You haven't really experienced New Zealand until you take a trip down the quintessentially kiwi, but under-visited West Coast of the South Island. The West Coast was known for having more pubs (public bars) per head of population than anywhere else in New Zealand, so you’ll find plenty of places to stop – but there are also lots of great cafes and restaurants in between the stunning scenery, rugged coastline, native rainforest and mountain backdrop of this part of the world.
This 9 day loop will take you from Christchurch down the West Coast and back via scenic Haast Pass.
- Wandering through the ‘pancake rocks’ at Punakaiki anticipating a sky high blast from the blowholes
- Panning for gold in historic Shantytown
- Standing on the blue ice of an eons-old glacier
- Sampling a possum pie in Pukekura
YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE
Day 1 Fly into Christchurch International Airport and make your way to the Christchurch TOP 10 in Papanui for a night or two of jetlag recovery before you start your road trip. Though the city of Christchurch is still rebuilding from the February 22 earthquake, there is still plenty to see and do. Stroll through the famous Botanic Gardens or visit Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for a peek at New Zealand’s national icon, the flightless kiwi bird.
Day 2 Head north to the picturesque alpine resort town of Hanmer Springs, little less than a two hour drive. Hanmer has plenty to offer in terms of outdoor activities like trail walking, bungy jumping, jet boating or mountain biking, but the real show stopper here are the South Island’s most famous natural hot springs. Don’t forget your bathing suit and take the chance to unwind with a spa treatment if you have time. Stay at the Hanmer Springs TOP 10, just minutes from the town centre.
Day 3 Get ready for a three hour drive across the country via the scenic Lewis Pass. If you’re missing the hot pools already, you can stop for another dip at Maruia Springs – just don’t forget your insect repellent! Once you’ve arrived in Westport, settle into the Seal Colony TOP 10, appropriately named for being right next to the famous brown fur seal colony at Cape Foulwind. Walk to the lighthouse, and check out the wildlife before you head into Westport to explore the town.
Day 4 Drive south down SH 6 towards Greymouth. Make a stop in Punakaiki to see the famous Pancake Rocks and the blowholes along the coast, and get yourself a plate of pancakes across the road. After a healthy dose of nature, head into the West Coast’s biggest town, Greymouth. Get set up at the Greymouth Seaside TOP 10 and enjoy the sun setting over the distinctive black sand beach.
Day 5 Continue south, but stop just 10 km out of Greymouth at Shantytown – a faithful reconstruction of a West Coast gold-mining town. Pan for gold, ride the steam train and pick up some old-fashioned boiled lollies for the drive south. Pull off again at the Bushman’s Centre in Pukekura for lunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try their famous possum pie (yes, it’s real possum, and you will be doing your bit to conserve the West Coast rainforest by eating it!). End your day by arriving in Franz Josef village and unpacking your bags at the Franz Josef TOP 10.
Day 6 You can’t visit Franz Josef without a trip to the glacier. For the ultimate experience, arrange for a helicopter to drop you off high on this ancient river of ice (with a guide) and enjoy a few hours of hiking across the dramatic terrain. Take a dip in the relaxing hot pools in Franz Josef village after your hike and give your numbed toes a serious treat.
Day 7 Head to Wanaka via Haast Pass. It’s a long but scenic trip and it’s well worth taking a break to do the Blue Pools Walk (just follow the signs), which takes you past deep, brilliant blue and perfectly clear pools of water. When you arrive in Wanaka, scope out the local restaurants before making your way to Wanaka TOP 10 for the night’s accommodation.
Day 8 Another long but worthy drive is a side trip up to the base of New Zealand’s tallest peak, Mount Cook/Aoraki. Visit the information centre in the Mount Cook Village, go through the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at the Hermitage and find out about this fascinating part of New Zealand. If you want to stretch your legs, there are a number of opportunities for day hikes, lasting from 30 minutes to 3-4 hour loops. Make sure you pack a raincoat because the weather is changeable. When you’re ready to call it a day, follow the road back out of the park and point your car towards Fairlie, just an hour and a half away, past Tekapo. Stay at the Fairlie TOP 10.
Day 9 Christchurch is just a leisurely two hour drive away from Fairlie, so there’s no need to rush your morning. Enjoy the laid-back pace of a small Mckenzie country town and take off when you’re ready. Spend some time down the main street checking out the art galleries, Mihi Merino and the superb local bakery. Stop in picturesque Geraldine to sample fruity goodness at the Barker’s shop, and enjoy some handcrafted Talbot Forest Cheese just a few doors down. Arrive back in Christchurch with plenty of time to take in any sights you missed at the beginning of your trip.