The ultimate West Coast roadie
From ancient forests to gigantic glaciers, explore the wild West Coast in all its awe-inspiring grandeur — stopping at the region’s most famous natural wonders as you go.
Day 1: TranzAlpine to Greymouth, then drive to Punakaiki
3 hrs, 59 min, 288 km
Arrive in style on the world-famous TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth. Pick up your hire car, and take a look around Greymouth, a small former gold mining town that’s easy to explore on foot. Stop in at one of the galleries, admire the historic buildings along the river’s edge.
Make your way to Lake Brunner, where the trout are so plentiful they’re said to die of old age. Book yourself into a campsite, hotel or holiday home and stay a few days in the lake’s peaceful settlement of Moana.
Explore the 30-million-year-old natural spectacle of the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki, before walking the nearby Truman Track — a short walk through entangled rainforest which emerges onto a secluded beach. Stay the night at one of Punakaiki’s many boutique accommodations.
Local Attractions
Free
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
The pancake rocks in Punakaiki are the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast with good reason, they really do look like pancakes!
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Punakaiki Walks
A selection of scenic walks in the Punakaiki area of the West Coast of New Zealand.
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Adults - $50pp Children - $30
Waka Puna Paddle and Pedal Co
Punakaiki Canoes is now known as Waka Puna Paddle and Pedal Company and we have extended the adventures you can do.
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$185
Underworld Adventures
Underworld Rafting: Is a “Cave Rafting Adventure” in the Paparoa National Park. Located in Charleston.
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Adventure Caving
An adventure truly not for the faint hearted. As the name states, Adventure Caving is full on expedition style caving.
Learn moreDay 2: Punakaiki to Karamea
2 hrs, 18 min, 152 km
Continue north to Charleston, a small settlement founded post-gold rush in 1867. Go underground with Underworld Adventures to explore a vast network of caves, before floating out to the river under a galaxy of glow-worms.
Head to Cape Foulwind to spot New Zealand’s largest fur seal colony on a bracing cliff-top walk. Stay the night at Carters Beach for safe swimming and bonfire building, or follow the coastal road to Karamea.
Near Karamea, you’ll find a primaeval world of dense subtropical forests concealing ancient underground cave systems. Explore the iconic Ōpārara Arch, or take a guided tour of Honeycomb Hill Caves to discover fossilised remains of extinct moa and the giant pouākai/Haast’s eagle. Walk to Scott’s Beach, a deserted golden sand beach just 45 minutes into the Heaphy Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.
Local Attractions
Free
Oparara Arches
Tucked away in a corner of Kahurangi National Park, the Oparara has a magic all of its own, born of millions years of undisturbed isolation.
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$130 - $1500
Ultimate Descents New Zealand
Good spirited kiwis, giving the opportunity for travelers to explore our wild and scenic rivers.
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Whanake Gallery & Espresso Bar
Come to Westport and browse this unique Gallery with a coffee in your hand. We pride ourselves on our coffee and specialize in photography, we offer a variety of local imagery on a range of media…
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The Old Ghost Road
The 85km-long Old Ghost Road traverses majestic native forest, open tussock tops, river flats and forgotten valleys, providing days of adventure and spectacular huts for mountain bikers and trampers.
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Free
Tauranga Bay Fur Seal Colony
A short walk with spectacular ocean views, steeple rocks, and a large year-round fur seal colony.
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Children - Free. Adults $14 to $32
The Heaphy Track
One of New Zealand’s 10 great walks, the Heaphy Track, finishes (or starts, depending on which way you’re heading) at Karamea.
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Chasm Creek Track
Chasm Creek Track is a short walk along an old section of railway, a sculptured creek, and views of the Mokihinui River. 45 mins return via the same track.
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Coast Outdoors Ltd
Track Shuttle services, Bikes & Hire, Fishing & Hunting, Camping & Hiking, Food & Nutrition plus more!
