Stunning West Coast: Wanaka to Picton and the Franz Josef Glacier - South Island Road Trip
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Franz Josef Glacier Trailhead with view of the glacier in the background
Destinations > Oceania > New Zealand > Stunning West Coast: Wanaka to Picton
A trip up the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand is full of natural wonders. With the coast to one side and the mountains to the other, there is beauty everywhere you look. Outdoor adventures and incredible vistas are a given along this unbeatable journey, and there is so much you will want to stop and experience.
From glaciers in the south, to incredibly beautiful gorges and forests on your way up, to pancake rocks and caverns up north, this is one breathtaking road trip that you’ll never forget! Additionally, we cover some highlights along the northern coastline from Takaka Hill to Picton that can’t be missed. Enjoy!
For a more profound travel experience on this road trip, we highly recommend this short book which provides insight into the country's national identity and values from the Māori cultural influences. Getting to know New Zealand's cultural traditions and practices greatly enhances your experience in New Zealand, so don't miss it!
View from Kingston Beach, south of Queenstown
Where to Stay in New Zealand’s West Coast
One place you’ll almost need to stay during your trip along the West Coast of New Zealand is in Hokitika as it is right in the middle and gives easy access to everything else along the coastline.
View from Arrow Junction Lookout Point just outside of Queenstown
Arrow Junction Lookout Point
At the top of a winding alpine road, the Arrow Junction Lookout Point, sometimes referred to as Crown Range Road Scenic Lookout, offers visitors an incredible view of the surrounding peaks and the picturesque small farms on the plateaus. Heavily populated during the gold rush era, today the scenic vistas through the Crown Range over Cardrona Peak to the Cardrona Alpine resort are worth the somewhat tricky drive to get there.
While you can take Route 6 through Cromwell, and past Lake Dunstan, on your way to Wanaka from Queenstown, it is considerably shorter to use Crown Range road. Along the way you’ll see many different lookout areas with great views, like Arrow Junction Lookout Point, along the way because you’ll be high up in the mountains for the first part of the drive. As you get closer to Wanaka, you’ll drive down through the incredibly beautiful Cardrona Valley - giving you spectacular views at every turn.
If you plan to take Route 6 instead, check out some of the highlights along the way in our Queenstown to Christchurch article as well!
View from Lake Wanaka Lookout in Wanaka
Lake Wanaka Lookout
Traveling along the Crown Range Road will bring you to the shores of Lake Wanaka. Continuing on around the lake you will come to the Lake Wanaka Lookout, a popular spot to take in the scenery. It’s worth getting out and stretching your legs along the Lookout Walk. A 5 km walk, the trail offers excellent views of the lake and the peaks across it. Mount Aspiring and Roy’s Peak give a distinct skyline for some awesome pictures.
If hiking the best trails in New Zealand is on your list, then the 5-Day Fiordland Great Walks of New Zealand plan is perfect for you.
People jumping into the water from the Blue Pools bridge
Blue Pools Trek
Traveling upstream from Lake Wanaka towards the western coast, the Blue Pools Trek, a short walk along a boardwalk next the Makarora River and through a beautiful beech forest, is an excellent stop. The walk is a 3km return along the same track past the clear blue pools (just under 2 miles round trip). It offers a peaceful interlude in gorgeous surroundings.
Once you arrive at the pools you’ll see people jumping into the water from the bridge in one spot as well as a rocky and sandy enclave where most people set up their towels and go swimming. Do keep in mind that it gets warm as it is quite sunny in that spot.
Franz Josef Glacier view from end of the easy trail
Franz Josef Glacier Walks
Further up the coast, trying out one of the Franz Josef Glacier Walks will let you take in some smaller waterfalls, beautiful trees, a river, and a fairly unique natural environment as you make your way along the lovely stretch toward the viewing point. While the fairly short walk along the paved path to the standard viewing point is quite easy for anyone to do, you can get closer to the glacier by taking the other trek.
The trek to the bottom of the Franz Josef Glacier is a more challenging trek than the blue pools. The track quickly becomes more difficult with the rocky ground along the river, and conditions can also be uncertain due to falling rock and ice, so be sure to check them out before you go. The awe-inspiring experience of the glacier up close is worth the challenge of getting there.
We highly recommend checking out the guided experiences if you plan to do this portion of the trek as they’ll not only be able to help you navigate this pathway, but you’ll get access to closer viewing areas of the glacier and actually walk on the glacier itself!
There are also guided tours to Fox Glacier not far away from Franz Josef.
The observation tower rises above the treetops at the West Coast Treetop Walk in Hokitika
West Coast Treetop Walk
Continuing up the coast, the West Coast Treetop Walk and Café is not to be missed. Just south of Hokitika, the stroll through the treetops of the temperate rainforest offers an amazing, up-close view of the flora and fauna. If you’ve got a head for heights there’s an observation tower rising even higher, above the treetops, giving visitors still more impressive views.
The highly rated café provides seasonal fare and daily specials, and booking online, or combining with the Hokitika Gorge, will save you a bit of money on the entrance fee and make it a more enjoyable experience.
