Getting here and around
Your Guide to Arriving and Exploring the west coast
Thinking about a trip to the breathtaking West Coast of the South Island? It’s more accessible than you might imagine! Whether you’re up for a scenic road trip, a picturesque train ride, or a quick flight, there are plenty of options to choose from.
DRIVE
The West Coast is truly a road tripper’s dream, where the saying “it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey” couldn’t be more fitting. Whether you’re coming from Wanaka in the south via Haast Pass, Christchurch on the east coast via Arthur's Pass or Lewis Pass, or Nelson from the top of the South Island, each entry point offers a stunning array of stops to explore.
As you travel, you’ll encounter hidden waterfalls, captivating caves, majestic mountains, and serene rivers. Each twist and turn of the road reveals breathtaking landscapes that invite you to pull over and soak it all in.
Travel Tips:
- Plan your fuel stops, as there can be long stretches until the next town with a petrol station.
- Don’t underestimate your travel time from A to B; there are plenty of amazing unexpected places to stop, and the roads can be windy and narrow.
- Public toilets are available throughout the region for travelers.
- If you’re traveling with a van, you’ll find numerous camping sites scattered across the area.
So buckle up, hit the road, and enjoy the journey to the West Coast!
FLY
Fly from Christchruch to Hokitika with Air New Zealand. In less than an hour, you can soar over the breathtaking Southern Alps, enjoying stunning views along the way.
Once you arrive at Hokitika Airport, you have a couple of options for transportation. Rent a car from Thrifty Car Rental or Ezi Car Rental to explore at your own pace, or take a taxi if you're just staying in town.
Want to delve deeper into the beauty of the West Coast without the hassle of driving? Contact Hokitika Scenic Tours! They’ll take care of the transportation while guiding you to the region’s must-see attractions.
Fly to Westport from Wellington with Sounds Air, but make sure you have transportation arranged, as there are currently no car rentals available.
Fly to Karamea from Takaka with Golden Bay Air. Rent a car in Karamea from Karamea Express to explore the surrounding areas like the Oparara Arches.
TRANZALPINE TRAIN
The TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth is one of the Top 10 Scenic Train Journeys in the World according to Lonely Planet. This experience is not just about the breathtaking views; the TranzAlpine train journey offers so much more than spectacular sights through the Southern Alps. Savor the ride with locally sourced food and drink from the Scenic Café to complement the scenery. Get closer to nature by stepping outdoors to the open-air viewing carriage and breathing in the magnificent surroundings. Glide through the heart of New Zealand's beautiful landscape in their Scenic Class carriages.
When you arrive in Greymouth, rent a car by the train station from RAD Car Hire, Ezi Car Rental, Apex Car Rentals, New Zealand Rent A Car, Hertz or Ace Car Rental.
For scenic tours and transportation contact Explore West Coast.
TOURS
Don’t feel like self-driving? Hop on one of the tour providers and simply enjoy the scenic views. Here are some operators who would love to show you around the West Coast:
Glacier Shuttles and Charters Fran Josef
BUSES
While there’s no extensive public transport system on the West Coast, operators like East West Coaches and InterCity offer coach services between the main towns.
OTHER TRAVEL TIPS
- Ensure you have enough time to travel from A to B, as there are plenty of amazing places to stop, and the roads can be windy and narrow, including several one-lane bridges.
- Keep an eye out for local coffee stops—they're always nearby!
- There are no Uber or other ride-sharing Apps on the West Coast.
- There is no extensive public transport system on the West Coast region.