Christchurch - Fox Glacier - Christchurch

Day 2: Greymouth to Fox Glacier

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Greymouth - Hokitika 0.5 hr  40/25 Hokitika - Franz Josef 1.75 hrs  133/83 Franz Josef - Fox Glacier 0.25 hr  23/14   Totals for Day 2.5 hrs  196/123

Greymouth - Hokitika - Franz Josef - Fox Glacier

Greymouth has a long gold mining history. It’s the largest town on the west coast and is known for its awesome seascapes. The local brewery runs tours or you can catch up with west coast history at the museum. White water rafting, sea kayaking and gold panning are other things to do.

The road between Hokitika and Greymouth provides great views of the wild west coast. Detour to the beach and breathe the salt spray air. Driftwood is the ornamentation of choice for west coast beaches – every shape, size and colour. Shantytown, just south of Greymouth, is a reconstructed 1880s gold rush town – great family entertainment.

Hokitika was first settled in 1860, after the discovery of gold on the west coast. It still has the feel of a ‘frontier town’, and there are some lovely old buildings to admire. Greenstone (NZ jade) is the town’s treasure these days – you can see it being polished and sculpted. You might also want to pan for gold, investigate the museum and do the historical walk.

Scenic Highlights

Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes
Gaze in wonder at nature's artistry as columns of water shoot skyward from rocks that resemble giant stacks of pancakes.

Activities

West Coast
Arts & Crafts (4), Caving (1), Museums (1)

Greymouth - Hokitika - Franz Josef - Fox Glacier

First explored in 1865, the Franz Josef Glacier has been moving forward at a rate of about 1 metre a day since 1985. Previously it was in retreat. You can walk to the terminal of the glacier in about 10 minutes. Franz Josef township has a good range of accommodation and eating establishments.

The road to Hokitika is rural, but with a wild streak. The farmland is trying to turn back into forest, and the beauty of the rivers is raw and primeval. A visit to the White Heron colony near Whataroa is a rare experience. You could also enjoy a picnic by the shores of Lake Ianthe or discover the goldfield walkway at Ross.

Hokitika was first settled in 1860, after the discovery of gold on the west coast. It still has the feel of a ‘frontier town’, and there are some lovely old buildings to admire. Greenstone (NZ jade) is the town’s treasure these days – watch it being carved. Other entertainment options include the museum and the historical town walk.

Scenic Highlights

Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Release your inner explorer in a pristine national park that offers a wide selection of tempting terrain.

Okarito lagoon - wading bird paradise
Take a kayak or a guided tour to explore New Zealand's largest unmodified estuarine lagoon - home to more than 70 bird species, including the beautiful kotuku (white heron).

Activities

West Coast
Arts & Crafts (4), Heritage Attractions (1), Walking/Trekking (3)

Tour and Sightseeing

West Coast
Walking/Trekking (3)

Greymouth - Hokitika - Franz Josef - Fox Glacier

The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are unique relics of the last ice age. Mighty rivers of solid white, tumbling down ice-hewn rock valleys, they are classically beautiful in the glacial sense. Nowhere else in the world have glaciers advanced so close to the sea at this latitude. While in the area, you can choose from a wide range of adventure activities (mostly involving glaciers and mountains).

First explored in 1865, the Franz Josef Glacier has been moving forward at a rate of about 1 metre a day since 1985. Previously it was in retreat. You can walk to the terminal of the glacier in about 10 minutes. Franz Josef township has a good range of accommodation and eating establishments.

After a short drive south, you’ll arrive at Fox Glacier. The glacier’s terminal face is just 5 kilometres from the township, and the road to the walking track crosses ancient moraine from earlier advances and retreats. Fed by four alpine glaciers, Fox Glacier was named after an early New Zealand Prime Minister, William Fox.

Scenic Highlights

Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Release your inner explorer in a pristine national park that offers a wide selection of tempting terrain.

Lake Matheson
Take a short walk to Lake Matheson and capture the perfect photograph of snow-capped Mount Cook reflected in the dark waters.

Okarito lagoon - wading bird paradise
Take a kayak or a guided tour to explore New Zealand's largest unmodified estuarine lagoon - home to more than 70 bird species, including the beautiful kotuku (white heron).

West Coast glaciers
Witness the puzzle of huge valleys of ice that extend well below the snowline, almost to the sea. Here the ice age is still underway.

Activities

West Coast
Caving (1), Climbing (1)

Tour and Sightseeing

West Coast
Climbing (1)