Nelson to Queenstown via the West Coast route planner

Head south towards Nelson Lakes National Park – less than two hours away – to discover why, aside from natural beauty and accessibility, New Zealand rivers are internationally renowned fly fishing destinations.  The trout are waiting so you may want to try your luck.

Take care to allow plenty of time to stop and experience nature’s best. When you feel like a change, hop back in the car and set off on one of the most scenic routes that you’ll ever drive.

Heading towards the West Coast and Westport via the Buller Gorge, the past is never far behind. You will be captivated by the stories of early settlers, gold prospectors and coal miners whose legendary pioneering spirit tried to tame this wild land. Even now, it’s not that different from when man first set foot here. Pause and let your senses awake - breathe in the deep, earthy perfume of the West Coast rainforest, listen to the unique native songbirds, feast on nature’s beauty.

Westport is a coastal town located on the banks for the Buller River; it has a small town New Zealand flavour and parochial spirit that makes the locals immensely proud of their region. Further north at the end of road, is Karamea. With a lovely micro climate it is the start or finish of the Heaphy Track and is home to Australasia’s largest limestone arches in the Oparara Valley.

Driving the West Coast road is like passing through a primeval “Jurassic Park” – this coastal road and its passage from luxuriant vegetation in the north to spectacular glaciers in the south, was voted in Lonely Planet’s ‘top 10 coastal drives in the world’.

Travelling south from Westport you begin your West Coast journey through the Paparoa National Park, home to some of New Zealand’s best underworld caving and to Punakaiki, famous for its ‘Pancake Rocks’. Enjoy a leisurely 20 minute walk out to these beautiful limestone formations that began forming 30 million years ago. The well formed walkway is a loop track that winds from the main road, through native rainforest and out to the spectacular rugged coastline.

Your next stop is Greymouth, the commercial hub and heart of the West Coast. Visit a New Zealand favourite, Monteiths Brewing Company or take a step back in time at Shantytown Heritage Park, a fantastic family attraction where you can pan for gold, ride the steam train and soak up the fascinating stories of the first settlers to the West Coast region. Take the opportunity to wander around the town and enjoy some lovely boutique shopping.

Just 30 minutes south of Greymouth is Hokitika. Famous for its Wildfoods Festival held every March, this creative town has some of New Zealand’s finest Pounamu (Jade). Watch a carver work their magic at the Jade Factory or visit one of the many galleries or craft shops located in this beachside town.

South of Hokitika the road is scenic and easy driving through to the World Heritage area of South Westland. As you come upon the vibrant village of Franz Josef with some of New Zealand’s highest peaks towering above you, you can’t help but realise just how special this part of the West Coast is. The only place outside of Argentina that ice meets rainforest, Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier both offer awe inspiring, spectacular experiences to view and interact with these mighty, mountainous glaciers.

Fox Glacier is the smaller village however boasts the larger of the two Glaciers. Situated just 6 kilometres from Fox Glacier township, Lake Matheson, famous for its picture perfect reflection of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman has also been voted one of the ‘top 10 most beautiful lakes in the world’ by Budget travel.

Continuing on you will soon cross the Haast River and make your way inland through the mountains via Haast Pass – the physical divide between the West Coast and Otago regions, and part of majestic Mt Aspiring National Park. Take your time and enjoy the remoteness of the heart of the World Heritage Area.

The vast national park area, which straddles the southern end of the Southern Alps, is a wilderness paradise for walkers. There are no settlements on the road between Haast and Makarora, just the soaring giants of the ancient untouched beech forest.

As the road threads its way down into Otago, you will encounter two enticing alpine lakes – Wanaka on your right and Hawea on your left. Depending on the day, you may find them glistening in the sunshine or moody beneath a cloudy sky.