Hokitika

Let’s start with our pitstops, if you’re driving from Christchurch then Hokitika is the place to explore for a couple of hours before heading to your first home away from home. We highly recommend taking a stroll high above the trees at the Tree Top Walk, stop by Hokitika Beach to snap a picture under the driftwood ‘Hokitika’ sign or admire the stunning blue waters of the Gorge along the ‘Hoki’ river.

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

Back on the road, we’re headed to where it all started for our Scenic family – Franz Josef township. There’s a range of amazing activities to enjoy here from relaxing to more daring and intrepid. Read our collection of adventures here. You have the beauty of choice too, with Franz and Fox Glacier being half an hour apart, you can pitstop here or spend the night at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier or drive on to Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier. Or why not spend a night at both and enjoy what each town has to offer.

On your arrival at Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier, you’ll be greeted by our friendly team and iconic to Fox, the White Pub which is also your lodgings for the night. No stay is complete without some good ol’ kiwi pub grub to set you up for the adventures ahead.

You can’t go past Haast!

It’s truly magical and a UNESCO World Heritage area which means that the United Nations have deemed the region a protected area. It is home to an 800-year-old podocarp forest and has remained largely untouched by human influence. Drop your bags at Heartland Hotel Haast, get comfy, get fed and then head out to explore this stunning piece of paradise and be mindful as you go. We’ve collated a list of fantastic activities we think you might like to get started with!

  • Knights Point Lookout
  • Ship Creek
  • Roaring Billy Falls
  • Monro Beach
  • River Safari
  • Jacksons Bay
  • Blue Pools

Punakaiki &the Pancake Rocks

If you’re planning your West Coast roadie driving from Marlborough, then a cheeky wee pitstop with our friends at Punakaiki Beachfront Motels is a must. Set meters from the roaring Tasman Sea, you’ll go to sleep and wake up to the sound of the ocean! Punakaiki has some great sites to see too – the most obvious are the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes! The spectacular Truman Track and Punakaiki Cavern come highly recommended and if you’re up for something new, try paddle boarding on the Paparoa River!

Finish it all off watching the sun disappear into the sea – the coast is known for its breath taking sunrises!