This Info Pack has been designed to help educators plan and coordinate field trips to the West Coast, for students focusing on key aspects of Tourism or Hospitality in their studies. Information has been provided about available and discounted accommodation and food options for groups, as well as interactive sessions at operational business and activity sites. Sessions include a combination of talks from industry professionals, on current and relevant business and tourism topics, as well as discounted activity options, for those looking to combine practical learning opportunities with time spent in an operational environment. More information on Education and Training options in your region can be found at www.tourism.net.nz

Activity And Talk Options

Maruia Hot Springs Resort and Spa

Maruia Hot Springs is a historic, natural thermal mineral spring located in the Lewis Pass National Reserve. 'Maruia' translates to shelter, haven or comfortable place. Across the world, for decades, water therapies have contributed to creating wellness experiences that provide lasting physical and mental health benefits. Maruia has been a place of relaxation, rejuvenation and healing for centuries. Learn about the history and operations of the eco resort on the Property and Nature Tour.

Talk Topics: The session will cover the following:

• How Maruia operates as an off-the-grid eco resort
• Where the natural geothermal water comes from
• What benefits the mineral content of the water has for the body

Activity Options:

• Hike up to the water source of the resorts’ hydropower - FOC
• Make your own mud masks*
• Enjoy a unique ‘signature sauna infusion’*, introducing the benefits of hot and cold contrast bathing (the cold plunge pool ranges from 4-7 degrees!), followed by relaxing in the thermal water ranging from 38-41 degrees.

*Minimum group booking 8 pax

Timings: Allow 2 - 3hrs

Location: State Highway 7, Lewis Pass, South Island

Opening Hours: Open 5 days/week; Thurs 3pm to Tues 11am. All other days 8am – 9pm

Contact: James White; Owner – 03 523 8840 / [email protected]

Cost: $15 – 20pp (depending on group size); cost includes presentation, property and nature tour and hike. Sauna Infusion and Mud Mask activities can be added at an additional cost. Please contact Hannah at Maruia Hot Springs [email protected]

Other: Maruia is an off-the-grid resort with no phone reception, but satellite Wi-Fi is available to purchase. If you are interested in arranging a food option for your group, please contact James, for discounted meal options at the on-site restaurant. Food must be arranged in advance, as the lunch menu changes often.

Waiatoto River Safari

Waiatoto River Safari is owned by Wayne and Ruth, both experience commercial pilots and jet boat drivers. Discover the West Coast, taking a jet boat up a remote backcountry river into Haast’s Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area. The guides will make sure you enjoy every minute of the river tour and not only know how to handle a jet boat but are also knowledgeable in the local culture, flora, fauna and history of the area.

Talk Topics: The following will all be covered, during the tour and BBQ lunch:

• Historical, geographical, cultural and geological information about the UNESCO World Heritage Area
• Information about introduced animals and the Haast Tokoeka Kiwi breeding program (NZ’s rarest Kiwi)
• Information about native flora
• How the owners came to the West Coast and their previous tourism business
• Type of systems to put in place to run a successful tourism business
• Marketing a tourism business
• Challenges to overcome, when starting a business
• How to fine tune a tourism business in today’s environment

Activity Options:

• Enjoy an exhilarating jet boat tour up the river towards the Tasman Sea, passing through the Alpine Fault-line and learn about the pioneering spirit of days gone by, early Maori history and the harshness of wilderness that faced the European settlers. Explore the dramatic scenery and many aspects of the stunning stunning Waiatoto Valley in South Westland, with multiple photo and commentary stops, as well as a breath-taking off-boat experience at the top of the river. Finish up in river tributary, home to the breeding grounds of the famous NZ Whitebait breed and where young Kōtuku learn to fly.
• At the top of the river, option to jump off the boat to walk through an ancient, native beech rainforest, untouched by man for thousands of years.
• Option to add on a Kiwi Sanctuary Visit (additional cost)
• Finish at the riverside base for a scrumptious local fare BBQ

Timings: 3hrs. Check-in 30mins before departure

Location: Waiatoto River Safari, Hannah’s Homestead 1975 Jackson Bay Road, Hannah’s Clearing, Haast 

Opening Hours: 9am – 7pm, Daily

Contact: Ruth, Owner – [email protected] / 0800 538 723

Cost: $199pp includes:

• Jet boat tour
• BBQ lunch (includes Crayfish, Venison, Whitebait, Gourmet Sausages and Patties, Homegrown Seasonal Greens, Bread, Refreshments)

*Min. booking 6 people, max. 36

Other: In wet weather, there is a roof on the boat and trips continue to run

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef

Scenic Hotel Group is NZ’s largest independently owned and operated hotel group and pride themselves on offering true Kiwi hospitality at each of their hotels. Located in many popular regions in NZ, as well as the South Pacific country of Niue, Scenic Hotel Group welcomes all types of traveller. Scenic Hotel Group offers a variety of accommodation (rooms, suites and self-catering apartments) at Heartland Hotels, Scenic Hotels, Suites and Resorts, Airedale Boutique Suites and luxury Te Waonui Forest Retreat, as well as excellent event services, conference and meeting facilities and wedding venues. General Manager Alex, originally from Germany, is able to provide information about all West Coast properties and a tour of the 130 room Franz Josef property, including it’s 2 onsite restaurants, meeting room and private hot pools.

