New Zealand · Easy
Road Trip of the Glacial Fjords on New Zealand's West Coast (5 Days)
A classic 5-day road trip itinerary starting in Christchurch, passing through Arthur’s Pass, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Fox Glacier, and Lake Matheson, and ending in Wanaka.
- Days
- 5
- Stops
- 7
- Mapped stops
- 7
- Mapped distance
- 510 km
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Trip
Day-by-day route
Day 1Queenstown
1 stopsDay 2Queenstown
2 stops · Driving route · No drivable connection · 89.7 km · 1 hr 10 minDay 3Queenstown
2 stops · Driving route · 159.5 km · 2 hr 10 minDay 4Queenstown
2 stops · Driving route · 260.9 km · 3 hr 30 minMap explore
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New Zealand
Mountain passes, clear lakes and generous distances make New Zealand a natural fit for a patient road trip.
New Zealand
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New Zealand · Easy
Road Trip of the Glacial Fjords on New Zealand's West Coast (5 Days)
- Days
- 5
- Stops
- 7
- Mapped stops
- 7
- Mapped distance
- 510 km
Day 1Queenstown
1 stops- 1
Arthur's Pass National Park
SightseeingArthur's Pass National Park is an outdoor attraction that gives travelers space for walking, viewpoints, and a slower break from dense sightseeing. It is a practical addition to nature, family, and photography-focused itineraries. Check current opening times, trail or access rules, and weather conditions before visiting.
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Day 2Queenstown
2 stops · Driving route · No drivable connection · 89.7 km · 1 hr 10 min- 1
Pancake Rocks Punakaiki
No drivable connection · 97.5 kmSightseeingPancake Rocks Punakaiki is a natural attraction known for its landscape and outdoor scenery. It suits travelers looking for viewpoints, walks, photography, and a stronger connection to the region's geography.
View in Google Maps - 2
Hokitika Gorge
Driving route · 89.7 km · 1 hr 10 minSightseeingHokitika Gorge is a natural attraction known for its landscape and outdoor scenery. It suits travelers looking for viewpoints, walks, photography, and a stronger connection to the region's geography.
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Day 3Queenstown
2 stops · Driving route · 159.5 km · 2 hr 10 min- 1
Franz Josef Glacier
Driving route · 127.9 km · 1 hr 40 minSightseeingFranz Josef Glacier is one of New Zealand's most accessible and dramatic glaciers, a 12-km river of ice descending from the Southern Alps almost to sea level in a temperate rainforest on the West Coast of the South Island. Named after the Austrian emperor by a Victorian explorer, it can be explored on foot or by helicopter landing on the ice field. The glacier has retreated significantly in recent decades, making visits a poignant reminder of climate change.
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Fox Glacier
Driving route · 31.6 km · 30 minSightseeingFox Glacier is one of New Zealand's most accessible glaciers, a 13-km tongue of ice descending from the Southern Alps to within 245 meters of sea level in a temperate rainforest on the West Coast of the South Island. Named after a New Zealand prime minister, it can be explored on foot to the terminal face or by helicopter landing on the upper icefield. Like most glaciers worldwide, Fox has retreated significantly in recent decades due to climate change, making visits increasingly poignant.
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Day 4Queenstown
2 stops · Driving route · 260.9 km · 3 hr 30 min- 1
Lake Matheson
Driving route · 66.9 km · 1 hr 0 minSightseeingLake Matheson is a natural attraction valued for scenery, fresh air, and photo-friendly views. It works well in itineraries that need a quieter outdoor stop, a walk, or a landscape-focused break between busier sights. Conditions can vary by season, so check access, weather, and local safety guidance before going.
View in Google Maps - 2
Blue Pools Nature Walk
Driving route · 194 km · 2 hr 30 minView in Google Maps