weekend west coast road trip, New Zealand

Road tripping in New Zealand is probably one of my favourite things to do besides actually exploring the places that I road trip to! The country is incredibly scenic and you’re able to see so many different things and landscapes in such a short time.  Never did I think I could be in the mountains and standing at the edge of the ocean in the same day.

Trust me I’m still pinching myself.

Now if you come to New Zealand for a holiday, the west coast can easily fit into a entire south island road trip covering more of what you can see, especially the southern part of the west coast. If you only have a few days/nights and want a ‘weekend road trip’ or have a few days off from work, there is still plenty to do and see in the more central area of the west coast. Walking trails, waterfalls, glow worms, cool rock formations, history and much more. Much of it is free as well but I do encourage to support the local shops, cafes and restaurants.

If you’re coming from Christchurch or pretty much anywhere more central, you’ll drive to the coast coming through Arthurs Pass up state highway 73 which shoots out at the Kumara Junction or Highway 7 to Westport. On this road trip, the three main towns/areas to visit are Greymouth, Hokitika and Westport. Anything further north or south may be tough to squeeze in with the amount of time you have.

I’ll break down what to see in each area first and add suggested routes. It depends on how much time you do have. If my ‘weekend’ is Saturday/Sunday, I’m one of those people who likes to leave right after work on a Friday night. Luckily in summertime that still leaves a bit of time to explore when you have arrived at your destination.

Hokitika

You’ve probably heard, Hokitika is a ‘cool little town’. I say it every time I go but honestly it’s because it is. I’m pretty sure that’s the Hokitika tourism’s slogan. The town is relaxing and full of history from the days of the gold rush. It is also full of these cool ‘hidden gem’s’ and natural beauty.

What to see

Hokitika Gorge

If there’s one thing anyone remembers from the west coast it is the stunning blue waters of the Hokitika Gorge. It really is a have to see it to believe it moment. The area does get pretty darn busy in the summer months and the sandflies set up shop so like I always suggest, if you can, go early and bring bug spray. If not, just have extra patience and still bring the bug spray.

The first lookout is only a few minutes from the car park. Another few takes you to the swing bridge and a few more down to the rocks by the river. The path is really well laid out and parts of it are a boardwalk. Sometimes after a big rainfall, the water becomes a bit more cloudy or milky and isn’t quite as bright. This is one of those Instagram versus reality moments but nonetheless still beautiful.

Getting there

The Hokitika Gorge isn’t too hard to get to.  If you just want to see the gorge, it’s a go back the way you came! To get there, just head east on Stafford street which is off of the main road (Hwy 6). From there just follow the yellow signs posted.  The road takes you through a farming area of Hokitika so be mindful of any machinery and livestock on the road. There are a few turns and one-way bridges.  It’s 33 km from the town of Hokitika.

Glow worm Dell

If you’re not scared of the dark, right off of the highway as you come into Hokitika from the north is a short walk (50 meters) to a cave with glow worms! And it’s completely free! There are signs for the turn off and also ones to lead you to the caves. Of course, you can only see them at night and don’t forget your flashlight.

Hokitika beach

If it can be timed right with your trip and more importantly the weather, watching the sunset on the west coast is absolutely glorious! If the clouds fill the sky, Hokitika beach is still a wonderful spot to wander. Take a photo at the infamous driftwood Hokitika sign or head to ‘sunset point’ to see the replica of a shipwreck.

Dorothy Falls

This isn’t a huge waterfall but one that is super easy to get to, you can actually see it from the road, or take the 5 minute walk to it. It’s a nice photo op as there are some big boulders in the foreground and since it’s situated in the trees you can easily set up for a long exposure shot.

Getting there

This waterfall is located by Lake Kaniere and if you need you can google map it. If you plan to visit the Hokitika Gorge, instead of driving all the way back into town you can turn off beforehand at Kokatahi onto Upper Kokatahi Road which will take you on a bit of a scenic drive around the east side of the lake. If not, you can get to the falls from town on the west side via the Lake Kaniere Road. Follow that road, turn left on Hans Bay Road and follow until it turns into Dorothy Falls Road and you see a sign and a small car park. Part of this road is gravel and windy.

