Exploring the West Coast: Greymouth & Hokitika Highlights

Q: Are rental cars suitable for all road conditions here?

Yes—roads are tarsealed from Greymouth to Franz Josef, but always check for slips or closures, especially after storms. Snow chains are needed in winter conditions south of Hokitika.

Exploring New Zealand’s West Coast, especially the slice between Greymouth, Hokitika, and Franz Josef, is a quintessential road trip experience packed with dramatic landscapes, quirky heritage, and iconic natural attractions like Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, the turquoise wonder of Hokitika Gorge, and the awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier.

This guide, with expert tips from the RaD Car Hire team in Greymouth and Hokitika, will not only cover the must-see highlights but also provide up-to-date practical advice and personal tips for road trippers, helping travellers make the most of their South Island adventure.

Of course, the starting point for any road trip adventure is to hire a car, and with 22 branches located throughout New Zealand, there’s nowhere better than RaD to pick up the perfect rental car for any adventure, big or small. Luckily for you, we have a handy location in Greymouth, which is perfect if you fancy taking the scenic TranzAlpine train across from Christchurch, or we also have pick up and drop off options at Hokitika Airport if you are flying in from somewhere else in New Zealand.

If you want to discover more about the West Coast, including where to stay, the best places to eat and the best things to do, look no further than our Guide of Things to Do on the West Coast which is packed full of great tips and advice from our team down on the West Coast so you can take advantage of all the local inside knowledge and tips.

Why Choose the West Coast for a Road Trip?

New Zealand’s West Coast is a wild, narrow region stretching 600 km along the Tasman Sea. The area stands out for its atmospheric rainforests, gold rush history, abundant pounamu (greenstone), and accessible natural wonders - all best explored by car, allowing flexibility to pause, detour, and enjoy hidden gems at your own pace. A self-drive itinerary unlocks remote gorges, scenic beaches, and glacier access that buses and tours often miss.

How Far is Greymouth from Hokitika & Franz Josef?

Efficient planning is key to a relaxed West Coast itinerary. Distances may be short, but roads can be winding and conditions change quickly:

Greymouth to Hokitika: 39 km (about 30–40 min)
Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier: 134 km (about 1 hr 45 min, allow up to 2 hours with scenic stops)
Greymouth to Franz Josef Glacier: 171 km (approx. 2.5 hours drive)

RaD Tip: Always check the weather and road conditions before leaving. In winter and heavy rain, slips or flooding can occasionally close sections of SH6, and carrying snow chains is essential from May–September.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Greymouth?

As the West Coast’s largest centre, Greymouth is a springboard for local history and adventure:

Pounamu Pathway: Learn about Māori cultural stories and see greenstone carving - a must for those keen on history and local arts.
Shantytown Heritage Park: A recreated 19th-century mining village with steam trains and gold panning; great for families and history buffs.
On Yer Bike: Off-road adventures through rainforest and over rivers; good for small groups or solo thrill seekers.

RaD Tip: Don’t miss the Brunner Mine Site - an easy 11 km drive from Greymouth and a powerful reminder of the region’s mining tragedies and resilience. Use your rental car to explore back roads and lesser-known heritage walks just out of town for an authentic experience.

Why Visit Hokitika? What Makes it Special?

Hokitika offers world-class scenery, artisan culture, and that “cool little town” vibe:

Hokitika Gorge: Famous for its electric-blue glacial river, two swing bridges, and lush rimu forest. The easy 2 km loop is wheelchair accessible and suits all ages, taking about 1 hour.
Hokitika Treetop Walk & Zipline: Wander above canopy level for bird’s eye views of ancient podocarp forest; finish with a coffee in the onsite café.
Local Jade and Glass Studios: Watch pounamu carving demonstrations or craft your own piece of NZ greenstone.
Wild West Coast Beach: Snap a photo of the driftwood “Hokitika” sign at sunset.
Glow Worm Dell: See bioluminescent glow worms for free, just a short walk after dark.

RaD Tip: Base yourself at Lake Mahinapua (10 mins from Hokitika) for easy access to Hokitika Gorge, beaches, and quiet forest walks. There’s plenty of parking for rental cars and campervans, as well as lakeside accommodation. Time your visit for sunset on Hokitika Beach for epic west-facing photo ops.

