West Coast
HubThe West Coast is a long, wild strip between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea: rainforest, glaciers, Pancake Rocks and empty beaches. Allow a few days and flexible plans, because it rains in every season. October to April has the longest days.
Quick facts
- Queenstown to Franz Josef
- About 354 km over the Haast Pass, 5 hours (estimate)
- From our Queenstown to Franz Josef via Haast Pass guide
Plan it:West Coast road tripQueenstown to Franz Josef via Haast PassThe 14-day South Island road tripThree weeks in New Zealand
West Coast on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Drive times are routing estimates without stops. Prices and rules were checked for each guide; follow the link for the official sources.
Official links for West Coast
All useful linksTranzAlpine (opens in a new tab)
The Christchurch to Greymouth train across the Southern Alps, one of the classic NZ rail trips.
West Coast (opens in a new tab)
Official visitor information for the West Coast, including the glaciers and Punakaiki.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (opens in a new tab)
The official source for road rules, licences, vehicle licensing and state highways.
NZTA Journey Planner (opens in a new tab)
Live road conditions, closures, webcams and a journey planner for state highways.
Traffic and travel information (opens in a new tab)
Official updates on highway conditions, delays and planned roadworks.
Visiting drivers (opens in a new tab)
Road rules aimed at visitors, including keep left, one-lane bridges and giving way.
More West Coast guides
West CoastQueenstown to Franz Josef via Haast Pass: stops and drive times
West CoastWest Coast road trip: Picton to Haast in 5 days
NationwideThree weeks in New Zealand: the both-islands itinerary
NationwideScenic flights in NZ: where they are worth it and what they cost
South Island