Talk Topics: The presentation will include the following:

• The Scenic Hotel chain and sites on the West Coast
• Overview of an operational hotel
• Tourism in the West Coast
• Working in the Tourism and Hospitality sector
• Alex’s personal career path

Activity Options: Tour of the hotel and the chance to talk with departmental staff, onsite

Timings: 30 - 45mins for talk + tour (timings can be adjusted to suit requirements)

Location: 36 Main Road, Franz Josef

Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm weekdays (hotel open 24 hours)

Contact: [email protected] / 03 752 0729

Cost: FOC

Other: The team are also able to assist with accommodation at the Scenic Hotel or Kea Village. Please see ACCOMMODATION section

Across Country Quad Bikes

ACQB are 100% NZ owned and operated, with a family tree dating back to the late 1860'. With decades of local knowledge, this team will amaze you at what is around every twist and turn as you are guided through rain forests, riverbeds, grasslands, sand and mud. Feel the thrill of fresh air in your face and the excitement of riding 2 seater Can-am quad bikes through ancient glacial pathways, carved into the landscape by ice and water.

Talk Topics:

• Having the right personality to work in Tourism and how to be successful
• Working in the Tourism Industry – the skills you’ll need and how to get into it
• A normal day at ACQB
• Starting your own business (without having gone to University)
• Local history and the Franz Josef glacial environment

Activity Options:

​Enjoy an amazing guided single, double quad bike or 3-seater buggy adventure, riding through breath-taking rainforest and exploring an ancient glacier riverbed, while being surrounded with stunning views of the Southern Alps and the impressive Franz Josef Glacier.

Timings: 2hr tours at 10m and 2pm

Location: 30 Main Road, State Highway 6, Franz Josef Glacier

Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm, Daily

Contact: Dora; Manager – [email protected] / 03 752 0123

Cost: $99pp for single quad bike, $149/bike for double quad bike ($74.50pp). Please contact Dora for 3 seater buggy prices

Other: Max. group size 24 (for groups larger than this, 2 trips will need to be run)

Glacier Valley Eco Tours

Glacier Valley Eco Tours specialize in offering guided nature walks in Glacier Country. Kiwi owners and partners, Cliff and Rachel, have over 17 years local knowledge and guiding experience and pride themselves on being eco-friendly and offering small guide-client ratios, to greatly improve the experience. Glacier Valley Eco Tours hold a Department of Conservation guiding concession, enabling them to lead groups in National Parks in the Glacier Country area.

Talk Topics:

• Working with volunteers
• Sustainability and Predator Free 2050; working with DOC on community trapping projects to combat predators and protect birds and invertebrates, including endangered fernbirds and recently released Rowi kiwi.
• Woodcarving (Cliff is also a Carver, with artwork on display in local galleries)
• Tai Poutini National Park
• Geology, glaciology, geomorphology and geography
• Local flora and fauna
• Local stories/history/Māori legends of the area

Activity Options:

• Full and half day walks in the world-renowned Franz Josef and Fox Glacier valleys and the ex-gold mining village of Ōkārito township, beach and forest.
• Evening walks at the iconic ‘mirror lake’ Lake Matheson
• Cliff can run a group presentation for 1-2 hrs in the base building. This costs $300 and covers in-depth geology, glaciology, history and time frames, climate change and more.

Min. group 8 pax. Max group 10 pax.

Timings: Summer 9:30, 1:30, 5:30pm. Winter 11:00am and 3:00pm, daily. Lake Matheson tours at the later times 

* Departure times may vary, based on guide availability, please book in advance (same day bookings not always possible)

Location: Scott Base Information Centre, 20 Main Road, Franz Josef Glacier

Opening Hours: High Season 8:30am - 8:30pm, Low Season 9am - 2:30pm, daily

Contact: Tash Goodwin; Owner – [email protected] / 021 880 458

Cost: Group rates $50pp

Other: All guides hold current first aid certificates. Umbrellas and walking poles can be provided, if required. Transport is available for the Franz Josef Glacier Valley, please contact Tash to enquire and ask about other destinations.

West Coast Wildlife Centre

The West Coast Wildlife Centre is the largest kiwi incubation and hatching facility in the South Island and has a public private partnership with the Department of Conservation. The site looks after the worlds 2 rarest kiwi, the Rowi and Haast Tokoeka, and have helped bring these species back from the very edge of extinction. With over 335 rowi kiwi hatched to date inside their facility and returned back to the wild, there are estimated to be less than 550 Rowi kiwi left alive today. The facility is QualMark silver rated.