Learn moreDay 3: Karamea to Reefton
2 hrs, 30 min, 175 km
From Westport, veer inland towards Reefton via the scenic Buller Gorge. There’s a touch of the other Wild West in Reefton, with heritage gold-rush buildings lining the main street, some home to funky antique shops and art galleries.
Stop by the replica mining hut for gold panning and tales of bygone years, told by two Bearded Miners. Don’t miss the Reefton Distilling Co. for a gin tasting or a souvenir to sip when you get home.
Local Attractions
GOTRACKS West Coast Shuttles
GOTRACKS is a Mountain Biker/Hiking Shuttle Service and Mountain Bikes Rentals. We are based in Reefton, and offer transport to and from for Old Ghost Road, Paparoa Track, all Victoria Forest Park Tracks, Maruia Hot Springs and St James Cycle Track.
MTB Hire - daily & half day rentals.
Reefton
Reefton, on the Lewis Pass road and near Victoria Conservation Park (NZ's largest), is well worth a stop and its claim to fame is an illuminating one – in 1888 it was the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to have electric streetlights!
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West Coast Mountain Biking - Reefton Gold
The old gold miners, timber millers and horse packers of the West Coast knew how to build a track and make it last. Nowadays, many of these historic tracks can still be ridden, but with a more sophisticated ride - a mountain bike.
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Reefton Golf Club
Reefton Golf Course (Glenburnie) is a 12 hole voluntary run course with 6 different tee boxes for holes 13 - 18.
Learn moreDay 4: Reefton to Hokitika
1 hr, 29 min, 116 km
Continue south to the West Coast’s “coolest little town” of Hokitika.
Browse the pounamu / jade carving workshops and galleries or fossick for your own piece on the beach. Finish the day with a meal at one of the town’s tasty eateries and a night at one of the town’s many boutique stays.
After dark, you’ll find a magical display of thousands of twinkling lights in the Glow-Worm Dell, a leafy canyon just off State Highway 6 near the town’s entrance. The next morning, take in the stunning turquoise waters of the nearby Hokitika Gorge, framed by stark white limestone cliffs and deep green forest.
Local Attractions
Ross Walks
Enjoy two guided walks around the town, bush, lake and historic gold ruins of Ross.
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$45 - $450
Hokitika Scenic Tours
Hokitika Scenic Tours offer specialised informative, sightseeing day and multi day tours and transport to any destination you wish to visit on the West Coast.
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Hokitika Historic Walking Tours
Take a historic walking tour in the home of The Luminaries with experienced guides.
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Free. Campsite fees apply.
Lake Kaniere
Lake Kaniere is one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand and offers opportunity for a number of water sports. There are also several picnic places, a camping area, and numerous short walks.
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The Gold Room
As found West Coast gold nuggets and flakes crafted into stunning jewellery.
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FREE
Hokitika region walks
The Hokitika, Kumara and Ross area is packed with stunning walks that range from easy to moderate. Take in the Southern alps as you explore by foot.
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Hokitika Glass Studio
Hokitika Glass Studio: Glass Blowing & Designer Art Forms: Glassblowing at its best. Beautiful handcrafted glassware.
Learn moreDay 5: Hokitika to Fox Glacier
2 hours 10 mins, 157 km
Next up, Glacier Country — home to New Zealand’s highest mountains, wildest rivers, longest glaciers and tallest forests.
Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are the most accessible of the 60 plus in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, with their terminal faces visible from viewpoints on the ground. Up high, compacted snow creates walls of clear blue ice, carved out by huge crevasses and caves. See this otherworldly landscape up close on a breathtaking guided heli-hiking tour or scenic flight.
Glacier Country is also home to many forest, coastal and alpine walks, around lakes and on deserted beaches. Spot rare and elusive wildlife in Ōkārito, where New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland area is framed by lush native rainforest and the snow-capped Southern Alps. Stay the night in style in Franz Josef, at one of the luxurious yet laid back hotels.