Where to stay

There are a lot of places to stay in Hokitika from all price ranges. Hokitika’s tourism site has a great run down on all the places to stay. If you are thinking of booking, feel free to head over to my Booking.com page or use the banner below. *If you book through that link I will receive a small commission at no extra charge to you 🙂

• Holiday parks: Shining Star– cabins and motels from $99, Greenstone retreat– share dorms and private rooms from $31, Hokitika Holiday Park– cabins from $65
• B & B: Woodland Glen Lodge– private rooms from $130, Rimu Lodge– private rooms from $395, Stations Inn– private rooms from $170
• Motels: Bella Vista– $131+, 252 Beachside motel– studios and units from $90, Heritage Highway Motel– $128+
• Hotels: Beachfront hotel– $170+, Theatre Royal Hotel– private rooms from $50, Stumpers Accommodation– private studios from $130

Greymouth

Many know Greymouth as a city to pass through. I’ll admit it is a bit of a sleepy town in that there might not be huge attractions per say but if you want to just take a moment to slow down a bit and go for a few walks, Greymouth is the place to be.

What to see

Coal Creek Falls

The walk to Coal Creek Falls is gentle and easy moving through the forest of the west coast. Only an hour return walk (3.6 km) I highly recommend stretching your legs on this track. It’s a good spot to cool off in the summer just be careful on the rocks and logs under the water.

Getting there

From Greymouth follow SH6 northeast for 8 km to Runanga. Turn right down Seddon Street and right into Ballance Street. There is a carpark at the end of Ballance Street.

Point Elizabeth track

This track is a an easy walking track along the coast weaving in and out of coastal bush with stunning views out to the Tasman. Sea It’s a pretty popular spot with locals for their morning jog and afternoon walk. It’s also a shared track with mountain bikers but its only permitted from April to September during hours of darkness. Needless to say, don’t forget your headlamp. The walk is just under 2 hours one way (5.5 km) and it’s not a loop track

Breakwater viewing platform

Maybe it’s just me but there something about the ocean that just moves something in me. The west coast looks out the Tasman Sea and she’s a wild one! The view from the platform is great and you can feel the energy from the crashing waves against the concrete barriers. 

Brunner mine site

Only 15 minutes from Greymouth, this is a historical site commemorating New Zealand’s worst mining disaster and greatest work place tragedy. There are multiple short walking tracks (20-40 mins) throughout the ruins.  It is very cool to wander around soaking up and appreciating a part of history for New Zealand.

Getting there

The site is 11 km east of Greymouth on SH7 and the main carpark is on SH7. You can also get to it from Taylorville Road but parking is limited. Walk across the Brunner Bridge to access both sides of the river.

Where to stay

Although Greymouth hasn’t been a place I’ve chosen to stay in the past, there are a few choices for accommodation. Many are not far at all from the water as well. If you are thinking of booking, feel free to head over to my Booking.com page or use the banner above. *If you book through that link I will receive a small commission at no extra charge to you 🙂

• Holiday parks: Kiwi Holiday Park and motels– cabins and motels from $55 (pet-friendly)
• Motels: Bella Vista– $115+, Greymouth motels and Seaview apartments– cabins from $60
• Hotels: Kingsgate Hotel– $120+, The Ashley Hotel from $135, Paroa Hotel– private studios from $125

westport

Westport is the largest town on the northern west coast. It has plenty of places to wine and dine with beautiful scenery of the Buller river flowing by and the Paparoa ranges in the background. There are a few supermarkets and the town’s amenities fit both budget and luxury.

What to see

Pancake Rocks and blowholes

Located at Punkakiki, these rocks are a real natural landscape wonder and one you do not want to miss. They are located in between Greymouth and Westport so it’s a perfect spot to stop on the way.

