1. Karamea

About as far north on the West Coast, as you can drive, Karamea is roughly 3 hours from Greymouth heading north. The scenic journey takes you along the coast and on through the villages of Granity, Mokihinui, and Little Wanganui. Enjoy the best of the rugged coastline along the way finishing up at the edge of the Kahurangi National Park.

2. Westport

Situated near the mouth of the Buller River, Westport has a population of around 4000 people. The town’s coal mining history is well represented in its heritage and arts; check out the Coaltown Museum or take a self-guided walk full of historical buildings and street views.

Jet boating, rafting, caving, and horse trekking are popular activities in and around Westport as well as coal mine tours.

5. Greymouth

The largest town and the commercial hub of the West Coast, Greymouth is conveniently centrally located and is a great base for exploring the West Coast and all it has to offer. Built on the back of mining and forestry industries the now heavily tourist-orientated town has a population nearing 10,000 people.

The popular Tranz Apline train stops at Greymouth after traveling on from Christchurch and through the Alps via Arthurs Pass. The town is known for its wide array of outdoor adventure activities and it is home to the historic Monteiths Brewery.

6. Hokitika

With a resident population of around 3000 people, Hokitika is home to the region’s main airport providing daily flights to Christchurch. Known for its creative and artistic vibe Hokitika is home to many artisans who work with local greenstone, Paua shells, different timbers, and gold all sourced locally.

The National Kiwi Centre is located at Hokitika and has live kiwi, tuatara, and giant eels on display or you can carve your own greenstone pendant with local carvers Bonz ‘N’ Stonz.

7. Ruatapu

Just below Hokitika is the small township of Ruatapu. Located on the coastline between Hokitika and the settlement of Ross, Ruatapu is the perfect place to stop for a spot of lunch or tea during your West Coast road trip.

Lake Mahinapua is nearby along with the West Coast Treetop Walk & Café for those who would like to take a walk – 20 meters up in the air! Ruatapu is the halfway point between Karamea and Haast.

8. Whataroa

Visiting the rare White Heron (Kotoku) nesting site at Whataroa is top of the list for most people when visiting this little settlement. Guided tours to the nesting site are by boat only and take you deep into the beautiful Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.

Whataroa is roughly a 1 hour and 40 minutes drive from Greymouth and is approximately the halfway point between Greymouth and Haast.

9. Franz Joseph

Visiting the West Coast glaciers is on many tourists' bucket lists when coming to New Zealand and Franz Joseph is the place to do it. The good news is you can tick both glaciers off on your trip down the West Coast – the Fox Glacier and Franz Joseph Glacier are both within 25 minutes drive of each other.

The township of Franz Joseph is fairly active all year round thanks to the constant supply of visitors to the area. You will find a good array of shops, accommodation and restaurants and plenty of room for adventure, see here for more fun things to do in Franz Joseph.

10. Haast

Right next door to Mount Aspiring National Park, Haast is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Think fishing, hiking, boating, and hunting and if Whitebait is your thing then you’ve come to the right place! You can’t go far without finding somewhere that will happily serve you a delicious Whitebait Patty.

Take a look through the World Heritage Information Centre for a wealth of information on the region’s history, geography, flora, and fauna.

Taking a road trip along New Zealand’s West Coast is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the more remote and ruggedly beautiful areas of New Zealand. Experience the pristine rainforest and stunning windswept coastlines of the West Coast in a reliable rental car from NZ Rent A Car today.