West Coast, Family Activities

Discover the natural beauty of New Zealands West Coast on a small personalised boat tour on Lake Mapourika. The lake boasts unparalleled panoramic views of Franz Josef's Glacier and the Southern Alps, you will be left in awe of it's beauty! Your captain will provide informative commentary and stories during the cruise as well as a warming drink along the way.  The lake's glassy, calm reflective waters are surrounded by some of the last remaining Kahikatea rainforest and the back of the lake is home to the rarest kiwi on earth, the Rowi. During the cruise you will view a number of native birds from either the outside viewing platform or the inside cabin.

Child prices for 5-15 year olds.  Under 5s go FREE.

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Join us in Franz Josef for an action-packed quad bike tour to discover the surrounding rugged landscape. This is the ultimate way to view the varying terrain of the area come rain or shine. All levels of experience are welcome and no previous experience of quad biking is necessary. Your knowledgeable and professional guide will provide you with a full briefing on how to use the quads before you head off on your adventure as well as kitting you out in your safety gear.

During the tour you will enjoy incredible views as you drive your ATV Quad Bike along glacial pathways, carved into the landscape over thousands of years.
Driver must be 16 years +.  Children as passengers, minimum age 8 years.

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With three secluded private pools and three larger public pools surrounded by breathtaking rainforest and native wildlife, there is plenty of inspiration to invigorate your senses and realign your body, mind and spirit (or your tinana, hinengaro and wairua in Māori). These amazingly therapeutic Hot Pools – which sit at an inviting temperature of 36 - 40 degrees Celsius – are actually fed by the pure waters of the renowned Franz Josef Glacier. Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere (‘the tears of Hinehukatere'), is the traditional Māori name for Franz Josef. The story behind the name tells of Hinehukatere's lost love, Wawe who was swept to his death by an avalanche. It is said that Hinehukatere was so broken hearted, that her tears of aroha (love) flowed down the mountain and were frozen by the Gods to form the glacier.

 

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The true "Home of the Kiwi" in New Zealand, the West Coast Wildlife Centre on NZ's South Island is an essential stop on any holiday itinerary in the region looking for an authentic New Zealand experience! Of all the five different species of Kiwi, the Wildlife Centre is home to the rarest - the Rowi and the Haast Tokoeka - which have become endangered due to a combination of predators and habitat destruction. See these extremely cute birds face to face, all within a beautiful natural setting that encapsulates the best possible combination of New Zealand's famous flora and fauna.

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Franz Josef Glacier Guides provide an incredible and memorable experience, making it possible to explore terrain normally inaccessible to non-experienced trekkers.

Glacier Valley Walk   Ice time - 0 hours  
Difficulty level - Easy

This is an easy walk with no actual ice time; however, you will get up close to the ice at the terminal face.

Heli Hike   Ice time - 2 hours  
Difficulty level - Moderate

This walk requires a moderate level of fitness to complete and you will be spending two hours on the ice.

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During The Denniston Experience you will take a train ride along the old coal road high above the Waimangaroa Gorge then venture 170m into the first of the historic 1880's Denniston coal mines. With state-of-the-art audio and visual effects they will simulate the harsh life of a Denniston miner. Get your chance to perform allocated miners jobs: trucker, clipper, pit props or shoveling coal. A unique family experience. Duration 2 hours. Min age 5 years.

 

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Before your jet boating adventure starts you'll walk over NZ's longest swing bridge then enjoy a thrilling 40 minute jet boat ride on the Buller River as it carves it's way through the pink granite rock of the canyons, past waterfalls and over earthquake rapids, right in the heart of historic gold mining country.

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The West Coast Wildlife Centre is an interactive experience that brings together nature, conservation and wildlife. A great all-weather attraction that is fun for all ages, enjoy a self-guided tour and see Rowi kiwi in their natural bush walk through, or purchase their famous Backstage Pass combo ticket for a first-hand, behind the scenes look at our hatching and incubation programme.

 

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Enjoy a 2.5 hour horseback ride through West Coast native bush as you see 300-foot-high limestone cliffs and stroll through the surf to view the magnificence of the Pancake Rocks.  Suited to all levels of riders. Minimum of two riders required.

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With many areas to explore by bike around Fox Glacier Village, your family can enjoy a range of enjoyable bike trails as there are a number of options to choose from. Plus we are happy to suggest a range of bike trails for you to enjoy. Take the time to sight see at your own pace! Half and full day hires available that include bike trailers, tag along and kids bikes.

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Punakaiki Canoes offers rental and guided trips into the heart of the Paparoa National Park from Punakaiki. Kayaking on the Pororari is a favourite activity for first time paddlers and families. Many choose to spend an hour or two on the river after they have visited the Pancake Rocks. We provide lifejackets, wetsuits, booties and waterproof containers for cameras or lunch. All you need to bring is sun hat, sunglasses, camera, swimsuit and towel and warm clothes. We have a range of kayaks to suit different needs, this includes doubles as well as singles.

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One of New Zealand’s leading tourist attractions, including heaps of children's activities, Shantytown is a faithfully restored replica of an 1860’s West Coast gold mining town. A living monument to the hardy pioneers who forded the wildly exotic rivers and streams, and scrambled through the rugged subtropical rainforest in search of gold. Visit the old schoolhouse, shops and church, take a buggy ride, or trip on a vintage steam train. Pan for your own gold and post your cards in the still operating Shanty Town post office. School and group programs available.

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Located in the Lower Buller Gorge on SH6 surrounded by native forest, the magnificent Paparoa Mountains and the mighty Buller River we offer jet boating adventures and horse back riding. Jet boat tours will have you enjoy 1 hour on the water travelling past massive rock walls, craggy overhangs and planing across shallow river beds and our horse treks through native forest, fresh water creeks and over sandy river beaches.

 

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Offering your family the opportunity to travel in the footsteps of the early pioneers, down one of the west coast's most beautiful and unspoiled wild beach. Enjoy the following activities during your two hour experience: gem stone collecting, make damper bread, boil the billy over an open fire, wildlife spotting and photography. Note: this is a child friendly beach.

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Coaltown Museum in Westport which is a town built on coal extraction from wild and remote places showcases various displays on the formation of coal, maritime history, unionism, the communities, transport and the men underground. Bringing the past to life there is a simulated underground mine and collections of photographs and objects that picture the hard daily life, not just of the miners but their families too. An informative and interesting day out.

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