PATHWAYS OF THE PIONEERS - WALKING THE TRAILS WITH TALES
  

This fascinating 4-day tour starts in the Queenstown district, with its awe-inspiring scenery and colourful history dating back to the goldfield pioneers.

We commence a journey of exploration along the sites and trails of these gold seekers, visiting historical settlements, and taking a guided tour of the world-renowned Fox Glacier valley.

On the last day, we will visit fascinating Shantytown in Greymouth, to discover the origins for the culture and character of New Zealanders. 

 

Day 1
  • Tour commences at Queenstown at 0800 with pickup from your accommodation within the Queenstown area.
  • We journey to Arrowtown to explore the trails and sites of the pioneer goldseekers.  Of special interest is the historic Chinese settlement. 
  • Walk up Tobins Track for great views of the Arrow River and basin
  • This afternoon we follow in the footsteps of explorers Charles Cameron and Julius von Haast over the Haast Pass Bridle Track.  An easy-grade, 1½ hr walk following the old pioneer trail.
  • We call into the Haast Visitor Centre - full of items, artifacts and displays on the explorers and settlers of this remote and rugged region.
  Stay overnight in Haast (Includes Bed and Breakfast)
Day 2
  • Explore the old mining remains at historic Gillespies Beach, former home to hundreds of goldseekers, and walk the well- trodden trail along the wild beach, through dense bush and around enticing lagoon, once formidable obstacles to the pioneer explorers of South Westland. An 'easy' grade 3 hr walk.
  • Time this afternoon to take a guided exploration of the valley of this world-renowned glacier, Te Moeka O Tuawe, (The Bed of Tuawe), the Fox Glacier.
  • OPTIONAL UPGRADE to a thrilling Heli-hike is available to the more adventurous. (Additional Cost)
  Stay overnight in Glacier Country (Includes Bed and Breakfast)
Day 3
  • This morning we walk the bush trails and coastal pathways so familiar to the pioneers and where once famed explorer, Thomas Brunner, struggled on his epic journey.  'Easy-moderate' grade 3 hr walk.
  • Explore an old settlers cemetery and marvel at the mix of nationalities that came to the 'Coast! Surrounded by tales of hardship and hard luck, you'll try your hand at those most iconic of pioneer activities, goldpanning!   Then it's on to the largest town and one-time, bustling river port of the West Coast, Greymouth.
  Stay overnight in Greymouth (Includes Bed and Breakfast)
Day 4
  • Visit Shantytown where we 'Explore the Heart of the Nation', giving insights into the origins of the culture and unique character of New Zealanders. Tour finishes 1300 at Greymouth.

DEPARTURES: 

Tour commences Queenstown accommodation 0800 hours
Tour finishes Greymouth Railway Station 1300 hours

 Tours run on demand - Please email for availability info@keatours.co.nz

 

 

TOUR PRICE:

  • This tour is NZD $1,845.00 per person inclusive of GST (see Terms and Conditions re minimum number of passengers and optional extras listed below)

EXTRAS: (you are able to select and book the following extras with this service)

  • Punakaiki ‘Wild Coast’ Tour. Departs 2.15pm Returns 5.45pm $105.00 per person.

  • Hotel/Motel accommodation, Queenstown (before tour start). Bed and Breakfast, Twinshare. $155 per person per night

  • Hotel/Motel accommodation, Greymouth (after tour end). Bed and Breakfast, Twinshare. $155 per person per night

  • Hotel/Motel accommodation, Christchurch (before tour start/after tour end). Bed and Breakfast, Twinshare. $155 per person per night

  • Single supplement accommodation option (own room with ensuite facilities and breakfast) additional $115 per person per night.

