Royal Tour Itinerary

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Day 8 : Westport to Franz Josef

Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.

	Travel time	Km	(Miles)
Westport - Greymouth	1.25 hrs	100	63
Greymouth - Hokitika	0.5 hr	40	25
Hokitika - Franz Josef	1.75 hrs	133	83
Totals for Day	3.5 hrs	273	171

Westport - Greymouth

100 km (63 miles)
Approximately 1.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

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.

The road to Greymouth hugs the coast, providing spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea. At Charleston, formerly a gold town, you can arrange underground rafting and cave exploring trips.

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. The town of Runanga offers an interesting walk to Coal Creek Falls.

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.

Greymouth - Hokitika

40 km (25 miles)
Approximately 0.5 hour
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 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.

Hokitika - Franz Josef

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. Other entertainment options include the museum and the historical town walk.

The road to Franz Josef 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.

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.

View more Specialised New Zealand driving routes.

Directory Information

Westport, West Coast:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Transport, Visitor Information

Greymouth and Hokitika, West Coast:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Transport, Visitor Information

Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, West Coast:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Transport, Visitor Information

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