5 days exploring the very best of Marlborough and the West Coast’s mining heritage, and classic 4WD tracks, based in comfortable accommodation with meals included.
5-day guided 4WD expedition
Maximum 6 vehicles
Price is per vehicle (based on two people sharing)
Reduced price per vehicle with driver only
Accommodation included
Meals included
(Price includes accommodation and all meals, based on one vehicle with two occupants sharing a room. An additional fee of $820 will be payable per additional passenger per vehicle. A reduced price of $3400 is applicable for a vehicle with driver only.)
Meals include a two-course evening meal, a packed lunch, and breakfast. We may not be able to accommodate special dietary requirements.
A pre-trip night at the Tophouse is available on request. Rates are $360 per couple sharing or $200 per single.)
Please contact us, and we can provide a price for your group.
Overview
This fully inclusive 5-day expedition combines the contrasting landscapes of Marlborough and the West Coast into one memorable South Island adventure. From remote ranges and river valleys to historic mining country, lush native forest, classic 4WD tracks, and true wilderness travel, it is a journey full of variety and character. Starting in Marlborough and then based in Reefton for three nights, the trip explores some of the West Coast’s most classic backcountry routes, where gold and coal mining history, rugged scenery, and rewarding driving all come together.
With accommodation, meals, guiding, route planning, and land access included, you can focus on the tracks, the scenery, the history and the experience.
Why this trip stands out
This trip offers a combination of remote Marlborough backcountry, three nights based in historic Reefton, classic West Coast routes, mining heritage, forest tracks, river crossings and fully inclusive comfort.
It gives you the adventure and small group experience without the need to camp or organise the daily logistics yourself. Each day is planned around great tracks, interesting history, with accommodation and meals arranged as part of the trip.
Trip highlights
- Optional pre-trip evening at the historic Tophouse Hotel
- Fully inclusive Great food and accommodation included
- Leatham Valley wilderness experience, river crossings, historic huts
- Three nights based in historic Reefton
- Big River mining history, including the winding house and A1 adit tunnel
- Glow worms and wetas in old mining tunnels
- Mount Rochfort, the Mackley River crossing, and incredible West Coast views
- Visit to a working coal mine
- Waimangaroa café, wood carvings, and great pies
- Napoleon Hill, its two historic tunnels, and Arahura Lodge morning tea and history presentation
Before departure
An optional get-together at the historic Tophouse Hotel on the evening before departure gives the group a chance to meet and enjoy the excellent food and hospitality before the adventure begins.
Staying at Tophouse on Sunday is optional and not included in the trip price. Please advise us if you wish to stay Sunday night. The cost is $360 per couple and $200 per single. For those who choose not to stay, the group will meet at Tophouse on Monday morning to start the trip.
Day 1 – Leatham Valley
From Tophouse, we head into the Leatham Valley and explore a beautiful backcountry river valley system of remote tracks, river crossings, and historic huts. We will have a picnic lunch in a superb wilderness setting, with a swimming hole nearby and Bottom Gordon hut with basic toilet facilities. In the afternoon, we return to the TopHouse Hotel to relax and have an evening meal.
Day 2 – Cross-country to Reefton
Day two is a full cross-country journey to Reefton, travelling through classic South Island backcountry and varied mountain landscapes. Highlights along the way include Lake Rotoroa, the upper Buller country, the Old Man of the Buller, and Murchison, linking remote high-country travel with the historic West Coast gold town of Reefton.
We will spend three nights in the Nourish Hotel, a real West Coast Hotel (formerly Wilsons), which offers recently refurbished accommodation and excellent food.
Day 3 – Big River
From our Reefton base, we explore Big River, one of the West Coast’s most atmospheric historic mining areas. Old mining relics, pack tracks, the winding house, and the A1 adit tunnel all help bring the gold rush era to life. This is one of the most character-filled days of the trip, with a strong mix of history, scenery, and classic West Coast backcountry.
Day 4 – Buller Gorge to Denniston and New Creek
Day four travels through the dramatic Buller Gorge on the way to the Denniston Plateau and through to New Creek, combining classic West Coast 4WD driving with some of the most striking coal-mining heritage in New Zealand. Highlights include Mount Rochfort, incredible views, the Mackley River crossing, a visit to a working coal mine, and a stop at Waimangaroa for its café, wood carvings, and famous pies. Rugged landscapes and remote tracks make this a standout day.
Day 5 – Grand Finale
The final day begins at Arahura Lodge, where morning tea of fresh scones, pikelets, jam, and cream is served alongside a fascinating history presentation on the West Coast’s mining past. From there, we head to Napoleon Hill, one of New Zealand’s most famous 4WD routes and best known for its two historic mining tunnels. Rich in gold-mining history and classic West Coast character, it provides a memorable and fitting grand finale to the expedition. If time allows, the trip usually ends with a relaxed drink or pub lunch.
Vehicle requirements
Participants join in their own suitable 4WD vehicle. Your vehicle should be well-maintained and properly equipped for remote gravel roads and backcountry tracks. For more information on vehicle suitability, trip preparation, and what to bring, please see our FAQs page.
What’s included
Guided expedition leadership, meals and accommodation, land access fees, route planning, pre-trip information, and support throughout the journey.
What’s not included
Travel to and from the trip, optional accommodation and meals at Tophouse before departure, fuel, snacks and drinks, personal travel insurance, and any vehicle-related costs, including recovery, repairs, or damage.
Ready to join the adventure?
If you want a fully inclusive guided 4WD adventure through Marlborough and the West Coast, with classic tracks, mining history, wild scenery, accommodation and meals included, this is the trip.