What Makes Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks) a Must-Stop?

Renowned for their layered limestone stacks and dramatic blowholes, the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki are an essential West Coast stop:

Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Track: A short (1.1 km, ~20 minutes), wheelchair-accessible loop with lookouts across the rocks and surge pools. High tide is the best time to see blowholes in action.
Punakaiki Cavern: A short, safe detour to explore an accessible, family-friendly cave with glow worms and limestone formations.
Pororari River Walk: A peaceful forested river walk ideal for birdwatching and gentle kayaking.

RaD Tip: Arrive an hour before or after high tide for the best blowhole action – ask the team at RaD Greymouth/Hokitika for local tidal predictions or pack a lunch to relax and wait for the show.

How Do I Experience Franz Josef Glacier?

Franz Josef Glacier (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere) is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world:

Franz Josef Glacier Walk: An easy valley walk brings you to a viewpoint near the terminal face. Guided heli-hikes are available for those keen to walk on the glacier itself.
Glacier Hot Pools: Open year-round, they are a perfect way to relax after a day of exploring.
Fox Glacier: Just 30 minutes south, consider a side trip for similar glacier experiences and fewer crowds.

RaD Tip: Overnighting in Franz Josef village lets you catch sunrise or sunset with fewer tour groups around. Always book glacier tours in advance - weather can cause last-minute changes, so allow for flexibility in your itinerary.

Top Local Eats, Hidden Gems, and Side Trips

Greymouth: Sevenpenny and DP1 Café for great breakfasts; Speight’s Ale House for gastropub favourites.
Hokitika: The Hokitika Sandwich Company for lavish sandwiches; GATHERER for vegetarian and vegan options. Try Bonz ‘N’ Stonz to carve your own pounamu or head to the National Kiwi Centre for a unique wildlife encounter.
Between Towns: Lake Kaniere and Dorothy Falls are tranquil detours close to Hokitika, ideal for a picnic on a sunny day.

RaD Tip: Glow Worm Dell is best experienced just after sunset; bring a torch for the path, but switch it off to appreciate the magical display.

Road Trip Tips from the RaD Team

Carry a rain jacket year-round: The West Coast is New Zealand’s wettest region, averaging over 2,000 mm annually.
Schedule fuel stops: Petrol stations are widely spaced, especially south of Hokitika - fill up when you see one.
Booking ahead: In summer (Nov–March) and NZ school holidays, book your rental car and accommodation in advance as the region is increasingly popular with both international and domestic travellers.
Allow extra driving time for stops: SH6 is winding, and weather/road conditions can add to your journey.
Tidiness counts: West Coast roads are home to rare wildlife - look out for weka, kea, and possums on evening drives, and always take your rubbish with you.

FAQ: West Coast Road Trips

Is it possible to do Greymouth, Hokitika, and Franz Josef Glacier in one day?

You can technically drive the distance (about 2.5–3 hours), but to enjoy the scenery and key walks, plan at least two days - one night near Hokitika or Franz Josef for a relaxed, rewarding trip.

Are rental cars suitable for all road conditions here?

Yes, roads are tarsealed from Greymouth to Franz Josef, but always check for slips or closures, especially after storms. Snow chains are needed in winter conditions south of Hokitika.

Any must-pack items for a West Coast trip?

Waterproof layers, sturdy shoes for rainforest tracks, sunscreen (yes, there’s still UV even in the rain!), your camera, and insect repellent to keep sandflies at bay.

What’s unique about road tripping the West Coast vs. other NZ regions?

It’s untamed, less crowded, fiercely local, and often a journey where forest meets wild sea within just meters. The stories of gold rush, pounamu, and glacier lore are embedded in every stop.

Final Thoughts

Embrace the wild spirit, slow down, and let the West Coast leave its mark on your memory and your camera roll. With a hire car from RaD Greymouth or Hokitika, you’ll have the freedom (and the expert local tips) to make this South Island road trip truly unforgettable.

Ready to hit the road? Pick up your car at RaD Car Hire branches in one of our 22 branches around the country, including major hubs in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or Queenstown, and let your Kiwi adventure begin.