Talk Topics:

• The 5 types of Kiwi in NZ
• Predators in NZ; native and introduced mammals
• Nocturnal animals
• DOC and breeding programme
• Kiwi reproduction
• Incubation and hatching

Activity Options: 24 hour general admission includes:

• See live Kiwi and the hatchery
• Tuatara exhibition
• Fox and Franz Josef Glacier experience
• Wild West Coast storytelling: discover the incredible stories and pioneering spirit that brought explorers over to the Glaciers in the past and still does today
• VIP Guided Backstage Pass (additional cost)

Timings:

• Talk: approx. 30 - 35mins incl. video and Q&A session
• Allow 2 – 3hrs

Location: Corner of Cron and Cowan Street, Franz Josef Glacier 

Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm, Daily

Contact: Richard Benton; Director - [email protected] / 03 423 9516 / 021 669 026

*Richard is also Co-Chair Glacier Tourism Marketing Group, Director Alpine View Ltd. NZ Brochures and Distribution, Chairman Tekapo Springs and Director Teewah Holding Ltd.

Cost: Students $32pp, Adults $34pp. 1 teacher FOC for every 10 students

Other: Onsite Cafe Wild available for breakfasts and lunches. Additional discounts for combination booking with Helicopter flight over Franz Josef; contact Richard for details. Single level site is wheelchair friendly.

Development West Coast

Development West Coast is the Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) responsible for coordinating, facilitating, motivating and developing the marketing of the West Coast – a 600km region reaching from Kahurangi Point to Awarua Point. As the neutral tourism contact point for the resort, they work with local businesses, tourism operators, the hospitality industry, accommodation providers, retailers and service sectors, to promote the Coast as a unique, international visitor destination, that offers visitors truly memorable experiences. DWC are responsible for the branding of the various towns that make up the region and, on an international level, work closely with Tourism NZ and, in long haul markets, promote the wider Westland region. DWC has a core role in providing information, trade liaison and media promotion. Liaison with key markets, leveraging advertising investment, maintaining relationships, developing new contacts and providing updates on events, developments, new products and relevant news in our region is all part of their job.

Talk Topics:

• Tourism in NZ
• Who they are and what they do
• Marketing strategies
• Communication and Media
• Trade Marketing
• Conference and Incentive

Timings: 25 – 30min presentation + discussion time

Location: 1st Floor, Brunner House, 54 Tainui Street, Greymouth

Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm weekdays

Contact: Géraldine Morisse; Commercial Tourism Executive - [email protected] / 03 769 7000 / 0800 768 0140

Cost: FOC

Underworld Adventures

Underworld Adventures is based in Charleston, in the wilderness of the Paparoa National Park, nestled between rugged mountain tops and the wild Tasman Sea, with rainforest clad limestone on their doorstep. The team invite you to explore an ancient cave system, decorated with calcite crystals and a complex, dark world that has been created and etched into rock by the forces of nature. Explore water-filled subterranean passages, inhabited by millions of twinkling glowworms and gain an understanding and experience of the beauty and excitement of these subterranean systems.

Talk Topics:

• Operating a sustainable tourism business in a pristine and fragile eco system
• The creation and management of an Adventure Tourism business
• Management of Risk
• Limestone cave and karst landscapes in the untamed natural wilderness of the West Coast
• The quarter million year old cave system, comprising ancient rivers and complex systems

Activity Options:

A unique variety of cave and karst adventures including:

• Charleston Nile River Rainforest Train journey: 1.5hrs
• Charleston Glowworm Cave Tour: 3.5hrs
• Introductory Wild Caving and Rainforest Train: only upon request, 2 – 3hrs
• Sublime and all-encompassing Underworld Rafting trip: 4hrs
• Full on Te Tahi Adventure Caving trip (unavailable summer 2021/22)

All specialized clothing and equipment will be provided. Customers must bring warm outer clothing and sturdy footwear for the glowworm cave tour; swimwear, water confidence and a towel for rafting and adventure caving. Drinks and digital images will be provided FOC.

Timings: Tours depart 9am and 11:30am daily, October - April and 10am, May – September. The Nile Rainforest Train also departs at 2pm

Location: The Charleston “Underworld Adventure Centre and Cafe”, situated alongside State Highway 6 in historic Charleston – 20 mins drive south of Westport, or 30 mins north of Punakaiki.

Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm daily

Contact: Aidan Schurr; GM - [email protected] / 03 7888 168

Cost:

• Scenic Nile River Rainforest Train journey - $25 Adult, $20 Child (under 16)
• Introductory Wild Caving and Rainforest Train - $75pp
• Glowworm Cave Tour - $130 Adult, $95 Child
• Underworld Rafting - $195 Adult, $155 Child

Min. group booking 2 pax. Group and Education prices available on request

Other: Courtesy transport via coach can be provided to Westport or Charleston, upon request. Group catering can be provided at the Underworld Café, please see FOOD section for details. Accommodation information for the neighboring towns of Charleston, Punakaiki and Westport can be provided by Aidan. Underworld Adventures has changing rooms, showers, additional rest rooms, gear storage and a spacious waiting room.

