Day Itinerary
11 Activities
Day 1
159 mi
West Coast Wilderness
Starting in Nelson, at the top of the South Island, you'll travel south-west along the rugged West Coast. Littered with old gold and coal mining relics, dotted with lakes, and and with show-stopping attractions like the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, and the Haast UNESCO World Heritage area, this four-day road trip down the West Coast offers wild landscapes at every turn.
After day four you have a few options: return the way you came; cross the Haast Pass, which will take you to Wanaka and Queenstown; or backtrack part of the way to Greymouth and drive (or take the TranzAlpine train) over Arthur's Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch beyond.
After day four you have a few options: return the way you came; cross the Haast Pass, which will take you to Wanaka and Queenstown; or backtrack part of the way to Greymouth and drive (or take the TranzAlpine train) over Arthur's Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch beyond.
10:0030 min
Hope Saddle Lookout
Less than an hour's drive from Nelson, make a quick stop at the Hope Saddle Lookout for sweeping views across the mountains of Kahurangi National Park.
8.4 mi
15 min
10:4530 min
Kawatiri Historic Railway Walk
Your next stop should be at the Kawatiri Junction, now a road junction but once a railway line. You can see the remnants of the old tracks, bridges, and station here. If you have time and energy, follow the easy Kawatiri Historic Railway Walk trail, about a 20-minute walk.
20.4 mi
25 min
11:401 hr
Murchison
Make a pit stop in the small town of Murchison, where you can find several cafes and restaurants. Although it's not a big town, it's a hub for travelers and locals alike in this part of the country, and a popular white-water rafting destination.
14.8 mi
20 min
13:0515 min
Maruia Falls
Leaving Murchison, you'll want to follow State Highway 6 to get to the West Coast. However, it's worth a short detour south along State Highway 65 to visit the impressive Maruia Falls. These falls were formed in the 1929 Murchison Earthquake, which shifted the land and diverted the Maruia River.
9.3 mi
15 min
13:351 hr
Buller Gorge Swing Bridge
The Buller Gorge Swing Bridge Adventure and Heritage Park offers a range of activities, from a gentle (if rather unnerving) walk along New Zealand's longest swing bridge to jet boating, rafting, ziplining, short hikes, or just admiring the views of the Upper Buller Gorge. Pick an activity to suit your interests and energy levels. The park is privately owned and is open 7 days, 9am to 5pm.
After this stop, you'll be driving for a couple of hours, although it's a very scenic couple of hours as you descend into the Lower Buller Gorge.
After this stop, you'll be driving for a couple of hours, although it's a very scenic couple of hours as you descend into the Lower Buller Gorge.
42.2 mi
1 hr
15:3510 min
Lower Buller Gorge scenic reserve
Make a stop to stretch your legs and take some photos of the wide Buller River at the Lower Buller Gorge Scenic Reserve.
9.1 mi
15 min
16:001 hr
Westport
Make it to Westport in the early-to-mid afternoon. Check out the sights of the small town, including the interesting Coaltown Museum and the Art Deco architecture along the main street, Palmerston Street.
11.2 mi
20 min
17:3030 min
Seal Colony
If the weather's fine, check out the seal colony at Cape Foulwind, a short drive west of Westport. There's a hike all the way out to the Cape Foulwind Lighthouse, but if you're short on time you can stick to the surf beach at Tauranga Bay or walk a short distance along the coastal track to see the seals basking on the rocks below.
26.9 mi
50 min
18:501 hr
Denniston Coalmining Historic Area
If the weather's fine, and depending on the season and the time of sunset, head up to the Denniston Plateau for a spectacular sunset view. This area north of Westport was once a coal mining town, and remnants of the mines, tracks and machinery can still be seen. By day there are nice walks here (if you arrive earlier in the day you can follow a short 40-minute trail). Otherwise, end the day with a gorgeous sunset over the Tasman Sea.
16.4 mi
30 min
20:201 hr
The Copper Pot
Grab some well-earned dinner before retiring to your hotel. Westport is a small town so if you're a large group, visiting on a public holiday or a Monday, or dining late, contact the restaurant first to check that they're open.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 5:00 – 9:30 pm Saturday: 5:00 – 9:30 pm Sunday: Closed
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 5:00 – 9:30 pm Saturday: 5:00 – 9:30 pm Sunday: Closed
0.7 mi
5 min
22:0010 hrs
Buller Court on Palmerston
End your day at the comfortable Buller Court Motel, on Westport's main Palmerston Street. It's a short walk to the cafes, restaurants and supermarket in the centre of town.