New ZealandA long, wild strip between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea: rainforest, glaciers, limestone cliffs and some of the most dramatic driving in the country.
Highlights
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Layered limestone stacks and blowholes, best at high tide.
- Franz Josef and Fox glaciers Heli-hikes and scenic flights onto the ice, or valley walks to viewpoints.
- Lake Matheson Mirror reflections of Aoraki / Mount Cook on a still morning.
- Hokitika Pounamu (greenstone) carving studios and the Hokitika Gorge.
- Paparoa Track A Great Walk and mountain-bike ride across the Paparoa Range.
Best time to go
It rains a lot here, which is why it is so green. Summer days are longest; late autumn and winter often bring the clearest, most still mornings. Bring insect repellent for sandflies.
Getting there
Take the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, or drive over Arthur’s Pass, Lewis Pass or Haast Pass. Hokitika and Westport have small airports.
Main towns
Greymouth, Hokitika, Westport, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Haast