Tai Poutini Polytechnic

Tai Poutini Polytechnic, based on NZ’s spectacular West Coast, with campuses in Greymouth and Westport, offers students exciting opportunities to get a head start in their career, or take the next step in thinking about their career pathway and learning journey. The Polytechnic's popular Outdoor Education program teaches technical, leadership and teamwork skills on West Coast rivers and mountains. A base on the West Coast also allows Jade and Hard Stone Carving students to get right to the cultural and historic source of their material. The Polytechnic also has an Employment and Careers Hub, where visitors and students can get support with career planning, preparing CVs, learning interview skills and more.

Talk Topics:

• Study options at Tai Poutini Polytechnic
• Potential career pathways in Tourism
• Entering the workforce

Activity Options:

• Campus tour
• Program tasters across a number of study pathways including Outdoor Education, Jade Hard Stone Carving, Cookery and Hospitality. Program tasters are available based on Tutor availability and teaching schedules.
• Career guidance, planning tools and action plan creation
• Preparing your CV and interview skills

Timing: Timings vary dependent on activity selected. Allow minimum 1 hour for campus tour and talk

Location: 73-87 Tainui Street, Greymouth

Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm weekdays

Contact: Paige Smith; Marketing Advisor - [email protected] / 03 769 9628

Cost: All activity options are provided FOC

Other: No min. group size. Tai Poutini Polytechnic also has student accommodation available at their Greymouth Campus Village, in close proximity of the Campus and CBD. 58 rooms are available, consisting of shared housing and single units. Accommodation is available during December and January only and can be quoted to meet requirements. The Polytechnic also has a student café on site at the Greymouth campus and catering options can be quoted to meet requirements.

Explore West Coast Scenic Tours and West Coast Travel

Owner Gina is a TPP Tourism and Hospitality graduate and, as well as operating a scenic tour business, owns a travel agency and Destination Management Company, is a booking agent for TranzAlpine Train, manages an information centre and retail site, hotel, restaurant and bar. Gina can help organize activities, accommodation and food anywhere on the West Coast and, working closely with a number of operators, the Grey District Council, local RTO - Development West Coast Tourism and the district’s Business Promotions Association, has a wealth of contacts she can put you in touch with, to help build your trip

Talk Topics:

• West Coast History and Heritage
• Coastal natural scenery, including Glaciers and Blowholes
• The range of West Coast activities, including scenic flights, kayaking, paddle boarding, caving, rafting and tramping
• Native wildlife, breeding and regeneration at local Wildlife Centre’s
• The Wilderness Cycle Trail
• Marketing tourism and tourism businesses
• Tourism events and conferences, including TRENZ

*Gina can arrange speakers at each activity booked, on a topic of your choosing.

Activity Options:

These are an example of some of the tours offered by Explore West Coast Scenic Tours, but Gina is able to customize tour options, to suit your needs.

Transport Included: All tours include transport in a modern tour van; max group size 36, includes pick up / drop off to accommodation. 

• Punakaiki Blow Holes and Pancake Rocks Half Day Tour
• Lake Brunner and Heritage Mine Site Tour; including lake tour, learning about the history of the lake and surrounding area and lunch at Kingfisher Restaurant 
• Shantytown Heritage Park and Gold Panning Tour; Shantytown also caters for school groups, both day itineraries and overnight excursions
• Hokitika Gorge and Tree Top Walkway Tour
• Franz Josef Glacier and Wildlife Centre Full Day Tour
• Best of the West Full Day Tour; including Punakaiki Blowholes and Pancake Rocks, Hokitika Gorge, Tree Top Walkway 

Self Drive:

• Punakaiki Blow Holes - FOC
• Hokitika Gorge – FOC
• Leftbank Art Gallery - FOC
• Franz Josef Glacier Valley Tour - FOC (unguided)
• Coaltown Museum $10 Adult, $2 Under 16
• Tree Top Walkway - $27 Student, $31 Adult
• Hokitika Eco World $29 Adult, $18 Student
• Shantytown Heritage Park - $25.60 Student, $34.20 Adult
• Wildlife Centre Franz Josef General Entry - $30.60 Student, $32.40 Adult
• Wildlife Centre Franz Josef Backstage pass VIP Adult $60.80 Student $58.90 
• On Yer Bike (4WD Tours) - from $110 Child / $125 Adult
  
• Underworld Cave tour Raft - adult $215, Under 16 $170, walk through adult $145 student $110
  
• Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike from $585

Timings: Timings vary per activity/tour but information will be provided by Gina, at time of enquiry, Timings can be altered to suit group needs, for custom tours.

