Royal Tour Itinerary
- Overview
- Day 1 : Auckland to Waitomo Caves
- Day 2 : Waitomo Caves to Rotorua
- Day 3 : Rotorua to Taupo
- Day 4 : Taupo to Wellington
- Day 5 : Wellington to Nelson
- Day 6 : Nelson to Marahau
- Day 7 : Marahau to Westport
- Day 8 : Westport to Franz Josef
- Day 9 : Franz Josef to Wanaka
- Day 10 : Wanaka to Queenstown
- Day 11 : Queenstown to Te Anau
- Day 12 : Te Anau to Milford Sound
- Day 13 : Te Anau to Queenstown
Featured Tourism Operators
Day 7 : Marahau to Westport
Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.
| Travel time | Km | (Miles) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marahau - Motueka | 0.25 hr | 17 | 11 |
| Motueka - Westport | 2.75 hrs | 216 | 135 |
| Totals for Day | 3 hrs | 233 | 146 |
Marahau - Motueka
17 km (11 miles)
Approximately 0.25 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway/Arterial
Marahau is often called ‘the Abel Tasman Village’, because it's where many people begin their explorations of the Abel Tasman National Park. You can hire kayaks, swim with seals or catch a water taxi to one of the park's amazing beaches.
The Coast Track in the Abel Tasman National Park is the most popular ‘great walk’ in New Zealand. The track takes you past pristine golden sand beaches and calm turquoise waters. Travel on foot or in a sea kayak.
The short trip to Motueka takes you past the road to Kaiteriteri Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the region.
The picnic area in the Riwaka Valley is another scenic detour—you can walk to the source of the Riwaka River.
In the horticultural town of Motueka you can indulge your love of fresh fruit and vegetables, and feed your imagination with local arts and crafts.
Because it's so close to the Abel Tasman National Park and the Kahurangi National Park, Motueka is an ideal place to prepare for hiking adventures.
Motueka - Westport
216 km (135 miles)
Approximately 2.75 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway/Arterial
In the horticultural town of Motueka you can indulge your love of fresh fruit and vegetables, and feed your imagination with local arts and crafts.
Because it's so close to the Abel Tasman National Park and the Kahurangi National Park, Motueka is an ideal base for hiking adventures.
On the way to Westport you'll travel up the Motueka River Valley on a pretty, winding road that takes you past magical scenery and tiny settlements.
Turn right when you connect with the main highway and head for Murchison, where you can learn about 1929s massive earthquake.
Pan for gold in Lyell Creek before you navigate the awesome Buller Gorge. At Hawks Crag the road has been hacked out of solid rock—you'll drive under a dramatic overhang.
Westport is known as a coal mining town and a base for outdoor adventures. Visit the local coal 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.
- Overview
- Day 1 : Auckland to Waitomo Caves
- Day 2 : Waitomo Caves to Rotorua
- Day 3 : Rotorua to Taupo
- Day 4 : Taupo to Wellington
- Day 5 : Wellington to Nelson
- Day 6 : Nelson to Marahau
- Day 7 : Marahau to Westport
- Day 8 : Westport to Franz Josef
- Day 9 : Franz Josef to Wanaka
- Day 10 : Wanaka to Queenstown
- Day 11 : Queenstown to Te Anau
- Day 12 : Te Anau to Milford Sound
- Day 13 : Te Anau to Queenstown
View more Specialised New Zealand driving routes.
Directory Information
Motueka District, Nelson:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Westport, West Coast:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
