What is the recommended mode of transportation from Christchurch to Greymouth?

You can either drive across the Southern Alps or take the TranzAlpine scenic train.

What can I expect to see at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes?

You can marvel at the unusual limestone structures that date back 30 million years and witness the breathtaking grandeur of the rough coastline.

What is the Great Coast Road known for?

The Great Coast Road is known for being one of Lonely Planet's Top 10 Coastal Drives in the World, offering stunning views of old limestone cliffs, rivers, glowworm tunnels, mining history, and untamed native forest.

What activities can I do in Queenstown?

In Queenstown, you can enjoy thrilling activities like 4WD adventures, bungy jumping, jet boating, horseback riding, rafting, and river surfing. You can also indulge in high-end activities such as gourmet cuisine, spa treatments, and golf games.

What national park can I explore from Wanaka?

From Wanaka, you can easily explore Mount Aspiring National Park through various easy day walks.

TranzAlpine itinerary

Go New Zealand 2 years ago

Before crossing the Southern Alps to the wild West Coast, spend some time in bustling Christchurch. Discover a location where temperate rainforest meets glaciers and stunning coasts before going to Wanaka, the lakeside resort town where Mt Aspiring National Park is located, and then on to Queenstown.

Day 1: Christchurch to Greymouth

Drive across the beautiful Southern Alps to explore the pristine grandeur of the West Coast, or take the world-famous TranzAlpine scenic train from Christchurch to Greymouth in just over 4 hours.

Greymouth

Greymouth, New Zealand

Day 2: Greymouth to Punakaiki

Head north from Greymouth to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes to marvel at the unusual limestone structures that date back 30 million years and to take in the breathtaking grandeur of this rough coastline. For an energetic afternoon, hop on a bike and ride through the Southern Alps on the West Coast wilderness Trail.

Punakaiki

Punakaiki, New Zealand

Day 3: Punakaiki to Fox Glacier

Head south down the Great Coast Road, one of Lonely Planet's Top 10 Coastal Drives in the World, to glacier country, passing by old limestone cliffs, rivers, glowworm tunnels, mining history, and untamed native forest.

Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier 7886, New Zealand

Day 4: Fox Glacier to Wanaka

As you leave the coast, continue inland past waterfalls and river splendor, pausing to explore the Haast River Valley on a guided safar before arriving in Wanaka, a lakeside tourist town. Easy day walks from Wanaka allow you to explore Mount Aspiring National Park. Finally, in less than an hour, you'll be in Queenstown.

Wānaka

Wānaka, New Zealand

Day 5: Wanaka to Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand's mountain resort, is thrilling and enticing. It's the place to go for 4WD activities, bungy jumping, jet boating, horseback riding, rafting, and river surfing, to name a few. It's also a place to go for high-end activities like gourmet cuisine and drink, spa treatments, and relaxing golf games.