West Coast Scenic Waterways
West Coast Scenic Waterways
West Coast Scenic Waterways
5
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
We are an eco-tourism business providing accommodation, wholesome food, eco cruises and freedom kayak hire on one of New Zealand's most highly valued wetlands. We provide bike hire to cycle a spectacular section on the west coast wilderness trail, and hire out our wonderful Hot Tubs. We aim to enrich our clients' appreciation of our natural surroundings, it's unique biodiversity, and provide them a setting to relax, recharge, and restore before returning to their daily pressures of life. We are located 4km south of Hokitika, in the stunning wilderness of the West Coast.
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West Coast Scenic Waterways
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
128 reviews
Excellent
125
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Kelly H
Christchurch, New Zealand62 contributions
Sept 2020
I was lucky enough to have a clear, fresh night for a sunset cruise along the Mahinapua waterways - what a great opportunity to see another side of the West Coast and to hear some great history at the same time. I was travelling solo and tagged on to a wider group of Wilderness Trail cyclists but both Gavin and Cindy made me feel extremely welcome and included. Great way to spend a couple of hours!
Written 3 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Kelly....we were so happy it worked out for you. So appreciate you taking the time in your travels to explore the beautiful Mahinapua Waterways.
Look after yourself....Gavin and Cindy Hopper
Written 4 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CharBP
Fremantle, Australia143 contributions
Jun 2020
An absolute must when visiting Hokitika and surrounds. I had the pleasure of experiencing the Scenic Waterways tour up Mahinapua Creek and out to the lake a couple of weeks ago. Gavin is a knowledgeable guide and provided a pleasant experience on the boat. The views are spectacular, we took the evening cruise and witnessed a beautiful winter sunset as is rested behind the native forest.
There are several options with this company so I’m looking forward to returning and trying out the kayaking along the calm waters of Mahinapua ☀️
There are several options with this company so I’m looking forward to returning and trying out the kayaking along the calm waters of Mahinapua ☀️
Written 4 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So appreciated and thrilled to hear you enjoyed our region's backyard so much....a very special place :) 💦💙💚
Take care of yourself....Gavin and Cindy.
Written 6 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Keiron
Kinloch, New Zealand66 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
7 of us stayed here for 2 nights while cycling the Wilderness Trail trail and if I could give this place a higher rating than “excellent “ I would! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the loveliest hosts and made to feel so welcome. Sitting outside after cycling all day, we were given cool drinks while waiting for our waterways cruise at 5pm. A very interesting and informative cruise for 2hrs looking at the wildlife, trees and plants while hearing about them and the history from our skipper Bevan, and enjoying a glass of wine along the way. We all really enjoyed the experience. Back to our accommodation where we had an outstanding home-cooked meal that was absolutely delicious. Our rooms were spacious with comfortable beds. The next day we cycled again and upon arriving back to our accommodation that afternoon we again were greeted with smiling faces, refreshing drinks and an amazing meal. I can’t recommend this place highly enough. We will be back!
Written 12 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicki O
13 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
What a way to see parts of the West Coast that you won't see from the road.
Hop on the very stable time cruise craft and we are taken on a journey back in time. Stories of the Gold Rush, natural uses for flax, rāupo, whitebait, birdlife are brought to life by our skipper, Kevin.
The views along this natural waterway are beautiful then coming out to Lake Māhinapua. Well, that you are going to have to come and join this trip to see for yourself.
Fabulous evening out on the Sunset cruise, good cuppa and great yarns, we thank Kevin for his knowledge and passion.
We thank Gavin and Cindy for keeping this experience alive.
Hop on the very stable time cruise craft and we are taken on a journey back in time. Stories of the Gold Rush, natural uses for flax, rāupo, whitebait, birdlife are brought to life by our skipper, Kevin.
The views along this natural waterway are beautiful then coming out to Lake Māhinapua. Well, that you are going to have to come and join this trip to see for yourself.
Fabulous evening out on the Sunset cruise, good cuppa and great yarns, we thank Kevin for his knowledge and passion.
We thank Gavin and Cindy for keeping this experience alive.
Written 6 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Vicki....we certainly are blessed to have Kevin as a relief skipper! He has such invested passion and knowledge of the area in such a short space of time!
