Renowned for their friendliness and hospitality, only 33,000 ‘Coasters’ inhabit this entire region. 600 kms long and no more than 70 kms wide at any point, the West Coast is packed with stunning scenery and voted by Lonely Planet as one of the “Top 10 Coastal drives in the world”.
Take the scenic TranzAlpine railway from Christchurch to Greymouth, pick up a car and be on your way along one of the best coastal drives in the world exploring the West Coast of New Zealand. The West Coast contains 5 of New Zealand’s 14 national parks – Kahurangi, Paparoa, Arthur’s Pass, Westland and Mount Aspiring.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
— Mark Twain
Explore the pristine wetlands, beaches, grasslands, lakes, mountains and forests of this region. The West Coast is glacier country with 2 very accessible twin glaciers Fox & Franz Josef glaciers midway down the coast. The first time visitors stepping onto a glacier is a truly amazing experience, exploring the blue ice caves is an encounter you will never forget. Don’t forget your camera!
Visit the West Coast and attend one of the many local events in this region.
| From | To | Kms | Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greymouth | Christchurch | 255 kms | 3 hrs 45 mins |
| Greymouth | Franz Josef | 180 kms | 2 hrs 30 mins |
| Greymouth | Haast | 315 kms | 4 hrs 30 mins |
| Greymouth | Punakaiki | 44 kms | 45 mins |
| Franz Josef Glacier | Fox Glacier | 25 kms | 30 mins |
| Fox | Haast | 120 kms | 1 hrs 30 mins |
| Haast | Queenstown | 250 kms | 3 hrs 45 mins |
| Fox | Wanaka | 260 kms | 4 hrs |
| Franz Josef | Christchurch | 395 kms | 5 hrs 40 mins |
