Wild West Coast - White Herons, Alpine villages & Glacier Loop

A Truly Must Do - Unique Experience

White Herons - Wild West Coast, Glaciers & Alpine Loop Tour

14 Jan - 21 Jan 2022,

Duration: 8 Days

This tour is a photographer’s paradise, a veritable feast of scenic beauty. Mountains, passes, glaciers, gorges, stunning lakes, and of course the unique experience of the white herons nesting place.

This is a window of opportunity, for the limited seasonal breeding time to see these magnificent and majestic birds. A truly unforgettable experience.

Day 1 (D)

We travel through the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps; our first stop will be at Springfield for a morning cuppa at the Rewi Alley Memorial Park (Weather permitting). We continue to Arthur’s Pass alpine village for lunch, then on down through the majestic scenery of the Otira Gorge with a photo stop of the viaduct, where we may see some very curious Kea. From here we continue to our comfortable accommodation in Hokitika where we will have some time to unpack and unwind before we take a look at the glassblowing demonstration, a look at Sunset point, then when it is dark we will go and see the Glow Worm Dell.

Day 2 (B&D)

Today we are off to see the world-renowned Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki where the sea bursts through several vertical blowholes, we have a lunch brake here. Then return to our accommodation and some free time in this lovely oceanside township.

Day 3 (B&D)

This morning we head off for morning tea at the beautiful Lake Mahinapua before heading of for the exhilarating Tree Top Walk with breathtaking scenic beauty, then lunch here in this wonderful spot with fabulous views of the mountains in the background.

Day 4 (B)

A unique experience today. Visit NZ’s only White Heron (Kotuku) nesting colony. Royal spoonbill and other bird life in the beautiful Waitangiroto nature reserve. A special time for the Graceful and Elegant Kotoku as they rear their young. After this truly beautiful experience we drive on for photo stops at Lake Mapourika before lunch at Franz Joseph then see the Glacier. We will then journey on to Fox Glacier township for our overnight stop.

Day 5 (B&D)

Today we travel through the Haast region, southwest New Zealand world heritage area, diverse and spectacular landscapes. We stop for a morning cuppa at Haast township, before continuing through the Haast Pass. We will see the unspoiled beauty of Lake Hawea before our lunch stop at picturesque Wanaka (time for a stroll around the lakeside), after which we will make our way to historic Cromwell, our base for the next three nights.

Day 6 (B&L)

Today we take a cruise out on our Lady of the lake the “Earnslaw”. We will get off the boat at Walter Peak Farm where we will enjoy a gourmet barbecue lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant. After which we will cruise back to Queenstown, you will have a short break to browse the shops or get a drink at one of Queenstown’s many trendy café/bars before heading back to Cromwell alongside the beautiful scenic Kawarau Gorge where we will stop off at Roaring Megs for a photo and onto Mrs. Jones fruit stall where they make the best fresh fruit ice-cream.

Day 7 (B&D)

A beautiful leisurely scenic day. We’ll visit historic Old Cromwell and visit Banockburn then take a Tiki Tour to view the Clyde Dam and the charming olde worlde Clyde Township for our lunch stop. Another fabulous day for stunning scenery and photo opportunities.

Day 8 (B)

On our last day, we travel through the spectacular Lindis Pass (this time of year is the stunning display of wild Lupins) simply breathtaking. We will stop to take in the majestic views of Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook. We lunch at beautiful Lake Tekapo, visit Church of the Good Shepherd and view Mackenzie’s dog memorial. We will have a 15-minute stop at Geraldine, before wending our way north to Christchurch.

NOTES
B = Continental breakfast provided
L = Lunch
D = Dinner (main meal) provided (please note any drinks will be at your own expense)
Morning cuppa and 'bikkies' provided from the bus most days.
We stop at various places for you to purchase your own lunch.

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What our clients are saying

“What a treat to have this lovely trip all organised with such pleasant & friendly company. Truly great. Many thanks.”

— Alice

“Good Evening Brenda, we both would like to thank you very much for a wonderful tour. Your “nothing is a trouble”, unexpected exclusive, personal service you provided enabling us to see so many interesting sites we haven’t visited before was thoroughly enjoyed. Although the weather didn’t always favour us you altered our itinerary to accommodate that aspect, for which we were grateful. The motels and venues for our evening meals were well thought out and the menus delicious. Brenda, we enjoyed your company and have happy memories of your attentive service. Thanking you.”

— Annette & Vic

“Very good itinerary, showing variety of scenery. Pastoral care of those who were unfit, elderly or unwell, very good. ”

— Barbara

“Thanks so much Brenda & Adrienne for such a memorable trip. I especially loved the White Heron outing.”

— Jessica

About our Tours.

Join Third Age Tours for fully escorted small group tours of New Zealand and overseas. Meet new people and enjoy the experience while we take care of all the arrangements and look after you.

Our all-inclusive price includes the following per person: