top of page
20250113_000917338_iOS_edited.jpg

Canterbury High Country & West Coast
6-day tour

This coast-to-coast adventure takes you on a journey through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes, with many genuine local experiences.

From the high country farms in the Southern Alps to the rugged beauty of the West Coast, this tour gives you an authentic insight to how Kiwis have been living in these stunning, remote regions for years.

 

Along the way, we'll explore the lands, connect with the locals and hear the stories that make this part of New Zealand so special.

Mt White Station is 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. Accessible only as part of an organised tour, you'll get a first-hand appreciation of what its like to work the land, and connect with more than a century of farming history.

On the West Coast, soak up the charm of authentic small towns, uncover fascinating history at iconic sites, and meet locals who’ll share stories that you won’t hear anywhere else.

 

The return journey on world-famous TranzAlpine railway is the perfect way to recap your experience, one day from the rainforest through the alps and back to the city. 

Each tour is unique

​​​

  • Our small groups allow us to adapt to the weather and better support the particular interests of our guests. 

​​

​Tour Highlights

  • Experience the grandeur of Mt White Station, one of New Zealand’s largest high-country stations, with specially prepared meals featuring fresh produce from the farm.

  • Putting on a bee suit for a hands-on high-country beekeeping experience, complete with honey tasting

  • 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 Aoraki / Mount Cook, the Southern Alps, and native flora and fauna

  • Visit the Brunner Mine historic site, Kumara Cemetery and learn about 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

  • Special access to private properties and lesser-known attractions including a working gold mine, high-country station 

  • A day on the TranzAlpine - one of the world's most picturesque train journeys from Moana to Christchurch

Tour Inclusions

  • Complimentary airport pick-up on arrival day

  • 5-nights’ accommodation, twin share

  • Transportation throughout the tour in comfortable 10-seater van

  • Driftwood Tour Guide throughout the tour

  • 5 breakfasts. 5 lunches, 5 dinners

  • All guided vehicle and boat tours as described in itinerary

  • Exclusive access to private properties

  • TranzAlpine train journey from Moana to Christchurch

Quick facts

 

Tour Dates:

​15 Feb - 20 Feb 2026

1 Mar - 6 Mar 2026

Starts and ends at: Christchurch City

Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
 

Group Size: Min 5 / Max 8

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

Transport: Private 9 seater 4WD van, charter boat and TranzAlpine Train

Accommodation: 3 nights at a four-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)

$5,990 per person (sole occupancy room)

WE DONATE

PER TOUR TO

LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS

$800

Physical Grade: 

Grade 2 - Light Green background.png

See physical grade descriptions here

Still have questions?

Tour Exclusions

  • Tour guide on the TranzAlpine Train from Moana to Christchurch

  • Snacks and alcoholic beverages

  • Travel insurance

  • The tour begins and ends in Christchurch. You're responsible for all arrangements before and after the tour.  But if you'd like help, our experienced in-house travel agent can organise any flights, transport and travel insurance you may require.  Just let us know when booking, or contact us to discuss your needs. 

Book your tour today!

​Other important details

  • Itinerary is subject to weather. We'll adapt the itinerary to make the best of what nature serves up to us, but for your safety and comfort, some activities may be changed, shortened or cancelled.

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

  • Minimum numbers apply. The tour will be confirmed when the minimum numbers are reached and no later than 60 days before the tour departure date​

  • Deposit. To secure you spot $1,000.00 deposit is required upon booking

  • Terms & conditions apply. Prices are in NZD and include GST.  All tours are subject to our standard terms and conditions. 

Alps
West Coast
"Unforgettable, memorable, quite laid back but at same time completely organised."
Ngaire Marwood
Driftwood Eco-Tours Commited to Sustainable Tourism
Driftwood Eco-Tours Outdoors Mark Certified
Driftwood Eco-Tours DOC Approved
TIA-Logos-v
Qualmark Gold Award Logo Stacked
TIA_NZ Tourism Awards_2022_Finalist_Email Sig
large_thumb_preview_
Toitu_enviromark_Programme-768x838
Tourism New Zealand Qualmark GOLD Accreditation 2021
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • TripAdvisor
  • LinkedIn

© Driftwood Eco Tours

​Sustainable Small Group Guided Eco Tours of the South Island

Connecting you to rural NZ

bottom of page