Great to hear you enjoyed the cruise!
Take care....Gavin and Cindy Hopper.
Written 31 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nuree A
Gibbston, New Zealand17 contributions
Feb 2020
We stayed with Gavin and Cindy as part of the west coast wilderness cycle trail which was organised through cycle journeys.
Cindy was awesome, very welcoming with a refreshment on arrival, which was really appreciated by our group. Our rooms were lovely, comfy beds, actually best sleep out of the 4 nights on the trail. Dinner, breakfast and packed lunch was delicious, especially the chocolate slice in our lunch bags.
Gavin was a whole lot of fun, he took us out that night on their boat down the stream to the lake, very informative, lots laughs. loved the cuppa tea on board and then the homemade berrry pie from Cindy when we got back.. yummm
Cindy was awesome, very welcoming with a refreshment on arrival, which was really appreciated by our group. Our rooms were lovely, comfy beds, actually best sleep out of the 4 nights on the trail. Dinner, breakfast and packed lunch was delicious, especially the chocolate slice in our lunch bags.
Gavin was a whole lot of fun, he took us out that night on their boat down the stream to the lake, very informative, lots laughs. loved the cuppa tea on board and then the homemade berrry pie from Cindy when we got back.. yummm
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We miss you guys so much! What a fun time we had with the four of you!! Some guests gain access into our hearts and leave a permanent mark there.....thank you ;)
Hope to catch up again sometime....Gavin and Cindy Hopper.
Written 21 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Virginia E
5 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Gavin had a wealth of local knowledge and was super interesting to listen to. Stopped the boat several times to share his knowledge with us. Then we all shared a cup of tea and baking together and we listened to his stories of the history and locations with a lot of interest. The boat ride was spectacular. So much natural beauty. I grew up on the Coast and have visited this area many times since leaving but this is the first time I've done this particular trip and I absolutely recommend it. I know this business also leads kayaking trips and sets people on their way for cycling trips. When I am next on the Coast I will be booking another trip - without a doubt. Thank you Gavin. We really enjoyed our trip :)
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for such a detailed description of your experience Virginia! We've thrilled it was memorable for you!
Look forward to catching up next time :)
Take care....Gavin and Cindy.
Written 24 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
trudy_11
Te Kaha, New Zealand115 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We recently stayed in the main house of this beautiful accommodation whilst completing the West Coast Wilderness Trail.
Gavin and Cindy were overall beautiful people.
We enjoyed a beautiful three course dinner followed by a scenic river cruise to Lake Mahinapua.
The next day a beautiful breakfast was served.
Highly recommend this accommodation
Gavin and Cindy were overall beautiful people.
We enjoyed a beautiful three course dinner followed by a scenic river cruise to Lake Mahinapua.
The next day a beautiful breakfast was served.
Highly recommend this accommodation
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara M
13 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Delightful stay with Cindy and Gavin. Made to feel welcome with introductory cold drinks, a delicious home cooked 3 course meal.....the brownie for dessert was yum... but highlight was the cruise along the flax lined river to Lake Mahinapua. Saw 3 kotuku ( white herons) and 3 spoonbills. Gavin was very knowledgeable and made us a welcoming warm drink. Highly recommend both accommodation and cruise.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So appreciated Barbara :)
You and your team were special and will remain as one of the highlights of our hosting memories!
Look after yourselves....Gavin and Cindy Hopper.
Written 9 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Foodie4food
Auckland, New Zealand242 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
As part of the Hokitika to Greymouth cycle trip we had a night here . We were made to feel welcome for the very first second by our host , shown to our freestanding unit with an adjoining unit which we shared ( two bedrooms and 2 bathrooms ) and shared verandah . All sparkling clean and comfortable and furnished with tasteful old oak and kauri furniture . The deck had teak couch and chairs with views over the new planted native area .
We had food all prepared and ready to be heated in our room or on the verandah a special treat was the platter of dips homemade crackers and cheese with in-house baby tomatoes in oil and herbs really enjoyed that with a $25 bottle of red from the range on offer , well stocked reds whites ales and beers . You just chalk up what you’ve had and then settle up before leaving .
