Touring Routes






Day One
1 hour 29 mins, 122 km
Waipara to Maruia Springs
After a day exploring the Waipara wine region in Canterbury, meander through the breath-taking Lewis Pass to Maruia Hot Springs Hotel, your accommodation for the night.
An award winning hot springs hotel, immerse yourself in the natural mineral hot springs and take in the views of picturesque Lewis Pass National Reserve.
A restaurant is on site, massage options are available, and there are charming short walks at your disposal.
Retreat for the night to your four star quality ensuite bedroom and enjoy the tranquillity.
You might love this spot so much, you'll want to stay another night!
Around Reefton
Day Two
1 hour 48 mins, 139 km
Day 2 - Maruia Springs to Westport
Explore historic mining town Reefton as you make your way through to Westport.
Continue through stunning Buller Gorge on your way to Westport. For a bit of adventure, you may want to try the Buller Canyon Jet experience, a 45 minute rush along the river itself.
Once you arrive in Westport, explore Cape Foulwind Walkway and check out the Tauranga Bay Fur Seal Colony. For a bit more adventure, try Underworld Adventures in Charleston and go cave rafting.
Stay the night at The Bay House
Around Westport and Karamea
Day Three
1 hour 58 mins, 140 km
Day 3 - Westport to Hokitika
Travel down the Great Coast Road, voted on of the top ten most scenic coastal drives in the world by Lonely Plant.
Stop by Pancake Rocks & Blowholes to experience nature at work at the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast.
Grab a bite at Monteith’s Brewing Co. in Greymouth and take a brewery tour.
On the way through to Hokitika, stop in at Arahura River and experience a cultural greenstone tour. You can also view the Arahura Marae, the only jade Marae in New Zealand.
Explore the jade shops in Hokitika and see the famous driftwood sign on the beach. Venture inland to the iconic Hokitika Gorge and see its radiant turquoise colours.
Dine at Stations Inn, and award winning Lamb and Beef restaurant.
Spend the night at Rimu Lodge, a five star bed and breakfast with views over the valley and minimal light pollution for star gazing.
Around Hokitika
Day Four
1 hour 45 mins, 134 km
Hokitika to Franz Josef
Explore Lake Mahinapua by sunrise cruise with West Coast Scenic Waterways.
Stop in at Whataroa to take the White Heron Sanctuary tour along the Okarito basin.
Venture by foot to view the famous Franz Josef Glacier.
Dine at King Tiger Restaurant or Alice May in Franz Josef.
Spend the night in a five-star treehouse at Rainforest Retreat and stargaze from your own private hot tub on the deck.
Around Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
Day Five
1 hour 58 mins, 144 km
Day 5 - Franz Josef to Haast
Venture 30 minutes south to Fox Glacier, be sure to stop by Lake Matheson and take in the stunning views of Mt Cook reflected in the lake!
Go for a scenic flight over Fox Glacier itself and do a snow landing with Glacier Helicopters.
Continue south through to Haast World Heritage Area. Explore the beachfront boardwalk at Ships Creek.
Explore the back country by water on the Waitoto River Safari in Jacksons Bay.
Treat yourself to crayfish or whitebait at The Craypot in Jacksons Bay.
Spend the night at Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge or Mahitahi Lodge.
Around Haast
Day Six
2 hours 59 mins, 207 km
Day 6 –Haast to Queenstown
Set out for an early scenic flight from Haast over Milford Sound with either Haast Heli Services or Greenstone Helicopters.
Explore the stunning World Heritage Area through Haast Pass and you make your way through to Queenstown.