7-Day West Coast Wonders: From Picton to Queenstown via Wānaka & Haast

Discover the rugged beauty of the West Coast on this unforgettable 7-day road trip from Waitohi – Picton to Tāhuna – Queenstown.

This journey takes you through wild coastlines, ancient rainforests, glacier country, and over alpine passes into Central Otago. It’s perfect for those who want a true taste of Te Waipounamu’s raw landscapes and small-town charm — all doable by car or campervan.

👉 Prefer a printable version? Download the PDF Itinerary here

🗺️ Quick Overview

• Duration: 7 days
• Start Point: Waitohi – Picton
• End Point: Tāhuna – Queenstown
• Best Time: October to April
• Total Drive Time: Approx. 17–19 hours
• Highlights: West Coast beaches, glaciers, Haast Pass waterfalls, lakeside Wānaka, alpine Queenstown

Day-by-Day Itinerary

🌿 Day 1: Picton → Westport

Start your journey with coastal views and winding roads along the Buller Gorge.

What to Do:

• Stretch your legs at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve
• Stop for a break in Murchison (great pies!)
• Scenic lookout: Buller Gorge Swing bridge

Explore the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds in Picton — click here to discover scenic cruises, wildlife encounters, and coastal hikes.

Where to Stay:

• Westport Kiwi Holiday Park
• Carters Beach TOP 10

🌊 Day 2: Westport → Punakaiki → Hokitika

Drive the spectacular coastline and explore one of the West Coast’s most iconic landmarks.

What to Do:

• Visit Cape Foulwind (short walk to a seal colony)
• Marvel at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes
• Sunset stroll along Hokitika Beach

Marvel at the unique formations of the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks — entry is free, however click here to explore guided tour options from Greymouth.

Where to Stay:

• Hokitika Holiday Park
• Seaview Lodge & Camping Ground

❄️ Day 3: Hokitika → Franz Josef

Today brings you deep into glacier country.

What to Do:

• Visit Hokitika Gorge (bright turquoise river)
• Stop at Lake Matheson (reflection of Aoraki on a clear day)
• Short walk to Franz Josef Glacier Lookout

Where to Stay:

• Rainforest Retreat (Franz Josef)
• DOC Campsite at Otto/MacDonalds

🌧️ Day 4: Franz Josef → Haast

This drive takes you through some of the most untouched rainforest in the country.

What to Do:

• Detour to Fox Glacier or Lake Gault Track
• Stop at Knights Point Lookout
• Walk to Ship Creek (dunes and kahikatea swamp)

Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Franz Josef Glacier — click here to explore heli-hikes, scenic flights, and guided tours.

Where to Stay:

• Haast River Motels & Holiday Park
• DOC Pleasant Flat Campsite

🌄 Day 5: Haast → Wānaka

Cross the scenic Haast Pass, a highlight of the trip with waterfalls and alpine views.

What to Do:

• Stop at Thunder Creek Falls and Blue Pools Walk
• Picnic at Lake Hawea Lookout
• Explore Wānaka town or relax by the lake

Experience the best of Wānaka — from scenic hikes to adrenaline-pumping adventures —click here to explore top-rated tours and activities

Where to Stay:

• Wānaka TOP 10
• Lake Outlet Holiday Park

🥾 Day 6: Wānaka → Queenstown

Take the Crown Range Road (if weather permits) for one of Aotearoa’s most scenic drives.

What to Do:

• Visit Cardrona Hotel (iconic pub stop)
• Enjoy views from Crown Range Summit
• Arrive in Queenstown — your alpine adventure base

Where to Stay:

• Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park
• Driftaway Queenstown (for a premium camper stay)

🎉 Day 7: Explore Queenstown

Round off your trip with a relaxing or adrenaline-filled day — your choice!

What to Do:

• Walk the Queenstown Gardens
• Ride the Gondola + Luge
• Take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu
• Treat yourself to dinner at Fergburger or Flame Bar & Grill

Experience the adventure capital of Aotearoa in Tāhuna – Queenstown — click here to browse tours, activities, and adrenaline-packed experiences.

🎒 What to Pack

• Warm layers and waterproof gear (especially for the West Coast)
• Sturdy walking shoes
• Insect repellent (sandflies love the Coast)
• Camera and spare battery
• Swimmers and towel
• Daypack for walks
• Reusable water bottle and snacks

💡 Local Travel Tips

• Fill up on fuel before Haast — it’s remote
• Drive cautiously on one-lane bridges and winding roads
• Download maps before Franz Josef — reception can be patchy
• DOC camps are often first-come, first-served
• Sandflies are worst near water and forest — cover up or use spray

🍽️ Must-Try Local Flavour

• Murchison: Lamb pies at the Murchison Tearooms
• Westport: Crayfish or whitebait (seasonal)
• Hokitika: Hokey Pokey ice cream or a fresh seafood platter
• Franz Josef: Pizza and pints at SnakeBite Brewery
• Wānaka: Big Fig for slow-cooked local meals
• Queenstown: Famous Fergburger and local wine tastings

📌 Need to Know

• West Coast weather can change fast — be flexible
• Don’t attempt glacier walks without a guide
• Haast Pass has limited services — plan breaks
• Rubbish bins are rare on scenic roads — pack it out
• DOC sites may not have toilets with paper — bring your own

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.