Location: 164 Mackay Street, Greymouth (inside Greymouth’s historic railway station, adjacent to the platform for the Tranz Alpine train)

Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm, Daily

Contact: For enquires and bookings; Kelly Ashworth - Operational Manager [email protected] / 03 7687080. 

*For any other comms Gina Ashworth - General Manager [email protected]

Cost: Costs vary per activity/tour. Min 2 pax for tours to run. Contact us for special tailored group pricing!

Other: Gina is also GM for Greymouth i-SITE Visitor Centre/Railway Station/Station Gift Shop and Marketing Manager for Hotel Lake Brunner/Kingfisher Restaurant, so can help to book up activities, food and accommodation with any other operator in the region.

Shanty Town Heritage Park

The Education Centre at the Shantytown Heritage Park was started in 1998 to provide learning experiences outside of the classroom and is part funded by the MoE. Schools from all over NZ visit the centre, which boasts a range of learning programs based on the colourful history of the West Coast. Students from Year 1-13 are welcome and every group is catered for on an individual basis, to meet Achievement Objectives and Learning Outcomes in full. All programs are hands on and active, pose problems for students to solve and encourage group work and co-operation, as well as individual achievement.

Talk Topics: The team is able to cover a variety of topics, including Operating a Tourism Business, to suit your needs, please visit https://shantytown.co.nz/mvec-programme for more details.

Activity Options: The site offers variety of activities to suit your needs, including Gold Panning, Steam Train rides, Museum Tour, Holographic Show, Rainforest Walks, Foundry Experience, Village tour and old time photos. Please visit https://shantytown.co.nz/#attractions for more details.

Timings: Timings are dependent on activities and sessions booked. Allow at least half day

Location: Rutherglen Road, Paroa, Greymouth

Opening Hours: 10am – 3pm, Daily

Contact: Lisa; Education Coordinator - [email protected] / [email protected] / 03 762 6634

Cost: Education program - $15pp (includes gold panning and train ride). Teachers - FOC with school group. Accompanying adults – first 5 FOC with school group, extras $15pp. Gold Panning for adult helpers - $7pp.

*Special rates for West Coast schools. Please contact MVEC for details.

Overnight Camp Accommodation: $26pp for Students and $11pp for Adults (excludes Education Program). Max. 35 pax.

Overnight Catering: $18.50pp (includes dinner and breakfast)

Other: Shantytown also offer food and Education Centre Lunch Menu, please see FOOD section. Shantytown also offer accommodation as part of their 2 day camp, please see ACCOMMODATION section. Download the schools program brochure here. Shantytown will provide:

• An individualized Day Plan to conform with your specified learning intentions
• RAMS to help you prepare your own. RAMS for visiting schools
• Experienced teaching staff to provide opportunities for teachers to stand back and observe students
• Costumes to help create truly authentic days
• Assistance with finding accommodation or other sites to visit

Department of Conservation

The West Coast has a variety of easy walks to experience landscapes such as beaches, streams, lakes and forests. The website has information on numerous options.

Talk Topics: Talks on the following can be arranged, upon request: Conservation, Sustainability, Local Flora and Fauna, Tramping and Hiking

Timings: 25 – 30min presentation + discussion time

Location: Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre, 69 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier (inside Glacier Base Building and same building as i-SITE)

Opening Hours: 8:30am – 6pm Summer (late October to mid-April). Rest of year 8:30am – 5pm, daily

Contact: Hazel Ross; Interpretation Ranger - [email protected] / 03 752 0360 / 027 254 7710

Cost: FOC

Skydive Franz and Fox

Visit the pioneers of high-altitude skydiving, enjoy some insights from both skydivers and front of house professionals and have the chance to skydive above the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

Talk Topics:

• Skydiving
• Branding and marketing
• Customer Service
• Regional History

Activity Option: Enjoy an extreme skydive in one of Redbull’s Top 9 Locations to Skydive in the World! Get the exclusive opportunity to ask questions to staff from the check in office, before heading out to the airfield.

Timings: Safety talk + video for those skydiving = 15mins. For those not skydiving, talk timing can be arranged to suit group needs. Depending on group size, skydiving session may take 1 – 3hrs.

Location: 69 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier Base and Franz Josef Airfield

Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm, sessions can be run earlier/later depending on daylight hours

Contact: Lily Cooney-Wilson; Front of House Manager - [email protected] / 0800 4 58677

Cost: $199 for a 9,000ft skydive when min. 4 passengers book

Franz Josef Glacier Guides

Franz Josef Glacier Guides and The Helicopter Line are proud to show off the very best of NZ's West Coast glaciers. Their guides have a great deal of experience and are highly skilled in finding the safest and most spectacular route for you. Each trip is tailored to the ability of the group as well as the conditions of the ice and valley on the day.

