Christchurch to The West Coast- Southern Scenic Circle Tour
Day 4 - Christchurch to The West Coast
Take a taxi to the train station and depart @8:15am on the world famous TranzAlpine train; which is rated as one of the world's top six train journeys. You will across the fertile farmland of the Canterbury Plains, wind through the spectacular Waimakariri Gorge, crossing over massive viaducts and through the lush forests of the Arthur's Pass National Park. Continue to Greymouth on the West Coast arriving at 12:45pm.
Pick up your rental car from AVIS and drive north 45 minutes to Punakaiki Rocks. (suggest picking up groceries & NZ wine for BBQ from the Fresh Choice market next to the train station before departing)
At Punakaiki you will stay at Wave Watchers Retreat, a private self catering, luxury two
bedroom three bathroom cottage on a large private beach front site. Both bedrooms have French Doors with panoramic views directly to the sea. Each bedroom has an ensuite. The cottage is equipped with a fireplace, flat screen television with Sky TV, CD player, telephone, desktop computer, wireless & broadband cable for laptop computers, full laundry with washing machine, drier and iron, and a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, thermal oven, microwave and fridge-freezer. The cottage has three spacious outdoor decks, a large covered verandah, outdoor furniture, gas barbecue, a delightful garden, and an unbelievable view of sunset over the thundering Tasman Sea and wind-weathered Punakaiki Rocks.
For more details & photos go to: wavewatchers.co.nz
Be sure to take the 30 min. "Pancake" Rocks walk to see the blow holes and rugged rock 
formations. Walk on the beach and be sure to take the short Truman Track -through rainforest to the beach.
In the evening have a drink at the local pub (1 block walk) and say hi to Pete the bartender
Day 5 - West Coast (Franz Josef/Fox Glacier)
Depart Punakaiki and drive south on what is the most scenic drive in New Zealand -along the West Coast with it's rugged beaches; rain forests; 18 peaks over 12,000 feet; and glaciers coming down to sea level. Note: Travel book Lonely Planet has recently rated this South Island Highway as one of the world's greatest road trips.Depart early and stop in Hokitika which offers good shopping for West Coast crafts. (visit the Gold Store!) Continue drive south along the rugged coast to Franz Josef where you should take a flight over Mount Cook and the other glaciers. After a stop at Fox Glacier continue to Bruce Bay to Mahitahi Lodge, a delightful small Bed & Breakfast (dinner optional).
Wave Watchers Retreat is a self-catering luxury accommodation. The retreat was built with every room capturing the spectacular views of the garden, the cliffs and the beach.
John and Jacqui welcome you to their purpose built lodge offering high quality bed and breakfast accommodation in South We..., the Gateway to the Glaciers.
Once you have arrived, there is no need travel far - all is here - and a wonderful dinner is served
The lodge is a marvelous place to 'unwind' and just simply relax with a five minute walk to the Mahitahi River and the isolated, uncrowded and rugged Bruce Bay beach with views to Mt Cook.