The blue-green waters at Hokitika Gorge on the West Coast of New Zealand
Hokitika Gorge
Located inland from the coast, Hokitika Gorge was carved out of the rough granite by the glacier-fed Hokitika River. The sediment from the glacier gives the water a unique blue-green hue that is just lovely to see. A pair of suspension bridges, the second opened in 2020, mean that the easy walking track along the gorge is now a loop, rather than the previous return along the same trail.
Combine your trip here with the Treetop Walk for a relaxed day exploring the two best excursions in Hokitika.
The Hokitika driftwood sign at Hokitika’s Sunset Point
Sunset Point Hokitika
Another great and easy walk is along Sunset Point in Hokitika. Known for the intriguing driftwood sculptures and the soft sand, the beach is a great place to bring a picnic and watch the sunset or even the star filled skies. Surfers can enjoy their sport from the point, and visitors may even see some Little Blue Penguins who make their home on the beach. Please don’t approach the wildlife, but enjoy them from a distance.
Apart from the Hokitika Gorge and the Treetop Walk, many locals recommend checking out Shantytown Heritage Park for a bit more history and fun. Additionally, the small town of Hokitika is a cute little area to wander around, find some souvenirs, or stop for a meal.
The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, limestone pancake rock formations along the west coast of New Zealand
Pancake Rocks
The fantastic limestone formations of the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes in Paparoa National Park are another definite must-see. There is an easy looping walk that takes visitors through the formations, blowholes, and surge pools. The paved path is easy for children and those with limited mobility, so everyone can experience this area of fascinating geological history and spectacular views.
Do keep an eye on small children as the paths wind through the rock formations and it can be easy to lose sight of them. The surge pools below are an incredible sight, but they are also extremely powerful forces of nature. This is one of the top highlights on the West Coast - don’t miss it.
Inside the Oparara Basin Arch, by Pseudopanax@Wikimedia, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hidden Treasures Further North
A Nile River cave and tubing adventure
A fully guided Glow Worm Cave eco-tour
The Charming Creek Walking Trail to Mangatini Falls
and a hidden secret: Oparara Basin
Although you can hike through from there to Pūponga Beach, there are no roads that pass around that northwest coastline. Thus, you’ll have to come back down towards Punakaiki and turn east in Westport through Murchison to head further north.
The Buller Gorge Swing Bridge hangs over the blue-green waters and red cliffs of Buller Gorge
Buller Gorge Swing Bridge
Buller Gorge Swing Bridge Adventure and Heritage Park is a great stop in your travels up the western coast. With the longest swing bridge in New Zealand, the park also offers a variety of other adventures. The Jetboat lets visitors experience the river itself, while the swing bridge and Comet Line send you soaring over the water. Tamer adventures include hiking and panning for gold. There are packages on offer that allow you to combine adventures to shape your perfect day.
We recommend bringing bug spray, especially if you intend to go hiking. The views along the gorge and river are beautiful and vibrant from every angle. It is truly worth stopping here if you’re passing through!
View of the very long Maruia Falls from the viewing area at the bottom of the path in Shenandoah
Maruia Falls
Another interesting stop is at the beautiful Maruia Falls. Quite near to the road, there is just a short walk to platforms where you can view the falls from both above and below. Deepened from a low cascade to a falls by an earthquake in 1929, the current drop of the falls is 9-11 metres. Kayakers frequently pass over the falls, but be careful on the walkways and stay behind the barriers to avoid falling on the slippery rocks.
As it lies on a fault line, currents can pull - and keep - swimmers under the water. Signs are posted to avoid swimming here.
The edge of the Shire a.k.a. Takaka Hill trees and meadows in Tasman
Takaka Hill
The fascinating marble formations and karst landscape of the Takaka Hill area offer yet more natural wonders for you to experience. The walkway near the saddle the roadway passes over is a great place for hikers to stop and stretch their legs, and get an even better view of the Takaka Valley, Tasman Bay, and even the Tasman Mountains in Kahurangi National Park. The area is also famous for its caves, including the Ngarua Caves which are open to the public.
While there is a “road” that leads to an area on the top, we would not recommend driving up it in anything less than a 4x4 as it is an unpaved narrow 1-lane rocky road, some parts being quite slippery with only a sharp ledge on one side. Taking the road or the trails up to the top will reward you with amazing scenes that you may recognize as the edge of Hobbiton, where filming was shot for the moments that the hobbits, or gandalf, left this famous area.
Split Apple Rock as viewed from the shoreline in Tasman Bay
Split Apple Rock
Another fascinating formation is Split Apple Rock in Tasman Bay. Tokangawhā, as the Māori call it, is a granite formation that was likely formed by water seeping into a crack and freezing during an ice age, though the legend of two Māori gods splitting it in a fight is certainly more fun. Located just 50 metres off the shore, the rock can be approached by wading at low tide and is also popular with boaters, kayakers, and as part of the amazing, and highest rated, waka paddling tour.
