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Take the Tranz-Alpine train from Christchurch to Moana. You will be met at the Moana station for a gentle float trip through some of the worlds most hauntingly beautiful scenery. In the traditions of our early explorers, by Jungle Boat we follow the route of 'Te Ara Pounamu'-the greenstone pathway. This is part of the trail used by ancient Maori greenstone jade traders on their way to the West Coast jade fields. Your spirit will lead you to your choice of waka (boat). Choose from taking a fun journey on the unique Maori outrigger canoe of the type used to travel the great ocean currents of the Pacific or be more relaxed in the inflatable jungle boats. (both have outboard motors but we do encourage you to have a go at paddling if you want) For those individual sprits paddle your own dugout canoe through the rainforest waterway with your guide. This gentle flat water float trip through some of the worlds most hauntingly beautiful scenery teaches you how we preserve the delicate balance between one of natures oldest ecosystems and today's modern use of this environment. Touch the silence while drifting by this prehistoric world of huge podocarp rainforest trees with some of the areas bird life. The dark waters give you an eerie feeling of timelessness and spirituality. Enjoy a cup of Manuka Bush tea as you learn about the life and legends of the native Maori People and take home a piece of traditional flax weaving that we teach you to do on the way. You will leave with a sense of rejuvenation from your visit with nature today. Jade and Gold Discovery: Take the Tranz-Alpine Train from Christchurch to the Wild West Coast where you'll be met by a local prospector. Your prospecting guide will take you back in time on a Tour of the 1860's goldfields. Discover your own Goldstrike when you pan for gold while enjoying a cup of billy tea and some damper with your guide. Gold in your pan within one hour guaranteed!!! Pancake Rocks and Blowholes - National Park: Take the Tranz-Alpine Train from Christchurch to Greymouth where you'll be met for the afternoon by your Tour Driver/Guide from the Wild West Adventure Company. We travel from Greymouth north along the stunning Coast Road to Punakaiki, being the Maori word for "food basket" and the home of the fascinating Pancake Rocks. Enter a world of Limestone Landscapes amongst the Towering gorges of the Paparoa National Park. Take a stroll around the Pancake Rocks Walkway to see the unique rock structures layered here 30 million years ago. Watch also for the roaring Geysers that heave their way from the Ocean floor up out through the Rock Blowholes. Take time also to view the award winning audio visual show at the Visitors Centre and to browse around some of New Zealand's finest craft displays at the Gallery. Other options included are (1) Take a short easy interpretative Rain Forest walk where you will learn about the ecology of NZ's temperate flora and how the local Maori people gained their food and medicine from the forest. (2) Beach combing for NZ Jade. This wild landscape is the home of NZ's Pounamu-the jade greenstone treasured by the Maori people. Walk along a secluded beach beside the thundering Tasman Sea surf in a search for your own souvenir piece of this treasured gemstone. (3) Myths and Legends Cavern Tour. Step into a forgotten world of caves misted with time and ancient maori legends. You will be led through the mysterious regions between oral history and myth. Follow the footsteps of Maori warriors and the early European explorers as you learn about maori underworld legends and explore this historic site. We recommend you wear sturdy footwear if you would like to do the walking options. Notes:
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