  • TranzAlpine train to Christchurch from Greymouth $185 per person one way (Dep. Greymouth 1.45pm Arr. Christchurch 6.15pm)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

  • Child Policy: Trips not suitable for small children

  • Minimum Numbers: This tour requires a minimum of 2 adult fares to operate. In cases where a single passenger is the only booking taken for this tour, that booking will be waitlisted until another booking is taken. Should the passenger wish to go on the tour regardless a single supplement equivalent to min. 2 adult fares will apply.

  • Pickups and Dropoffs: All tours depart from Queenstown with complimentary pick up and drop off at all local accommodation places and Information Centres.

  • Price:s Prices given include GST and are in NZ$

  • Itinerary: Kea Tours reserve the right to alter/amend or cancel the itinerary if track or weather conditions make part or all of a days planned activities unsafe. In addition, Kea Tours will not be liable for changes to the itinerary resulting from closure of tracks or facilities. No refund will be given in such circumstances.

  • Accommodation: All accommodation is sold on a Twin share/Double basis unless a single supplement has been requested and paid for. Accommodation is subject to availability at time of booking.

  • Weather & Fitness: As the walking activities take place in an outdoor environment subject to occasional extremes of weather, clients must have adequate levels of physical fitness and have appropriate wet weather gear. See our recommendations under 'Other Information'.

  • Credit Card: Payments being made directly to Kea Tours will only be accepted using Visa or Mastercard. These can be made using our secure page on our website at www.keatours.co.nz

  • Disability/Medica:l Clients must advise Kea Tours of any disability or condition that may impact on their or the groups ability to complete or enjoy the planned itinerary.

  • Right of Refusal: Kea Tours reserve the right to refuse any booking or remove any client from a tour where, in the opinion of the Kea Tours guide, that client's behaviour or fitness jeopardises the safety and enjoyment of other tour participants. Refunds in such circumstances are at the discretion of Kea Tours.

  • Inclusions: 3 nights Twn/Dble accommodation; breakfast; all transport in air-conditioned, PA equipped vehicles; Licensed Dept. of Conservation guiding services on tracks; guided glacier valley walk; full commentary from knowledgeable, local guide; specialist guiding services where appropriate; optional activity booking service; complimentary pick-up and drop off to accommodation; walks in 2 National Parks; GST.

  • Insurance: Clients are strongly advised to take out the necessary travel insurance to guard against the unexpected.

  • Confirmation: Once your booking is confirmed you will receive a confirmation email detailing your booking. The full amount of payment will be debited from your Credit Card at time of confirmation.

OTHER INFORMATION

  • Weather expectations: The West Coast of the South Island is a high rainfall environment. Clients must be prepared for such conditions during the tour. . Daytime, summer temperatures range from 10 - 24º C.

  • Fitness levels: Clients who wish to maximise enjoyment of all tracks need to be capable of walking approx. 10kms (6 miles) in 4 hours, carrying personal wet-weather gear and snack food.

  • Personal gear: Quality raincoats, solid hiking boots (Trainers/sneakers are not adequate), day pack (for carrying wet-weather gear and personal snack food) hat and gloves (optional).

  • Gear available for hire (must be ordered at time of booking.):

        • Quality raincoats

        • Day pack

        • Hiking/Walking sticks

  • Alternative Programme:In many (but not all) cases, shorter less strenuous walks or other activities can be undertaken by spouses or partners whose abilities limit their capacity to complete the planned walks. Alternatively, they can relax at the vehicle or nearby venues during such times.

  • Safety A Safety Briefing and details of all itinerary walks (distances, times, track conditions, level of fitness required, hazards etc) will be provided to the group prior to commencement of any walk.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Pathways of the Pioneers Cancellation Policy:

  • Upon confirmation of booking the full amount of payment will be debited from your credit card.

  • Cancellations with more than 60 days until date of travel will receive a 100% refund.

  • Cancellations between 30 and 60 days until date of travel will receive a 50% refund.

  • Cancellations made with less than 30 days until date of travel will receive no refund.

  • Clients are strongly advised to take out the necessary travel insurance to guard against the unexpected.

Kea Tours West Coast
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