Dinner was potatoe bake to be heated in the microwave , cold Thai beef salad which was fresh with herbs and very flavourful and carrot and beetroot salad . To finish was a Devine Whittaker’s chocolate mouse .
We enjoyed everything and ate on the verandah with local 2 local weka trying to pilfer ( unsuccessfully) our meal even launching themselves to knee height pecking at our plates which we really enjoyed together with a beautiful black cat who snuggled up amongst us cat lovers and slept on various knees of favour .
Breakfast likewise was left in our room to self cater and we had muesli home grown eggs bread to toast , yogurt fresh home made peach preserve and bananas .
Barista coffee was available from 8am in the shared communal space which due to COVID restrictions on groups mixing was off limit to our group but we weren’t excluded from this .
Highly recommend this clean and welcoming stay and in season ( lots of water) there is a waterways boat trip to see the wildlife with a hot tub hire too.
The semi open communal space looks to be really nice with a pizza type oven and outdoor dining , with an indoor cosy place with large old school radiator heater, couches, small bar area and lounge and fire it would be great in the winter !
We had food all prepared and ready to be heated in our room or on the verandah a special treat was the platter of dips homemade crackers and cheese with in-house baby tomatoes in oil and herbs really enjoyed that with a $25 bottle of red from the range on offer , well stocked reds whites ales and beers . You just chalk up what you’ve had and then settle up before leaving .
Dinner was potatoe bake to be heated in the microwave , cold Thai beef salad which was fresh with herbs and very flavourful and carrot and beetroot salad . To finish was a Devine Whittaker’s chocolate mouse .
We enjoyed everything and ate on the verandah with local 2 local weka trying to pilfer ( unsuccessfully) our meal even launching themselves to knee height pecking at our plates which we really enjoyed together with a beautiful black cat who snuggled up amongst us cat lovers and slept on various knees of favour .
Breakfast likewise was left in our room to self cater and we had muesli home grown eggs bread to toast , yogurt fresh home made peach preserve and bananas .
Barista coffee was available from 8am in the shared communal space which due to COVID restrictions on groups mixing was off limit to our group but we weren’t excluded from this .
Highly recommend this clean and welcoming stay and in season ( lots of water) there is a waterways boat trip to see the wildlife with a hot tub hire too.
The semi open communal space looks to be really nice with a pizza type oven and outdoor dining , with an indoor cosy place with large old school radiator heater, couches, small bar area and lounge and fire it would be great in the winter !
Written 22 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are you looking for a job Michelle? There is a marketing position available here for you! 🤣🤗 Just loved reading about your encounters here with our inhouse wekas and 'long tail' the cat 🐈! Beautifully written 💛
So appreciate you investing your time to give such a detailed account of your experience here....and enticing others to follow....even in winter... legend!
Look after yourself....Cindy and Gavin Hopper.
Written 27 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
smgdfea
Christchurch, New Zealand46 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Thanks to Gavin and Cindy who provided us and our dog a great kayaking experience. The kayak trip along Mahinipua creek to the lake was full of wildlife we saw water rats, herons,eels, spoonbills and tui. We were provided with all the safety gear, and given a good briefing about the trip including a map. The water was crystal clear and warm enough for swimming. It was very reasonably priced and we would recommend it as a must do if you are in the area.
Written 7 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Sandy....this was priceless....loved your pooch and so happy to make it happen for you and your furry friend! 🤗💛
Look after yourselves....Gavin and Cindy.
Written 9 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What actual start time is the early riser?-there is not enough detail about times on the website and what if the weather is poor? is it cancelled with a refund?
Written 22 January 2018
Hello Trippytrekker! Thank you SO much for bringing this to our attention!
We reshuffled our itinery with our web designer last week to fit in with the needs of our growing West Coast Wilderness Trail clientele, and although the times pop up when you are actually booking, they don't in the description of the trips! Will get onto it straight away...thank you!
The early riser cruise starts at 8:30am in the morning and is an hour and a half long...including hot drinks and a Whittakers chocolate. We do cancel and refund if the weather is not suitable.
Take care of yourself...Cindy Hopper
Written 23 January 2018
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