Queenstown (more)
High: 21 Low: 12 Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.
| Travel time | Km | (Miles) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox Glacier - Franz Josef | 0.25 hr | 23 | 14 |
| Franz Josef - Hokitika | 1.75 hrs | 133 | 83 |
| Hokitika - Greymouth | 0.5 hr | 40 | 25 |
| Greymouth - Westport | 1.25 hrs | 100 | 63 |
| Totals for Day | 3.75 hrs | 296 | 185 |
23 km (14 miles)
Approximately 0.25 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway
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.
The terminal face of Fox Glacier is just five kilometres from the township that serves it. 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.
After a short drive north, you'll arrive at Franz Josef Glacier. First explored in 1865, the glacier has been moving forward at a rate of about one 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.
133 km (83 miles)
Approximately 1.75 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
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. You might also want to investigate the museum and do the historical walk.
The road to the glaciers 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.
At Ross there's a goldfield walkway to explore, or enjoy a picnic by the shores of Lake Ianthe. A visit to the White Heron colony near Whataroa is a rare experience.
First explored in 1865, the Franz Josef Glacier has been moving forward at a rate of about one 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.
40 km (25 miles)
Approximately 0.5 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway
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.
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.
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.
100 km (63 miles)
Approximately 1.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
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 absorb some west coast history at the museum. White water rafting, sea kayaking and gold panning are other things to do.
The road to Westport hugs the coast, providing spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea. The town of Runanga offers an interesting walk to Coal Creek Falls.
Punakaiki is famous for its ancient pancake rocks and booming blowholes. It is the centrepiece of the Paparoa National Park, which is packed with a variety of stunning landscapes. At Charleston, formerly a gold town, you can arrange underground rafting and cave exploring trips.
Westport is a coal mining town, but it's also a base for outdoor adventures.
Visit the mining museum, then strap on your walking shoes to investigate the seal colony. Black water rafting, jet boating, horse trekking and surf rafting are other opportunities for outdoor excitement.
View more Specialised New Zealand driving routes.
Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, West Coast:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Greymouth and Hokitika, West Coast:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Westport, West Coast:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
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