Running down the spine of the South Island of New Zealand is the Southern Alps – on one side the east coast with our main cities Christchurch and Dunedin and Invercargill. Mostly dry and windy and sometimes very hot – the wide Canterbury plains formed by the extraordinary braided rivers. On the west a narrow strip of land forms the West Coast. If the cities are the east, then the west is small towns – and the untamed wilderness of rainforest and wetlands – think the wild west.
How to get there?
- Catch the fabulous Tranz Alpine Train Christchurch to Greymouth – “one of the most Scenic Railways in the world” Go back the same day, or hire a car, or hire a bike and do the multi day West Coast Wilderness Trail
- From Christchurch drive over Arthurs Pass to Greymouth, you can head North or South. This trip we headed south. Take your bikes 🙂
First Stop: The Gold Mining Town of Ross
Two nights in Ross enabled us to do the final leg of the West Coast Wilderness Trail – from Hokitika to Ross. We stayed at the fabulous beachside Ross Top 10 Holiday Park – a few kms out of Ross, but right on the beach to catch the Sunset. The wilderness trail passes the gate, so perfect.
Cynthia set off towards Hokitika and could take her time botonizing along the way. I drove the car to Hokitika, and rode from there back to Ross. A varied ride through beautiful wetlands, along old tram trails, and eventually following the old train line. I did not stop – it was misting with rain, and did it in under 2 hours.
NOTE: Always be prepared for rain on the west coast – sometimes half a metre day can fall – roads may close briefly, but they mostly seem prepared for it.
Second Stop – Fox Glacier Township
Once we leave Ross, the road heads into the magical forests of South Westland. We drive through avenues of tall Kahikatea and Rimu and get the picture of what this land must have been like before white settlement. Every so often there is a brown sign which indicates something worth seeing.
At Fox we stay in a quiet motel a bit out of town towards Lake Matheson – Sunset Motels – was not sure if we would get a sunset from here, but the setting sun lighting up the mountains was magical – especially after the snow fall!
Two must dos in Fox
- A trip to Lake Matheson – 6km easy cycle out of town, or just a few kms from Sunset Motels. The locals have sorted an off road cycleway all the way which is nice. Lots of lovely walks and cafē.
- Walk or cycle the Glacier Valley Cycleway/Walkway. On the edge of town, walk into a magical timeless rain forest – a wide track perfect for walkers and cyclists to share. Even if all you have is 10 minutes, start this walk – you will not be disappointed.
Heading for Haast
- Bruce Bay/Mahitahi – pull over, this is a beautiful coastal view
- South Westland Salmon Farm and cafe – check out the huge towering Rimu tree as you enter and feed yourselves or the salmon – the choice is yours.
- Ship Creek – amazing facilities and walks – this is something special – explore the dune lakes, walk the board walks, climb the two story tower great views
- Haast itself is not really worth a stop IMO, but it marks a change as we head over to Otago.
Note: Take your time – don’t just drive through at 100km aiming for your next destination – take time to turn off and explore and walk the well marked trails
