and what we were seeing). We had a good amount of time on the glacier where things were pointed out to us around the area. The team on the ground were so helpful and cheerful on what was obviously a busy day. I had an epic time and I cannot recommend this experience more ... definitely worth it ... the views are amazing. Thank you team.

4. 55 minute Grand Circle Ski Plane

Aoraki Mount Cook Aviation Services, 22 Dehavilland Drive, Pukaki, Airport, Twizel 7901, New Zealand Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters by Inflite
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Join this 55-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks for a unique air tour like no other. Flight path goes right around Aoraki MT Cook and views over to the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers. The ultimate way to see the Southern Alps including a glacier landing! Bucket list item!

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional guide

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By amandasargeant

For me this was a chance to tick off two of my bucket list items all in one - ride in a helicopter and stand on a glacier. What an incredible experience. Andrew (the pilot) made sure he told us all we needed to know (both in terms of helicopter safety and what we were seeing). We had a good amount of time on the glacier where things were pointed out to us around the area. The team on the ground were so helpful and cheerful on what was obviously a busy day. I had an epic time and I cannot recommend this experience more ... definitely worth it ... the views are amazing. Thank you team.

5. Glacier Heli-Hike

True South Flights, Remarkables Park Town Centre, 1B/8 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand True South Flights
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5.0 based on 15 reviews

The one-hour fixed-wing flight from Queenstown to Franz Josef or Tasman Glacier is certainly spectacular, but the highlight of this trip is the glacier Heli Hike. The experienced guides will take you into a deep part of the glacier via a scenic helicopter flight. The helicopter passes over the deep crevasses of the icefalls and waterfalls to land on the upper Franz Josef icefall or on the Tasman glacier itself. From there you’ll be fitted with crampons for the two hours on the ice, exploring caves and seeing the natural, ever-changing wonder of the glacier in the South Island of New Zealand.

Inclusions: Hiking boots and crampons are provided, Air-conditioned vehicle

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Reviewed By Julianlee45

Amazing experience flying over the misty mountains. Elliot is a great pilot and took great care of us.

6. Explore Shantytown Heritage Park & Gold Panning

Explore West Coast
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Try your luck at Gold Panning, enjoy a Steam Train Ride and listen to the stories told from the old time gold miners at the Holographic Theatre.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

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Reviewed By GreeceHelena

The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are unique. An easy walk in along a well maintained pathway. Try and time your visit to coincide with a high tide in order to view the Blowholes performing at their best.

7. 23-Day Epic New Zealand Tour

No. 9 Hotel, 9 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023, New Zealand Haka Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Over 24 unforgettable days you will experience it all: secluded beaches, jaw-dropping scenery, Māori culture, mountainous ranges, lush rainforests and more adventure activities than you could ever wish for. As with all our tours, we do include a few 'must-do' events, ranging from a Māori cultural night to learning to paddle a waka (Māori war canoe), and even a greenstone carving experience. You will see a massive range of optional activities available to add, from bungy jumping and dolphin swimming to jet boating and scenic flights. None of these are compulsory; just add the ones you want. Activities can also be purchased on the road – just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre-booking any activities you especially want to do.

Inclusions: Continental Breakfast Every Day - heaps of options for everyone (you too, vegans!), Orientation Tours - we give you the low-down on every location, Comfortable Transport - with plenty of room to spread out, High-End Hostel Accommodation - dorm share, upgrades available, Experienced Local Guide , Small Groups - Max 16 people. You are more than just a number, Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of New Zealand, 2 dinners Fish'n'Chips in Paihia and a traditional cooked hangi in Murupara to full your puku! (belly), Experience a Māori cultural performance in Rotorua during the Cultural Experience Night, Visit Te Puia - cultural centre about traditional Māori culture and Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Learn to paddle a waka (Māori war canoe) along the Abel Tasman coastline, Iconic ferry ride between the North and South Islands across the Cook Strait, Optional transport back from Wellington to Auckland on Day 24

