Transport options in the West Coast
The majority of travellers journey up and down the West Coast by rental car,
but some choose to pedal a bike or straddle a motorcycle. The main roads are full
sealed and easy to drive. Minor roads offer exploration opportunities for 4WD
enthusiasts. It's recommended you abandon your wheels for a day and take to the
sky - a scenic flight will be a highlight of your holiday.
Getting to and from the West Coast
By Car
There are four major road routes to the West Coast. From Nelson or Marlborough
drive through the magnificent Buller Gorge. From Christchurch drive through the
Lewis Pass or over Arthur's Pass. Lastly, you can drive over the Haast Pass from
Wanaka.
By Air
Air New Zealand provides scheduled daily departures from Hokitika to Christchurch
and from Westport to Wellington. Air West Coast provides a scheduled service from
Greymouth to Wellington (via Westport) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
By Train
The West Coast is home to the sixth greatest rail journey in the world - the
'TranzAlpine'. The TranzAlpine train arrives daily from Christchurch at 12.45pm
and departs at 1.45pm.
By Bus
Bus services connect the West Coast with Wanaka, Queenstown, Christchurch, Nelson
and Picton.
Transport around the West Coast
There are approximately 13 rental car companies operating around the West Coast,
providing a range of makes and models for you to choose from. Classic Car Rentals,
based in Hokitika, have a range of beautifully restored vehicles - you can live
out your dream of driving a classic car along some of the world's most picturesque
roads.
Helicopter and light aircraft operate throughout the West Coast, providing transport
as well as sightseeing opportunities. Scenic flights are available to Mount Cook,
Mount Tasman, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, Milford Sound, Mount Aspiring, Lake
Brunner, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, the Heaphy Track, Karamea and Nelson.
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MEMORY:
Submitted by John Drogan from United Kingdom
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Travelling from Auckland to Milford Sound by land, the scenery just blew us away.
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