Best to do this trip in the Winter for snow capped mountains. Plenty of photo opportunities on the TranzAlpine!



Christchurch to Greymouth
5 hours, 244 km
Take the wonderful TranzAlpine train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth and pre-book your hire car so you can explore the surrounding Grey Valley adventure activities, heritage attractions and guided nature tours.
Cycle the easy West Coast Wilderness Trail or visit Shantytown, a replica of an 1880's gold town. Get muddy on a quad bike tour, go glow worm caving, enjoy one of the multitude of local walking tracks.

On Yer Bike! Offroad Adventures Ltd
Fantastic off-road adventures through native forest and beautiful scenery! Quad bikes, one-, two- and four-seater off-road buggies and Hagglund. Experience nature and adventures, protective clothing and boots provided, fully guided.
Learn moreWest Coast Wilderness Trail
The West Coast Wilderness Trail showcases some of the most outstanding scenery on the South Island’s West Coast with a diversity of landscapes second to none. Grab your bike and explore this Grade 2 Easy trail.
Learn moreAdventure Caving
An adventure truly not for the faint hearted. As the name states, Adventure Caving is full on expedition style caving.
Learn moreBlackball Salami Company Limited
Our salami is made from a variation of beef, pork and venison.
Learn moreGreymouth to Westport
1 hour 28 mins, 101 km
The Great Coast Road is one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world according to Lonely Planet. It takes you alongside the ancient limestone cliffs of Paparoa National Park and is home to the world's smallest penguin.
Punakaiki is world famous for its pancake rocks, blowholes and yes they really do look like giant pancakes. Take a torch for the caves.
Experience underground rafting at Charleston, caving at Fox River which is north of Punakaiki and is the start of a very interesting track to the Fox River Cave and the impressive Ballroom Overhang.
Head on to Westport, well known for its rich coal mining history.
Visit the Oparara limestone arches in Karamea and Kahurangi National Park, experiencing the noisy bluster of the seal colony at Cape Foulwind, or the beauty of Carters Beach near Westport. You could even try and stay on a surf board with an amazing teacher at Bazil’s Surf school.

Karamea
Karamea is a secluded haven, snuggled into the warm northwest corner of the South Island. Long empty beaches, river estuaries, incredible granite and limestone formations.
Learn moreWestport Mini Golf
Master playing through the Oparara Arch, accept the challenge of the Denniston Incline, cruise along Carters Beach, swing around the Wishing Well, straighten up heading down the Fairdown to Granity, plus much more fun.
Learn moreHector Pottery
Hector Pottery Studio is in northern Buller, Kawatiri, on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.
Learn moreCape Foulwind Walkway
A seal colony, a lighthouse and panoramic views of mountains and coastline feature on this spectacular coastal walkway. With the beach close by as well it's a good option for children.
Learn moreTauranga Bay Fur Seal Colony
A short walk with spectacular ocean views, steeple rocks, and a large year-round fur seal colony.
Learn moreDenniston
Once a leading coal mining town, Denniston sits high on a steep incline railway once described as the eight wonder of the world. Spectacular scenery, incredible history, a West Coast must see.
Learn moreOparara Arches
Tucked away in a corner of Kahurangi National Park, the Oparara has a magic all of its own, born of millions years of undisturbed isolation.
Learn moreMoira Gate and Mirror Tarn Loop
A gentle walk that takes you from the main Oparara Valley car park to the picturesque Moira Gate Arch, located in Kahurangi National Park.
Learn moreAir Charter Karamea
Karamea's only aeroplane charter company, offering Heaphy Track and Old Ghost Road transfers.
Learn moreUltimate Descents New Zealand
Good spirited kiwis, giving the opportunity for travelers to explore our wild and scenic rivers.
Learn moreOparara Experience
Join us on one of our guided eco tours amongst the pristine rainforest and limestone caves of the unique Oparara Basin. Several tour options available.
Learn moreKohaihai / Karamea Walks
Walks in the Karamea and Kohaihai area in northern West Coast New Zealand.
Learn moreHabitat Sports and Cycles
Track Shuttle services, Bikes & Hire, Fishing & Hunting, Camping & Hiking, Food & Nutrition plus more!
Learn moreThe Old Ghost Road
The 85km-long Old Ghost Road traverses majestic native forest, open tussock tops, river flats and forgotten valleys, providing days of adventure and spectacular huts for mountain bikers and trampers.
Learn moreWhanake Gallery & Espresso Bar
Come to Westport and browse this unique Gallery with a coffee in your hand. We pride ourselves on our coffee and specialize in photography, we offer a variety of local imagery on a range of media…
Learn moreChasm Creek Track
Chasm Creek Track is a short walk along an old section of railway, a sculptured creek, and views of the Mokihinui River. 45 mins return via the same track.
Learn moreCoaltown Museum
Coaltown is a fantastic all-weather attraction that appeals to all ages and tells the coal mining history of Westport.
Learn moreThe Heaphy Track
One of New Zealand’s nine great walks, the Heaphy Track, finishes (or starts, depending on which way you’re heading) at Karamea.
Learn moreWestport to Nelson
3 hours 3 mins, 222 km
Before heading to Nelson swing by the Buller Gorge Swing bridge which is New Zealand’s longest swing bridge, and stands a clear 17 metres above the Buller River and spans 110m.
Other activities include numerous walks from 15 minutes to an hour, the 40-minute Buller Canyon Jet, ‘Supaman’ rides and the Flying Fox (zipline) across the river.
From there your travels take you toward the Nelson/Marlborough region.

Buller Swing Bridge
Feel the rush of the Cometline ride, experience the thrill of a jet boat, walk the heights of New Zealand's longest swingbridge, pan for gold, or simply relax and take in the views of Buller Gorge.
Learn moreBuller Canyon Jet
Join us for an exclusive award-winning jet boat adventure in the stunning Buller Canyon.
Learn moreKawatiri Coastal Trail
The Kawatiri Coastal Trail is due for completion late 2022. Cyclists and walkers can look forward to a 55 km, Grade 2 family friendly heritage trail which will connect the Buller District towns of Westport and Charleston.
Learn more