Do note that the pathway that leads down to this beach resides at the end of a road which doesn’t allow parking. You may park a bit further up along the main road instead, but there is usually quite a lot of other cars up there. Additionally, while the walk down the boarded staircase to the beach is through a forest - and quite beautiful - it isn’t a very short hike. Plus, the walk back up can be exhausting for some people.
The blue-green waters of the Pelorus River with short rock ledge shores as seen from the Pelorus Bridge
Pelorus River
Moving into the Marlborough region, a stop to swim in the Pelorus River near the Pelorus Bridge is a lovely idea. For fans of the Hobbit, getting to float in the river where they filmed the barrel rider scene is an incredible experience. Those who have never seen the film will still enjoy the views from the bridge and the scenic tracks through the area, or a kayak trip down the river itself.
Feel free to park and walk down the path and along the rocks. The water is a bit deep, but you can clearly see the bottom. To get the true experience, book the Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting down the Pelorus River. It’s an adventure that you’ll never forget!
View of the Mahau Sound from the Mahakipawa Hill Scenic Reserve in Havelock, New Zealand
Marlborough Sounds: Mahau Sound
One of the many sea-drowned valleys at the northern end of New Zealand’s South Island, Mahau Sound is typical of the beautiful, sparsely populated Marlborough Sounds. According to Māori tradition, the sounds are sunken wakas of Aoraki. Home to a honey farm, the Mahau Sound also has one of the popular Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs the region is famous for named after it.
We recommend driving around the Sounds mainly to take in the beauty of the landscape, but it can be better enjoyed with a Marlborough Sounds and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton or kayaking around the sounds and hiking the popular Queen Charlotte Track.
Pirate ship playground among palm trees at Picton Memorial Park
Picton Memorial Park
Picton, the South Island terminal of the inter-island ferry service, is a logical end point for a trip up the coast. One of the loveliest areas of the town is the Picton Memorial Park. Part of the Foreshore, the park and gardens are dedicated to the local soldiers from the First and Second World Wars. In addition to remembering the fallen, beautiful paths stretch along the waterfront, providing the main entrance to the marina and Shelley Beach, as well as the rest of the Foreshore.
Swimming, boating, playgrounds, or a simple stroll along the paths are a great way to cap off a trip up the coast. Additionally, opt to take a dolphin watching and Island Wildlife Sanctuary cruise from Picton to enjoy the scenery and wildlife even better.
If you’re headed up to Wellington on a ferry, check out our Wellington article as well!
Must See Places on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island
The west coast of the South Island is full of experiences that you will not be able to find anywhere else you visit. New Zealand will draw you in and make you want to return again and again to see and experience the incredible marvels that nature has to offer here. It’s an adventure like no other. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions about exploring these areas!
Additionally, it makes sense to explore Queenstown and Te Anu before heading up along the west coast and then continuing along to Wellington or Christchurch afterwards. Check out our articles on those locations for more of the best things to see and do!
FAQ’s
How much does it cost to visit the Franz Josef Glacier?
The Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, and there are various ways to experience its beauty. You can take a guided walk on the glacier, which costs NZ$449 per person and includes a helicopter flight, ice equipment, and a professional guide¹. You can also opt for a scenic helicopter flight over the glacier, which ranges from NZ$245 to NZ$595 per person depending on the duration and route². Alternatively, you can view the glacier from a distance by taking a short walk from the car park to the glacier terminal face, which is free of charge³.
What are some other activities to do in Wanaka besides hiking and biking?
Wanaka is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, but there are also plenty of other things to do in this charming town. You can visit the famous Wanaka Tree, which is a lone willow tree that grows in the lake and makes for a stunning photo opportunity⁴. You can also explore the Puzzling World, which is a fun attraction that features optical illusions, mazes, and puzzles⁵. If you are feeling adventurous, you can try skydiving, paragliding, or jet boating in Wanaka, which offer thrilling views of the lake and the mountains.
How long does it take to drive from Picton to Christchurch?
The drive from Picton to Christchurch is about 340 km and takes around 4.5 hours without stops. However, you might want to take some breaks along the way to enjoy the scenic route. Some of the highlights of the drive include the Kaikoura Coast, which is famous for its marine wildlife and seafood, the Waipara Valley, which is home to some of the best wineries in New Zealand, and the Hanmer Springs, which is a popular spot for relaxing in natural hot pools.
(1) Stunning West Coast: Wanaka to Picton and the Franz Josef Glacier .... https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/stunning-west-coast-wanaka-to-picton-and-the-franz-josef-glacier-south-island-road-trip.
(2) REmotiFIRE by EatWanderExplore Remote Lifestyle & Online Coding Bootcamp. https://eatwanderexplore.com/.
(3) 15 BEST Stops on the Drive from Wanaka to Franz Josef. https://myqueenstowndiary.com/wanaka-to-franz-josef-road-trip/.
(4) The Ultimate 3-Week South Island New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary. https://nikiinnewzealand.com/south-island-new-zealand-road-trip/.
(5) 14 Day New Zealand South Island Itinerary - the Perfect Road Trip. https://whereyourebetween.com/destinations/new-zealand/14-day-new-zealand-south-island-itinerary/.
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