New Zealand · Easy
West Coast Road Trip in New Zealand: Glaciers, Fjords, and Rainforests (5–7 Days)
Departing from Christchurch, drive along the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, passing through Arthur’s Pass, Pancake Rocks, the Hokitika Gorge, and the Fox Glacier, before finally arriving in Wanaka
- Days
- 6
- Stops
- 7
- Mapped stops
- 7
- Mapped distance
- 607.6 km
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Trip
Day-by-day route
Day 1
1 stopsDay 2
2 stops · 187.2 km · 1 hr 10 minDay 3
2 stops · 159.5 km · 2 hr 10 minDay 4
2 stops · 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.
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Self-Drive Tour of the Glacial Fjords on New Zealand's West Coast (5 Days)
A classic 5-day self-drive itinerary starting in Christchurch, passing through Arthur’s Pass, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Fox Glacier, and Lake Matheson, and ending in
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Discover places worth the detour
New Zealand
West Coast Road Trip in New Zealand: Glaciers, Fjords, and Rainforests (5–7 Days)
Day 1
Arthur's Pass National Park
Arthur'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 2
Pancake Rocks Punakaiki
Pancake 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 MapsHokitika Gorge
Hokitika 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 3
Franz Josef Glacier
Franz 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.
View in Google MapsFox Glacier
Fox 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 4
Lake Matheson
Lake 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 MapsBlue Pools Nature Walk
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