Talk Topics: The history, geography and tourism of Franz Josef 

Activity Options:

• Glacier Heli Hike: After an exciting, brief flight over rugged terrain, land on Franz Josef Glacier for a 2 hour guided hike. Your guide, with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations, will lead you through some of the most awe-inspiring glacier scenery Aotearoa has to offer.
• Glacier Heli Ice Climb: Under the expert tuition of an experienced guides, be introduced to the exhilarating sport of ice-climbing, whilst still enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Franz Josef Glacier. Your guide will tailor the day to challenge novices and experts alike. No experience necessary.

Timings: 30min presentation + 15min discussion (timings can be extended, upon request)

Location: Glacier Base, 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier 

Opening Hours: 7:30am – 9pm, Daily

Contact: Jon Tyler; Business Manager - 027 567 1414 / [email protected] OR Rebecca Sharp, Group Bookings, [email protected]

Cost: Please contact Jon for pricing information

Other: The site has facilities to seat a class. Jon is also Business Manager for Glacier Hot Pools (currently closed)

Food And Talk Options

Monsoon (Rainforest Retreat)

Menu: DIY continental or cooked buffet breakfast; packed lunches; evening all-you-can-eat pizza buffet, or roast of the day.

Best For: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

Location: 46 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier, 7886

Opening Hours: 7:30 – 10:00 and 16:30 – 21:00, Daily

Contact: [email protected] / 03 752 0220 

Cost:

• Breakfast buffet: $20pp (min. 20 pax)
  
• Packed lunch: $15pp
• Evening Pizza buffet: $20pp (min. 15 pax)

*If all 3 meal options are booked, flat rate of $45pp/day

Other: 2 and 3 course group meals also available and diners can also choose to order from the restaurant menu.

Maruia Hot Springs Resort Restaurant

Menu: Showcasing natures versatility inspired by the beautiful Southern alps surrounding the resort, Maruia’s resident chefs use fresh organic ingredients from local suppliers across NZ (and from their own land) to create delicious dining experiences.

Best For: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Location: State Highway 7, Lewis Pass, South Island

Opening Hours: Breakfast 8 – 10am, Lunch 12:15 – 2pm, Dinner from 6pm, Daily

Contact: James White; Owner – 03 523 8840 / [email protected]

Cost: Menu and prices change seasonally, please contact James for discounted meal options.

Other: Food must be arranged in advance, as the lunch menu changes often. Platters and snacks can be organized for groups

Kingfisher Restaurant and Bar (Hotel Lake Brunner)

Menu: Traditional Kiwi fare – both A La Carte and set group menu available

Best For: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Location: 34 Ahau Street, Moana

Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm. Breakfast 9am until 3pm, Dinner 5pm until 9pm, Daily

*Group continental breakfasts can be arranged for earlier times.

Contact: Gina Ashworth; Marketing GM - [email protected] /021 111 0077 / 03 738 0083

Cost: The restaurant can work to set budgets and offer discounted options for groups. Group buffet pricing averages $12pp breakfast, $16pp lunch, $18pp dinner.

Please contact Gina for more details. Standard price options include:

• Cooked Breakfast $20pp
• Continental Breakfast $16pp
• A La Carte Kiwi Dinner $20pp (pre-order is required)
• Chinese Set Meal (6 dishes + 1 soup) $20pp (more dishes can be arranged on request)
• Whitebait Lunch (Nov – Feb) $20pp

Other: Gina is also GM for Greymouth i-SITE Visitor Centre/Railway Station/Station Gift Shop, Explore West Coast Scenic Tours and West Coast Travel and is the Marketing Manager for Hotel Lake Brunner, so can help to book up activities, food and accommodation with any other operator in the region.

King Dick’s Café (Shanty Town Heritage Park)

Menu: Café style food

Best For: Lunch

Location: Shantytown Heritage Park, Rutherglen Road, Paroa, Greymouth

Opening Hours: 10am – 3pm, Daily

Contact: Lisa; Education Coordinator - [email protected] / [email protected] / 03 762 6634

Cost: Prices range from $4 – 25. Catering can be arranged in advance, please contact the park

Other: Shantytown also offer food as part of their 2-day camp and an Education Centre Lunch Menu, please see ACTIVITY section. Overnight Catering: $18.50pp (includes dinner and breakfast)

Underworld Cafe

Menu: Café style food. Upon request Underworld can supply groups with buffet style lunches, please contact Aidan and they will tailor the perfect lunch for your needs.

Best For: Lunch

Location: The Charleston “Underworld Adventure Centre and Cafe”, situated alongside State Highway 6 in historic Charleston – 20 mins drive south of Westport, or 30 mins north of Punakaiki.

Opening Hours: Summer 8am – 4pm (kitchen closes at 3:30 pm), Winter 9am – 3pm (Kitchen closes 2:30 pm), Daily

Contact: Aidan Schurr; GM – [email protected] / 03 7888 168

Cost: $5 – 25 in the Café. For buffet pricing, please contact Aidan

Other: The Café can host up to 60 pax. Underworld Café is an independent run business, so Aidan would need to liaise with the café owners, on behalf of the group. Accommodation information for the neighbouring towns of Charleston, Punakaiki and Westport can be provided by Aidan.

