If you’re longing for the freedom to get out and explore, then there’s nothing better than a summer road trip! From the very top of the West Coast down to its southern extent check out this touring route with unique and new experiences that will get you exploring off the beaten track.







Westport to Oparara Arches
2h15min, 119km
The northernmost reaches of the West Coast are a mecca for overnight hiking and biking wilderness adventures.
One of NZ’s best Great Walks is the Heaphy Track and a popular starting point is from Kohaihai. The track takes most people 4-5 days to complete, but there are options for shorter overnight trips or day walks. Mountain bikes are allowed in winter (May – September).
For experienced mountain bikers, The Old Ghost Road is a purpose built 85km track which traverses through spectacular forest, river and high alpine landscapes. Huts are well equipped for bikers to stay overnight.
Another interesting location for mountain biking is the Denniston Plateau which offers magnificent coastal views and an insight into the heritage of coal mining in the region. The historic 1,670m Denniston Incline is an impressive sight and feet of engineering.

The 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 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 moreDenniston Dog Café Restaurant & Bar
The Denniston Dog is a Restaurant, Cafe and Bar situated in the bustling small town of Westport.
Learn moreWestport to Reefton & Springs Junction
1h03mins, 79.5km
Historic gold mining and timber milling tracks around Reefton have today been repurposed for mountain biking with terrain suitable for all abilities.
After a bike ride on Reefton’s tracks, what better way to refresh than with a gin & tonic from the famous Reefton Distilling Co where tours and tastings are available.
On a hot summer’s day, nothing is more refreshing than getting out on the water, and Inland Adventures offer a range of day and multi-day white-water rafting adventures.

Reefton Distilling Co.
Reefton Distilling Co. is a modern distillery at the forefront of spirit production in New Zealand. We produce a range of award-winning, small batch distilled premium spirits with a distinct West Coast flavour.
Learn moreInland Adventures - Wilderness River Rafting
There is no better way to spend a day than out on a river. Whether you want entertaining Grade 3 rapids with stunning scenery or to give your kids their first taste of whitewater we have you covered.
Learn moreDawson's Hotel at Reefton
Explore the wonders of Reefton’s surrounds while you stay at Dawson's, the locals’ preferred accommodation.
Learn moreWest Coast Mountain Biking - Reefton Gold
The old gold miners, timber millers and horse packers of the West Coast knew how to build a track and make it last. Nowadays, many of these historic tracks can still be ridden, but with a more sophisticated ride - a mountain bike.
Learn moreWestport to Punakaiki
1h20min, 89km
Westport or Punakaiki (home of the famous Pancake Rocks) make a great base for exploring Paparoa National Park.
The Paparoa Track is New Zealand’s 10th Great Walk. It travels through the spectacular limestone landscapes and lush coastal forests and is custom-built for both mountain biking and hiking.
In summer, kayaking or paddle boarding on the Pororari river is a great way to keep cool, or to really escape the heat of the midday sun, try a cave rafting with Underworld Adventures

Pancake Rocks Cafe
Famous Pancakes & Pizzas
Try our pancake stack available all day, and homemade stoneoven pizzas served from 11am.
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
The pancake rocks in Punakaiki are the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast with good reason, they really do look like pancakes!
Learn morePaparoa Track and Pike29 Memorial Track
The Paparoa Track is New Zealand’s 10th Great Walk. It travels through the spectacular limestone landscapes and luxuriant forests of Paparoa National Park, custom-built for both mountain biking and hiking.
Learn moreGreymouth to Lake Brunner
35min, 40km
Lake Brunner is the West Coast’s largest lake and is the perfect summer roadie location for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing or fishing. There’s a great selection of walks in the Lake Brunner area, from short walks to half day hikes.

Lake Brunner Lodge
Hidden on the southern shore of Lake Brunner, fringed by some of the oldest protected podocarp rainforest in the world, Lake Brunner Lodge is a classic wilderness retreat powered by it's own waterfall.
Learn morePunakaiki to Hokitika
1h10min, 84km
If you need a break from biking and hiking, but still want to explore the pristine rainforests, then check out a quad bike tour with On Yer Bike near Greymouth.
Stopping for a beer or a tour at the famous Monteith’s Brewery in Greymouth is almost a compulsory part of any West Coast roadie!
If the weather forecast is for rain, then a great indoor activity for the day is Barrytown Knifemaking where you can forge your own steel blade and attach a native timber handle.

