Have you ever dreamt of embarking on an epic road trip along one of the most ruggedly beautiful coastlines in the world? New Zealand’s wild West Coast is calling out to be explored on your next adventure down under. While destinations like Queenstown and Fox Glacier draw huge numbers of visitors each year, the untamed wilderness and isolated pockets of civilization along the West Coast continue to allure the adventurous spirits searching for untouched natural wonders.
This scenic drive takes you beyond the typical tourist areas into a remote and dramatic landscape defined by native forests, mountain ranges, crashing surf, and the ever-changing moods of the Tasman Sea. Leave your expectations at the door and immerse yourself in wide-open spaces, towering cliffs, hidden coves, and small towns where time seems to slow down. Brace yourself for rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and unfiltered natural beauty around every bend in the road.
Planning Your Wild West Coast Road Trip
Planning is essential for this scenic but demanding drive, especially if traveling between March and September when unpredictable weather can impact road conditions and coastal towns. Here are some tips to help craft your ideal itinerary:
Timing: Allow 5-7 full days to explore highlights comfortably without feeling rushed. October to February tends to be the sunniest, driest months weather-wise.
Vehicle: A 2WD car is sufficient on sealed roads, but upgrading to an AWD or 4WD vehicle is considered for flexibility on gravel sections and backroads, especially in winter months. Higher clearance is also preferable for certain routes prone to flooding or surface erosion.
Accommodation: Book well in advance, especially during peak summer/holiday periods. Options range from affordable motel-style lodging to luxury wilderness lodges. Campgrounds provide a more budget-friendly option, but space can be limited during high season.
Activities: Include time for scenic driving stops, short hikes along the coast, paddleboarding, or kayaking calm inlet waters, depending on weather/conditions. Nature and wildlife-watching opportunities abound along this drive as well.
Supplies: Stock up on groceries in major towns as options may be limited in remote settlements. Pack extra food, water, warm layers, rain gear given unpredictable weather. A first aid kit and off-road equipment like a spare tire, jack and jump leads are also advisable.
Route Planning: Use scenic route overlays to plot your journey, pace yourself between destinations, and note areas susceptible to flooding or landslides following heavy rain. Digital apps like AA Maps are helpful resources for real-time road conditions alerts, too.
Highlights of the Scenic Wild West Coast Drive
Here is a suggested 9-day itinerary for the ultimate Wild West Coast road trip experience beyond the crowds, hitting iconic stops along the way:
Day 1: Wanaka to Hāwea
3 hours’ drive
Leave spectacular Wanaka, skirting the turquoise waters of glacial Lake Hāwea. Stop to stretch your legs at the gorgeous Mirror Lakes before the final 45-minute stretch to Hāwea, your overnight stop nestled on the lake shore.
Day 2: Hāwea to Fox Glacier
4 hours’ drive
Immerse yourself in native forest scenery on your drive to Franz Josef, grabbing coffee in the village hub. Spend the afternoon exploring the famous Franz Josef Glacier before continuing another 1.5 hours to Fox Glacier, your base for two nights. Consider a scenic flight or guided walk on one of the glaciers during your stay.
Day 3: Fox Glacier Region
Full day
Take time to fully explore the majestic glacier valley surroundings – trails, rainforest walks, coastal viewpoints, wildlife spotting. Alternatively, consider an early start for the 3-hour drive north to spend the day in the rugged Karangarua Valley or coastal Okarito Lagoon. Return to Fox Glacier township in the late afternoon.
Day 4: Fox Glacier to Haast
3 hours’ drive
Break up this scenic drive with short walks at Lake Matheson and Lake Paringa. Drive inland through rolling farmland before reconnecting with the coast at Jackson Bay. Swoop around the peninsula to your overnight in the remote village of Haast, your last outpost before more isolated parts are ahead.
Day 5: Haast to Whataroa
3 hours’ drive
Take the coast road from Haast through rocky headlands and unspoiled beaches north. Explore the remote sandy beaches around Gillespies Beach or stop for a hike at Ship Creek. Overnight amidst native forests in the village of Whataroa. Consider an optional scenic flight over the glacial sculpted coastline.
Day 6: Whataroa to Ross
3 hours’ drive
Travel inland today through native beech forests, spotting rare kākā parrots along the way. Stop for photo ops at the scenic Hokitika and Kaniere Gorges. Consider detouring off-route to Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks coastal formations. Overnight in the historic goldrush village of Ross.
Day 7: Ross to Hari Hari
3 hours’ drive
Journey down rugged coastlines and gravel roads past piled cliffs and sweeping surf beaches. Wander amongst giant limestone rock formations at Kongahu before arriving at the remote hamlet of Hari Hari for the night.
Day 8: Hari Hari to Ngakawau Heads
2 hours’ drive
Take in panoramic coastal vistas towards the Southern Alps while spotting wildlife along remote beaches. Stop for photo opportunities at ragged rocky headlands. Set up camp at basic DOC campsite Ngakawau Heads, accessible only by high-clearance 4WD vehicles in some sections.
Day 9: Ngakawau Heads to Hokitika
3 hours’ drive
Retrace your route south, stopping for a beach walk if tidal conditions allow safe access. Have lunch in Hokitika before winding inland past rainforest and farmland, arriving back in Wanaka or Queenstown late afternoon. Farewell, the wild and captivating West Coast!
Unique Wildlife Encounters Along the Drive
The West Coast is home to unique biodiversity adapted to the rugged coastline and temperate rainforests. With patience and luck, you may spot some of these iconic native species during your drive:
Kiwi: New Zealand’s national symbol is highly elusive, but tracks and calls can sometimes be heard at night in forests like Whataroa Scenic Reserve with the help of a tracker dog.
Fur seal: Colonies inhabit remote beaches and rocky islands along the coast, like at Punakaiki. Observe from a distance as pups are born November-January.
Albatross: Soaring Wandering and Royal albatross can be glimpsed offshore December-May with their massive 3m wingspans.
Kea: These playful yet threatened mountain parrots have a penchant for foreign vehicles – take care not to feed them in towns like Fox Glacier.
Kākā: Glossy black native parrots often spotted in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, along Hokitika Gorge, and around Whataroa.
Long-finned eel: New Zealand’s largest freshwater eel inhabits rivers, streams, and lakes across the region up to 2m in length.
With a bit of observation, you may well see these and more unique wildlife that call the remote West Coast home. Just remember to respect signs regarding protected species breeding areas.
Highlight Activities Off the Main Route
While simply taking in magnificent coastal scenery from the car window provides memorable experiences, it’s worth considering adding one of these off-the-beaten-path activities to your itinerary for even more adventure:
Canoe or kayak in Okarito Lagoon: Paddle tranquil freshwater lagoon teeming with birdlife, only accessible by boat. 2-4 hours.
Helicopter tour over Fox/Franz Josef Glaciers: Aerial views of massive glaciers carving through mountains. 30-60 minutes.
Gold Panning in Ross: Try your luck finding gold in streams where prospectors once searched. 1-2 hours.
Hike through the coastal rainforest in Whataroa Scenic Reserve: Undisturbed beech forest with kākā, kiwi habitat. 2-4 hours return.
Sea kayaking around Punakaiki: Paddle amongst towering limestone rock formations. 2-4 hours.
Horse trek through unspoiled beach: Scenic riding along beaches like Gillespies is only accessible on horseback. For 2 hours.
Cave tours: Explore mysterious caves like Ngarua Caves with glowworm displays. 1-2 hours.
Factor flexible time into your schedule to take advantage of excellent side activities uniquely accessible along the wild West Coast.
