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 Kiwi.com and Aviasales for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Booking.com, Hotellook or TripAdvisor
- 🚐 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
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
🧭 Some booking links can be shy around VPNs! If one doesn’t open, try turning off your VPN or switching to a secure Wi-Fi network.
Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai
Nurture the seed and it will blossom