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 moreMonteith's Brewery Experience
Here you'll get an introduction into the heritage and rich stories of the origins of Monteith's, starting in 1868 right here on the West Coast.
Learn moreHokitika to Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
1h40min to Franz Josef, 134km to Franz/158km to Fox
The cool little beachside town of Hokitika is one of the West Coast’s highlights, and is the perfect summer destination for hiking and biking and has some of the best sunsets in New Zealand.
For walkers, don’t miss the spectacular Hokitika Gorge, and the West Coast Wildness Trail is a must do for cyclists who can chose from multi-day rides or shorter half day sections of the trail.
Between Hokitika and Franz Josef, Okarito is one of the West Coast’s hidden gems. Okarito Lagoon is New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland and a great place to explore by kayak with spectacular mountains to sea views and a chance to encounter rare wildlife. Don’t miss the walk up to Okarito Trig for panoramic views of the Southern Alps.
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier (Glacier Country) has some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in New Zealand and Westland Tai Poutini National Park is part of Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand, a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Its diverse landscape extends from the Southern Alps, through some of the most pristine temperate rainforests in the world, to untouched wetlands and the wild beaches of the West Coast. It’s home to some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife including the rowi kiwi, kea, and kotuku (white heron).
The National Park has exceptional walking and hiking tracks from short walks to half day and full-day hikes. For fit and experienced trampers, the Roberts Point Track (6hours) or Alex Knob Track (8hours) offer incredible views of Franz Josef Glacier. Or, for shorter options in Fox Glacier, check out the new Lake Gault Track (3hours) or the famous Lake Matheson walk (1h30min) with its amazing mirror like reflections of the Southern Alps.
With an uncertain future due to climate change, there has never been a better time to visit the glaciers and guided heli-hikes are a unique and genuinely world class experiences - an absolute must do for any West Coast road trip. Franz Josef has a dramatic new landing zone for its glacier hike, and Fox Glacier Guiding was rated by TripAdvisor as the World’s Best Out of the Ordinary Experience for 2021.

Hokitika Gorge
The Hokitika Gorge is 33kms from Hokitika. The vivid turquoise water surrounded by lush native bush is well worth a visit.
Learn moreFranz Josef Glacier Guides
Franz Josef Glacier Guides gives you the opportunity to experience the most spectacular glacier environment available to the general public. We offer a range of glacier hiking trips and experiences that will allow you to see ice formations firsthand.
Learn moreOkarito Kayaks
Stunning rental and fully guided kayak trips on the remote and tranquil Okarito Lagoon, with incredible views of the Southern Alps and Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Family friendly and suitable for all abilities.
Learn moreFox Glacier Guiding
TripAdvisor Best of the Best 2021 Top Out of the Ordinary Experience – World #1 Fox Glacier Heli Hike. Year-round guided Heli Hikes and Ice Climbing on the West Coast's biggest and less crowded glacier. Discover the dramatic world of ice.
Learn moreFox Glacier / Franz Josef Glacier to Haast
1h50min, 142km
The drive south from Glacier Country to Haast has to be one of the world’s most epic road trips, passing through two National Parks – Westland Tai Poutini and Mount Aspiring – which together form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Area.
There are dozens of great viewpoints and short walks along this section of State Highway 6. Don’t miss the coastal walks at Ship Creek near Haast and the chance to see the resident pod of rare Hector’s dolphins, and the Haast Highway offers a variety of short walks and roadside campsites in epic wilderness locations.
Haast itself is a great place to stop and refuel or to stay for the night and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Area on foot, by jetboat or scenic flight.
For more intrepid explorers, the Copland Track (just south of Fox Glacier) is a stunning multiday walk with gorgeous natural hot pools at Welcome Flat Hut. The steep hike up to Brewster Hut on the Haast Pass Highway rewards tampers with stunning views of Mount Aspiring National Park. (Bookings required for both huts).
Beyond Haast, and at the Southernmost end of the West Coast region, Jackson Bay is a great place for fish and chips at the famous Craypot. A good walk to work off a big lunch is the Smoothwater Bay Track.

HeliServices.NZ Franz Josef
Scenic helicopter flights and snow landings above Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.
Learn moreFranz Josef TOP Motels
Franz Josef TOP 10 Motels are situated in a quiet rural setting with magnificent glacier and mountain views.
Learn more