Exclusions: Additional activities - such as bungy jumping, Lunch and dinner are own costs - unless specified

Reviewed By Elizabeth K

I booked a trip scheduled 2nd April, the company notified me that due Covid 19 pandemic the tour would be cancelled. I was offered options of a refund or get credits. I chose refund as I was not gonna get any other time which they concurred. After 2 weeks I was contacted by one rude Eva Lawrence who stayed that the business was not doing well due to the pandemic hence they would not refund back the money?! So is that how you treat your customers? Was it my fault that you cancelled the trip due to the pandemic??! I need a refund ASAP. [email protected] +61450753569

8. 3-Hour Fishing Charter Experience at Franz Josef Glacier

Lake Mapourika Recreational Area, Waiho 7886, New Zealand Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Lake Mapourika holds great stock of New Zealand Brown Trout and Wild Sea-Run Salmon. The calm waters and scenic views will keep all anglers entertained. Our unique comfortable tour boat makes fishing and excellent activity rain or shine.

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Fishing Equipment

Exclusions: Fishing License

Reviewed By Seve2902

Great experience at great value. Dale the captain very knowledgeable and accommodating . So glad we went on the tour learnt so much about the area, fauna and flora and the history.

9. 7 Day South Island Lick Tour

Haka Lodge Christchurch, 518 Linwood Avenue, Woolston, Christchurch 8062, New Zealand Haka Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Starting and ending in the “Garden City” of Christchurch, we show you the ultimate highlights of New Zealand’s stunning South Island over 7 action-packed days. From turquoise lakes to towering mountains and glaciers, the South Island’s scenery will blow your mind, and the nation’s adventure capital, Queenstown, has all the adrenalin activities on offer that you could possibly wish for. Activities can be pre-booked or purchased on the road - just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre- booking any activities you especially want to do. As the tour starts early in the morning, you can opt to book accommodation in Christchurch with us the night before the tour – only having to walk downstairs on day 1 makes for a stress-free morning. Accommodation is included on the last night of your tour, but we can also book a few extra nights for you if you would like to extend your stay.

Inclusions: 7 nights in high-end hostel accommodation – dorm share, upgrades available, Small groups, maximum 16, Orientation tour of every location, Continental breakfast every day, Dinner on first night, TranzAlpine train from Greymouth to Christchurch, Carve your own pounamu/jade pendant in Franz Josef, Comfortable bus transport, Journey through multiple National Parks

Exclusions: Lunch and Dinner (unless specified) at own cost, Add on activities ie - Bungy jumping

Reviewed By Elizabeth K

I booked a trip scheduled 2nd April, the company notified me that due Covid 19 pandemic the tour would be cancelled. I was offered options of a refund or get credits. I chose refund as I was not gonna get any other time which they concurred. After 2 weeks I was contacted by one rude Eva Lawrence who stayed that the business was not doing well due to the pandemic hence they would not refund back the money?! So is that how you treat your customers? Was it my fault that you cancelled the trip due to the pandemic??! I need a refund ASAP. [email protected] +61450753569

10. Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Highway, West Coast 7886, New Zealand Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
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4.9 based on 194 reviews

A unique kayak adventure, only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier! Set out across Lake Mapourika's mirror-like water and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Southern Alps and Glaciers. Lake Mapourika was created by the mighty Franz Josef Glacier as it retreated some 14 000 years ago, now it sits sandwiched between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. The glassy water and unbeatable views make it one of the scenic gems of the West Coast. Explore a kiwi sanctuary set amidst some of the oldest untouched rainforest in Westland! This tour lasts up to three hours and is designed to complete your Glacier Country Experience!

Inclusions: Fully Guided Activity, High Quality Photos, All equipment provided including dry bags, splash jackets and gloves and hats in the winter, Courtesy Transport to and from the Lake, Courtesy pick-ups available on request, Private transportation

Exclusions: Lunch, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By Seve2902

Great experience at great value. Dale the captain very knowledgeable and accommodating . So glad we went on the tour learnt so much about the area, fauna and flora and the history.

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