Accommodation and Talk Options

Rainforest Retreat

Accommodation Type: A wide range of options including:

• 6 bed shared dorms
• 4 bed ensuite flashpacker dorms (incl. TV, Tea and Coffee and bedding) - $28.80pp/night
• Ensuite twins - $75/night/room
• Holiday houses
• Motel rooms
• “the gecko village” Group
• Tree lodge
• Deluxe treehouses - luxury 5* accommodation

*Group rates available. Please email or phone the property for details.

Talk Topics:

• The importance of wowing guests
• Guest first impressions
• Complaint resolution

Location: 46 Cron St, Franz Josef, 7886

Contact: [email protected] / 03 752 0220

Cost: Prices vary depending on rooms and meal options booked. Please contact the property, for details.

Other: On site restaurant (Monsoon) can offer group meals for breakfast/lunch/dinner. Large communal kitchen available for self-catering. Rainforest retreat is in the centre of Franz Josef and are experts at looking after groups; having hosted a large number of school groups, over the years. They have great communal facilities on site including a large 15 person hot tub and sauna, BBQ’s, large lounge and kitchen. They can also help with organising activities whilst in glacier country

Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park

Accommodation Type: Nestled below the breath-taking panorama of towering mountains, magnificent glaciers and lush forests, Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park offers a beautifully landscaped environment and plenty of space to stay. Choose from a range of accommodation options:

For Teachers:

• 2 Bedroom Motel: 2 bedroom unit with queen bed in 1 bedroom and either 3 single beds or a double and a single bed in the second bedroom. Fully self-contained with separate kitchen lounge area and bathroom facilities. From $165pn based on 2 people sharing, $25 for each extra person up to a max. of 5 pax.
• 1 Bedroom Motel: 1-bedroom unit with a queen bed in the living area and either single beds or single beds and bunks in the bedroom. Fully self-contained with cooking and bathroom facilities. From $115pn based on 2 people sharing, $25 for each extra person.
• Studio Motel: 1 room unit with queen bed and single bed. Fully self-contained with own cooking and bathroom facilities. From $145pn based on 2 people sharing, $25 for each extra person up to a max. of 5 pax.
• Ensuite Unit: 1 room unit with king bed. Fully self-contained with bathroom and breakfast making facilities. From $104pn based on max. 2 people sharing.

For Students and Teachers:

• Lodge Rooms: 1 room unit with queen bed and a mix of single beds or bunks and private bathroom. From $94pn based on 2 people sharing, $25 for each extra person up to a max. of 7 pax. Include lines and towels and access to fully equipped communal TV Lounge and Kitchen, which can be kept for groups’ sole use.
• Kitchen Cabins: 1 room unit accommodating 2 - 5 pax. Double or queen bed and variety of single beds or bunks. Private cooking facilities, shared communal bathroom and toilet facilities. Linen and towels provided. From $84pn based on 2 people sharing, $25 for each extra person up to a max. of 5 pax.
• Standard Cabins: 1 room unit with queen bed and single beds or bunks for 2 - 4 extra pax. Shared communal bathroom and kitchen facilities in separate block. Linen and towels provided. From $74pn, based on 2 people sharing, $25 for each extra person up to a max. of 6 pax.

*For groups of 20+, additional discount can be offered

Location: 2902 Franz Josef Highway

Contact: Aimee Gill and Joe Jackson; Managers –  03 7520 735 / [email protected]

Cost: Prices listed above; for groups of 20+, additional discount can be offered

Other: Free Wi-Fi (250MB/day), onsite Laundry, Communal Kitchen, BBQ Area, Spa and Sauna, TV Recreation Room

Hotel Lake Brunner

Accommodation Type: Built in the 1930’s to service the TranzAlpine Rail, connecting the East and West Coasts of the South Island, the Hotel was once called Chateau Moana. The name Brunner was bestowed on the lake, to recognise explorer and surveyor Thomas Brunner, who, with the help of his Maori guide, Kehu, is considered to be the first European to see this supreme rain forest lake in 1848. The lake, Moana Kotuku Whakaoho, was already significant to local Iwi, providing year-round Kai on their journey across the Southern Alps, trading Pounamu. Comprising studio suites, apartments, cabins and motels, most of the accommodation sits directly behind the historic hotel, with in-house rooms in the main building. All guests are treated to unparalleled views of Lake Brunner and the Southern Alps and are only a short distance to the foreshore, Arnold River and two rainforest lake walks.

• Lake View Studio Suites - queen bed that can be split into twin beds and a king single bed - $216 – 256/room
• Lake View Apartments - queen bed, 2 single beds and 2 x sofa beds - $116 – 140/room
• Family Motel Units - Queen bed and 2 single beds - $140 RETAIL/night
• Lake View Dormitory Bunk Rooms - 4 pax bunk rooms with shared facilities - $23/night
• Powered camp sites - $23/night

*All pricing listed includes 20% discount / wholesale rate

*All Queen/Double beds can be split into twin singles

Location: 34 Ahau Street, Moana

Contact: Gina Ashworth; Marketing GM - [email protected] /021 111 0077

Cost: All prices listed include 20% group discount.

