Westland Itinerary
The West Coast stretch of State Highway 6 is around 600km long, and you'll want to allow at least 7-10 days to explore the region. Start in Greymouth and work your way down to Haast, stopping at all the top attractions along the way. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave, as the West Coast can be prone to heavy rainfall.
Must-see Attractions
- Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki ($10 per person, free for kids under 5)
- Franz Josef Glacier (guides tours from $80 per person, $40 for kids)
- Fox Glacier (guides tours from $70 per person, $35 for kids)
- Lake Matheson ($10 per person, free for kids under 5)
Franz Josef vs Fox Glacier
| Glacier | Guide Tour Price (Adult) | Guide Tour Price (Child) | Drive Time from Greymouth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franz Josef | $80 | $40 | 2.5 hours |
| Fox Glacier | $70 | $35 | 3.5 hours |
Driving Distances and Times
The drive times between each attraction can be significant, so be sure to plan for regular breaks and accommodation stops along the way. Greymouth to Punakaiki is around 45 minutes, while Greymouth to Franz Josef is around 2.5 hours. Fox Glacier is a further hour's drive from Franz Josef.
Accommodation Options
- Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Resort (from $40 per night for a campsite, $150 for a cabin)
- Fox Glacier Holiday Park (from $35 per night for a campsite, $120 for a cabin)
- Punakaiki Beach Camp (from $30 per night for a campsite, $100 for a cabin)
Budgeting for Your Trip
Renting a Campervan
A campervan is a great way to see the West Coast with kids, as it allows you to stop and start as you please. Companies like Kiwi Campers and Jucy Rentals offer a range of vehicles to suit all budgets, from $100 per day for a basic campervan to $250 per day for a luxury motorhome.
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