Glaciers, helicopters and trains: A showstopping itinerary of NZ's West Coast

A lone hiker trekking across icy glacier terrain.

Ride the rails and roads to the wild West Coast. (Image: Roady NZ)

| THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Development West Coast Tourism |

BY Sonya Gellert

Last updated . 10 June 2025

Discover why a road trip is the best way to take in the vast West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

The dramatic West Coast of New Zealand/Aotearoa is climbing the bucket lists of many travellers – particularly for those who enjoy spending time among nature and partaking in slow travel.

To suggest this region is home to some diverse landscapes is underselling it. Among this stretch of the South Island, you’ll find an incredible five national parks filled with wildlife, alongside a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among these naturally striking landscapes are charming small towns where character-filled and flavour-fuelled pubs are the perfect places to end a day of exploring.

Alluring at any time of year, and particularly in the cooler months, the West Coast is a destination that somehow achieves two opposing feats: it simultaneously offers a breath of fresh air while taking your breath away.

To take in as much of it as possible, a road trip is the most immersive way to get up close to this naturally scenic destination.

Hit the road (and, in part, railroad tracks) to witness the West Coast’s glacier-fed rivers and verdant rainforests, and learn about the region’s rich Māori culture and gold rush history – all while cruising along its wild coastline.

Head to the heart of the West Coast. (Image: Bare Kiwi)

Day 1

While you prepare for your driving adventure, take the easy (and striking) route into your travels by beginning your journey by rail. Board a comfortable carriage on the premium TranzAlpine Scenic Plus Experience in flora-filled Christchurch and take in the views as you sit back and relax. Once you’ve arrived in Greymouth, you can pick up a rental car from the train station.

Lake Brunner and a Train in West Coast New Zealand.

Relax on the TranzAlpine before hitting the open road. (Image: Tony Kokshoorn)

Day 2

Hit the Great Coast Road from Greymouth bound for Punakaiki, where the iconic Pancake Rocks and Blowholes track elicits awe from all travellers. Across the road from these striking formations, you’ll find the Paparoa Experience in the new, not-to-be-missed Punangairi Visitor Centre. Here, you’ll be captivated by an immersive and interactive deep dive into Māori culture, as well as the region’s history and geology. Visitors would be remiss not to coast further along the Great Coast Road to rest their weary heads at Punakaiki Forest Retreat, a design-lover’s dream nestled into a lush, ferny landscape. It’s an idyllic spot for couples or groups.

The wooden interiors of Punakaiki Forest Retreat.

Sleep among ferns at this dreamy forest escape.

Day 3

From Punakaiki, follow your sense of adventure to Hokitika, where the stunning turquoise hue of the Hokitika Gorge can be viewed via a pedestrian bridge that spans its dazzling waters. For coffee and seriously substantial sandwiches, Hokitika Sandwich Company celebrates local produce and big flavours in freshly baked bread. For an only-in-New-Zealand memento of your travels, visit Bonz n Stonz, where you can carve your own pounamu. This greenstone is found only on the South Island and is treasured by the Māori people for its deep cultural and spiritual significance.

Aerial glimpse of Hokitika’s vibrant turquoise gorge.

Cross the bridge to Hokitika’s dazzling waters. (Image: Bare Kiwi)

Day 4

Farewell Hokitika and take a drive into photogenic Franz Josef, famed for its majestic glacier of the same name. There are a number of ways to get better acquainted with this breathtaking landscape, and the first is by water. With Franz Josef Wilderness Tours, visitors put themselves in the centre of this panorama in a kayak or boat to tour Lake Mapourika. Alternatively, opt to take in an overhead view of the glacier and its reflection with a scenic flight, or – for the adventurous – as part of an inimitable two-and-a-half-hour glacier heli-hike.

A girl gazing over majestic glacier vistas.

Discover serene reflections and panoramic glacier views. (Image: Roady NZ)

Day 5

Refuel for the road ahead at Lake Matheson Cafe, where the aptly named ‘wanderer breakfast’ is bound to replenish the energy of intrepid folk. From Lake Matheson – thought to be the most photographed lake in New Zealand (which is really saying something!) – you can soak in the scenery of Fox Glacier, Mt Tasman and Mt Cook/Aoraki.

Take in the wider vista (cameras at the ready) with a Hanging Lakes scenic flight via Heliservices.NZ. Make a night of it at Haast River Motels & Holiday Park – its new Deluxe Studio is a welcoming sight after a day of nature immersion.

Then it’s onward to Queenstown. Make the most of your travels south by following along the Haast Pass, one of the world’s most scenic drives that presents plenty of pit stops – featuring waterfalls, scenic outlooks and short walks to stretch your legs along the way.