New Zealand · 7 days · 950 km · One-way
West Coast NZ — glaciers and temperate rainforest on the edge
Wild west coast of South Island: Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks), Hokitika (pounamu jade), Franz Josef + Fox Glacier (only temperate glaciers accessible on foot worldwide), Haast Pass, Wanaka, Queenstown. Frequent rain but apocalyptic landscapes.
Highlights
- Pancake Rocks Punakaiki
- Hokitika pounamu
- Franz Josef Glacier
- Fox Glacier Lake Matheson
- Haast Pass scenic drive
- Bruce Bay sea lions
- Knights Point lookout
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Christchurch → Greymouth (Arthur's Pass)
Christchurch → Greymouth · 240 km
Overnight: Greymouth Seaside TOP 10
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Day 2
Greymouth → Punakaiki → Hokitika
Greymouth → Hokitika · 130 km
Overnight: Shining Star Beachfront
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Day 3
Hokitika → Franz Josef
Hokitika → Franz Josef · 140 km
Overnight: Franz Josef TOP 10
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Day 4
Franz Josef hike + heli
Franz Josef
Overnight: Franz Josef TOP 10
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Day 5
Franz Josef → Fox Glacier → Haast
Franz Josef → Haast · 145 km
Overnight: Haast River Top 10
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Day 6
Haast → Wanaka
Haast → Wanaka · 145 km
Overnight: Wanaka Top 10
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Day 7
Wanaka → Queenstown
Wanaka → Queenstown · 70 km
Recommended brands for this route
Selection based on road type and trip length. Tighter budgets — we can also quote Mighty.