The walk to see these formations is only a 20-minute return walk. They’re called the pancake rocks because they actually look like pancakes stacked on top of each other. The blowholes are pretty impressive to see as well especially at the right time. In the space between the pillared rocks, a mix of compressed water and air escaping forces the water upwards creating a huge spray. If you can, the best time to go is high tide as you get the full effect of the blowhole. If you can’t make it for then it’s still very impressive to see.

There is a small gift shop and restaurant there. And yes, you guessed right, they serve pancakes!

Cape Foulwind

This is a lovely spot to walk with the Tasman sea right at your feet. The Cape Foulwind walkway includes a few different spots of interest. One is the to a lighthouse. I for some unknown reason love lighthouses especially the traditional white ones with the bright red top. This one doesn’t have a red top but is pretty cool and worth a walk to check out. This lighthouse served to guide ships up and down the coast in the days of the gold rush. The walk is a couple hours return walk and easy.

seal colony at Tauranga bay

I can’t go anywhere without at least finding some sort of wildlife. The fur seal colony in Tauranga Bay was the first I saw in New Zealand when I moved. You can take a short 15 minute walk to a viewing platform to see the colony. The best time of year to see them is October to March when the bulls come back to mate and seal pups are extra playful.

Where to stay

I have yet to stay in Westport but again there are a few places to stay with a range of prices. If you are thinking of booking, feel free to head over to my Booking.com page or use the banner above. *If you book through that link I will receive a small commission at no extra charge to you 🙂

• Holiday parks: Carters Beach Holiday Park– cabins and motels from $75
• Motels: Carter’s by the sea– starting at $160+, Buller Court Motel– $135+, Omau Settlers Lodge– studios from $155
• Hotels: Westport Motor Hotel– from $99

Suggested touring routes

Friday to Sunday route

Friday: Christchurch to Hokitika via Highway 73. 3 hours 19 minutes
Stop in at glow worm dell (if getting in late), Hokitika beach for sunset if arrived early enough. Stay the night in Hokitika.
Saturday: Hokitika to Greymouth. 30 minutes.
Breakfast in Hokitika, explore Hokitika Gorge, Dorothy Falls in the morning. Head to Greymouth for the rest of the day exploring the Brunner site and taking a few walks. Stay the night in Greymouth
Sunday: Greymouth to Westport to Christchurch 4 hours 21 minutes
Breakfast in Greymouth. Stop at the pancake rocks and blowholes in the morning. Arrive in Westport to see the seal colony and have lunch. Head back home via State highway 7.

Saturday to Sunday route

Saturday: Christchurch to Westport to Greymouth. 5 hours 49 minutes
Early start to see the seal colony and lighthouse in Westport. Stop for lunch in Westport or at Punakiki at the Pancake Rocks. Take a walk at Coal creek falls, and watch the sun set at the Breakwater platform. Stay the night in Greymouth.
Sunday: Greymouth to Hokitika to Christchurch. 3 hours 53 minutes
Another early start to head for the Hokitika Gorge, Dorothy Falls and some time exploring the town of Hokitika.

Other stops on the way

Highway 7

• Mauria Hot springs– relax at the geothermal mineral springs

• Waipara wineries- stop in for a tasting or a bite to eat at one of the many wineries like Waipara Hills, Pegasus Bay or Waipara Springs.

Highway 73

• Castle Hill- Easily spotted off the highway, Castle Hill is a very unique spot of massive boulders to walk around or climb over.

• Devil’s Punchbowl Arthurs pass- a 45 minute round trip walk takes you up to a stunning waterfall over 130 meters tall.
• Lake Kaniere- this is the lake right by Hokitika Gorge and Dorothy Falls. This is nice spot to sit for a bite to eat or kayak if you have one.

Have you taken a west coast road trip? Where did you go? My favourite part was probably Coal Creek falls and the gorge so far, what was yours?!

Save this to read again!