Luxury Vacation Villa Accommodation West Coast New Zealand Lots of West Coast Activities

Adventure from Birds Ferry Lodge

For the more energetic traveler there are a number of local options. We recommend a jet boat trip with Buller Adventure Tours, in the largest jet boat in the South Island. Jet boating here is considerable less expensive (and we think better ) than jet boating in other parts of New Zealand.They also offer horse riding and rafting trips in the spectacular Buller Gorge.

Raft the awesome Upper Buller Gorge 'Earthquake Slip' rapids - consistent summer flows ensure this is the most exciting and reliable Grade 4 whitewater in the country. River challenges include a 9m cliff jump, a Grade 2 swim rapid and the more adventurous can paddle a self bailing inflatable kayak.

Experience a 1 1/4 hour jet boating adventure through the subtropical forest of the majestic Lower Buller Gorge. Skim the shallows, play in pressure waves and flirt with the massive rocks and craggy overhangs of the mighty Buller River, then brace yourself for some breathtaking jet spins!

Explore the incredible West Coast countryside on horseback. Native bush, sandy river beaches and fresh water creeks are all part of this fantastic horse trek experience. Alternatively negotiate similar terrain on new Suzuki LTZ sport quad bikes. Enjoy twisting native bush trails, steep climbs and descents and have a blast along the sand on these latest, easy to handle quads.

Another activity that we personally recommend is the 'caving' experience in Charleston. Norwest Adventures has been showing these outstanding caves and the resident glow worms to visitors for many years and really know how to take care of their guests. You will not be disappointed.

Take the narrow gauge ‘Nile River Rainforest Train’ and go on the award winning ‘Underworld Rafting’ (4hrs) or ‘The Charleston Glow-worm Cave Tour’ (3hrs). Combine fun & discovery in the awe inspiring Nile River caves amid the most amazing glow-worm and stalactite displays. Demand the extreme? Then try our full on ‘Adventure Caving’ (5hrs). These eco tours depart twice daily from Westport, (the train departs more often) to meet at our Charleston Tavern Base.

“One of a kind Berlins Café/Bar & Lodging offers a unique setting in the beautiful Buller Gorge and unique guided Jetski Tours. Phenomenal views from the licensed café and accommodation makes it a very special place.

Enjoy the majestic Buller Gorge with a guided jet ski tour – operating your own craft, with all equipment provided. Berlins is the only place in New Zealand where you can experience this!

If you approach Birds Ferry Lodge from Nelson/Picton/Abel Tasman then you pass New Zealand's Longest Swing Bridge and we recommend that you stop to take a look.

Adventure and Heritage Park. Walk NZ’s longest Swing bridge, crossing the beautiful Buller Gorge to view the 4.5 metre high White’s Creek Fault line, epicentre of the 1929 Murchison earthquake.

Take a 15 minute break exploring native bush and historic gold workings. Try gold panning then fly back high across the Buller river on the high speed Comet line or Superman ride. You can take a jet boat ride too.

Punakaiki Canoes
The best way to see the Porirari River Gorge which flows through luxurious rainforest beneath towering limestone cliffs in the Paparoa National Park.

Punakaiki Horse Treks
Ride amidst temperate rainforest in the spectacular Punakaiki Valley within Paparoa National Park.
River crossings with the ride finishing along the beach to the foot of the Pancake Rocks. Riding to suit all abilities. Tuition & personalised rides available.

Sweet as. Adventures and Eco-Rafting
You'll love these trips as they give you a huge insight into NZ culture, history and the environment we travel through. Our tours are kept small with huge emphasis on a good length of time spent out there in the wilderness. Backcountry rafting, canyons, mountains, live monster eels, wilderness camping, fishing, cliff jumping, waterfalls, superb scenic gorges...you KNOW there's something for you in that list. We've got trips for all types of adventurists, groups of friends, or the whole family.