Local Attractions
$240 - $450
The Helicopter Line Fox Glacier
The Helicopter Line can offer you spectacular close-up views on a scenic flight to explore and discover the dramatic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and snowfields.
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The Helicopter Line Franz Josef Glacier
The Helicopter Line can offer you spectacular close-up views on a scenic flight to explore and discover the dramatic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and snowfields.
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FREE
Moraine Walk
Moraines are the debris of rocks and stones left when a glacier retreats. Explore old moraine surfaces on this easy, short walk, south of Fox Glacier township.
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$60 - $130
Okarito Kayaks
Stunning rental and fully guided kayak trips on the remote and tranquil Okarito Lagoon, with incredible views of the Southern Alps and Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Family friendly and suitable for all abilities.
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Glacier Shuttles and Charters Franz Josef
A Return shuttle service from your accommodation to the glacier carpark and back on a set timetable. Set fee.
Also available for private charters POA.
Free
Lake Matheson
The unsurpassed views and mountain reflections from the forested shores of Lake Matheson make this easy walk one of the most popular on the West Coast.
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Matheson Cafe
Open 7 days from 8.30 am, Lake Matheson Cafe is just a few minutes drive from Fox Glacier at the entrance to the Lake Matheson Walkway. With comfortable seating options and deck area, we have unsurpassed views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.
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Lord of the Rings location
Lighting of the beacons that run along The White Mountains (Ered Nimrais) from Gondor to Rohan was filmed at Mount Gunn, near Franz Josef, West Coast.
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$280 - $495
Glacier Country Helicopters Ltd.
Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company in Franz Josef offering scenic glacier flights and much more in our incredible backyard.
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From $20 - $180
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
A family owned wilderness guiding company in Franz Josef offering kayak tours, boat tours, fishing charters and quad bike adventures.
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$80 - $180 adults. $40 - $90 children.
Glacier Valley Eco Tours
Glacier Valley Eco Tours is a family owned business committed to giving our clients the best experience on our guided nature walks in Glacier Country.
Learn moreDay 6: Fox Glacier to Haast
1 hr, 32 min, 121 km
Jump start your day with a morning skydive. Carbon-zero and awarded for their community commitment, Skydive Franz Josef & Fox Glacier offer jumps with stunning views of the glaciers, Aoraki Mount Cook and the Tasman Sea.
On the way to Haast, stop for a pond-to-plate lunch at the Salmon Farm — where you can feed the fish, then enjoy a smoked or fresh salmon dish.
Haast is the gateway into Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Area due to its outstanding natural beauty and unique biodiversity. The best way to experience this epic wilderness is by scenic heli flight or a jet boat river journey.
Stay the night and continue to Wānaka in the morning, with stops at the many pretty waterfalls and iconic Blue Pools along the way.
Local Attractions
Haast Walks
The best way to experience the West Coasts untamed natural wilderness is to simply get out there among it.
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$225 - $1195 per person
Greenstone Helicopters
South Westland's wild and undisturbed landscape is deemed to have natural and cultural features of such world significance, it is now protected in the 2.6 million hectare, South Westland World Heritage Area.
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Adults $109 Children (15 yrs & under) $59
Haast River Safari
We offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience the untouched natural beauty of Te Wāhipounamu - World Heritage Area, while traveling in one of our custom designed fully enclosed jet boats.
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Jackson Bay
Jackson Bay is a working fishing port and a popular fishing spot in summer, it's a great place to catch crayfish and just meander.
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Santana Knitwear, Honey & Gifts
Situated in Haast Township this is the place to visit for a huge range of possum merino products.
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Ship Creek walk and Monro Beach
Ship Creek Walk is one of the best examples of swamp forest that you will come across and well worth stopping for on your journey along the West Coast.
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South Westland Salmon Farm and Café
Salmon Farm licensed café specializing in fresh and smoked salmon products.
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