Other: Gina is also GM for Greymouth i-SITE Visitor Centre/Railway Station/Station Gift Shop, Explore West Coast Scenic Tours and West Coast Travel and Marketing Manager for Kingfisher Restaurant, so can help to book up activities, food and accommodation with any other operator in the region.

Shanty Town Heritage Park

Accommodation Type: Camping and bunks

Location: Rutherglen Road, Paroa, Greymouth

Opening Hours: 10am – 3pm, Daily (overnight stays provided outside business hours)

Contact: Lisa; Education Coordinator - [email protected] / [email protected] / 03 762 6634

Cost:

• Overnight Camp Accommodation: $26pp for Students and $11pp for Adults (excludes Education Program)

*Max. 35 pax

• Overnight Catering: $18.50pp (includes dinner and breakfast)
• Education program - $15pp (includes gold panning and train ride). Teachers - FOC with school group. Accompanying adults – first 5 FOC with school group, extras $15pp

*Schools will need to provide their own bedding

*Special rates for West Coast schools. Please contact MVEC for details.

Other: As part of the overnight camp, Shantytown is able to cover a variety of educational topics and provide activities to suit your needs, please visit https://shantytown.co.nz/mvec-programme for more details. Shantytown also offer food in the park, education centre and overnight camp, please see FOOD section. Shantytown offer a range of activities, as part of their 2 day camp and in the park, please see ACTIVITY section. Download the schools program brochure here. Shantytown will provide:

• An individualized Day Plan to conform with your specified learning intentions
• RAMS to help you prepare your own. RAMS for visiting schools
• Experienced teaching staff to provide opportunities for teachers to stand back and observe students
• Costumes to help create truly authentic days
• Assistance with finding accommodation or other sites to visit

Chateau Backpackers and Motels

Accommodation Type:

• Private queen rooms with kitchenette, heater, ensuite, linen and towels, complimentary tea, coffee, milk and toiletries, TV
• 4/5/6 bed dorm room: all dorm beds are 'Privacy Pods'; enclosed on 3 sides and curtain on the fourth. Each pod contains: double power socket with USB charging points, and individual reading lights.

Location: 8 Cron street, Franz Josef

Opening Hours: 7am – 8pm, Daily

Contact: Chris; Owner - [email protected] / [email protected] / 03 752 0738

Cost: Please contact Chris for group discounts and current seasonal rates. Typical rates: dorm rooms $22 - 27pp/pn and private $65 – 85pp/pn.

Other: Onsite facilities include; meeting room for presentations (free of charge use when group booking of 10+ is made), unlimited Wi-Fi, 2 BBQ’s (1 Vegan only), Parking, Laundry, Spa pool and Fitness Room, Pool Table. Breakfast (waffles, pancakes, cereal, home-made yoghurt, toast) and evening soup included.

Scenic Hotel Kea Village Franz Josef

Accommodation Type: 44 x 2 bedroom cabins with central ensuite (shower, vanity, toilet) and private covered deck. Each cabin has Queen beds, side tables, comfy chair, heat pump/air conditioning and storage, Wi-Fi and comes with linen and towels. Shared cooking and recreational facilities onsite.

Location: 93 Cron Street, Franz Josef

Opening Hours: Check in 2pm, check out 10am

Contact: [email protected] / 03 752 0729

Cost: Please contact for discounted group and current seasonal rates

Other: For those with a larger budget/looking for more private accommodation, Alex is also able to provide information about other Scenic properties on the West Coast, including Scenic Hotel Franz Josef at 36 Main Road, Franz Josef (boasting 130 ensuite private rooms and suites - single, queen, king, twin and triple, 2 onsite restaurants, laundry, meeting room, free Wi-Fi, private hot pools, parking and nearby Amaia Luxury Spa). Alex is also able to give a talk to students, please see SPEAKER and ACTIVITY section.

Glow Worm Accommodation

Accommodation Type: Cosy backpackers in Franz Josef, offering a homely atmosphere

•  bed dormitory ensuite rooms $24pp/night
• 6 bed dorms $20pp/night
• Range of private rooms:
  • Ensuite twin/double $70/night
  • Family $90/night
  • Twin/double with shared bathroom $50/night

Location: 27 Cron Street, Franz Josef

Opening Hours: Check in 2pm, check out 10am

Contact: Gesche Hockey; Reception - 03 752 0172 / [email protected]

Cost: All prices quoted are indicative only and may be subject to change based on demand and season. Please contact Gesche for current group rates, at time of booking.

Other: Lounge/kitchen area offers space for group dining. Other facilities include: BBQ, Parking, TV lounge, Spa pool, free Wi-Fi. Breakfast included