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8 BEST Stops on the Drive from Greymouth to Franz Josef

8 BEST Stops on the Drive from Greymouth to Franz Josef

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Franz Josef is one of the most popular places to visit on the South Island – this is what makes this road trip is so popular! I’ve personally had the pleasure of driving this route many times before both for work, and on holidays road tripping around New Zealand. I absolutely love it!

There are plenty of great places to stop along the way and those with time can spend a night or two at some really cute towns. Of course, this trip can be done in one day too, you’ll just need to skip many of the stops I recommend below.

In this blog, I’ll share the 8 best places to stop between Greymouth and Franz Josef as well as the best places to stay!

Need wheels? For rental cars, I always book with Discover Cars since the website is so easy to use with great prices. For motorhomes and campervans, I really like JUCY/Star RV because of their huge selection and multiple depot locations that make pick-up and drop-off a breeze. Plus, if you use my exclusive discount code DTRAVEL25, you’ll save 5%! You can browse JUCY and Star RV’s availability here and apply the discount code at check-out.

About the drive from Greymouth to Franz Josef

Wet road along the west coast of New Zealand's south island near Franz Josef
The windy roads of the West Coast!

This is a reasonably quick and very easy route along State Highway 6 (SH 6) taking just two and a half hours. It is 171 km (106 miles) in length. With that said, you’ll want to allow at least an entire day if you plan on stopping along the way. Better yet, spend a night or two on the road in one of the small towns such as Hokitika, or at a beautiful campsite by a lake (more on them below.)

It is important to know that while driving from Greymouth to Franz Josef is on a well-maintained highway, it can sometimes be a little slippery in the winter month. If you’re visiting New Zealand in winter, check the road conditions before you depart Greymouth. Snow can close the highway or make the journey dangerous. Be sure to always carry snow chains in the winter.

During the summer, the highway is usually completely fine to drive, however, always be prepared and watch conditions especially if heavy rain is forecasted. Slips have occurred on these roads and closed the highway for weeks.

Greymouth to Franz Josef FAQs

Best Stops when Driving from Greymouth to Franz Josef

1. Hokitika

Bailey takes a photo with the wooden Hokitika Sign
The Hokitika Sign!

Hokitika is your first stop on the drive from Greymouth to Franz Josef! It is a small town with lots to offer visitors, some of the awesome things to do in Hokitika are Dorothy Falls, Glow Worm Dell, Hokitika Beach, and the National Kiwi Center. You can also do Jade carving here!

For food, head to Hokitika Sandwich Company for lunch or Cafe 39 for the best coffee in town! Take your food down to the beach and get a photo with the famous Hokitika sign. It’s a must-do for visitors!

I think you’ll be surprised at how nice Hokitika is and enjoy your visit/stay a lot!

Related Read: If you plan to drive from Christchurch to Hokitika, my detailed guide has all the best stops and places to stay along the way!

Where to stay in Hokitika

Hokitika is only a small town but it’s a very popular place to visit on the South Island so there are plenty of great places to stay. For budget travelers, you can’t beat the Mountain Jade Backpackers. This hostel/hotel has dorm beds, budget doubles, and even cheap studio apartments. It’s located in the heart of the city and is my go-to when I need to save money for fuel (gas!)

If you don’t mind spending a tad more you can stay at the Shining Star Beachfront Accommodation. Although located a little out of town, you are right on the beach with breathtaking ocean views. In summer, this is a very popular choice!

Now there aren’t any luxury stays in Hokitika (when compared to places such as Queenstown), however, the Beachfront Hotel Hokitika is pretty close. This stunning hotel is only slightly more expensive than the options above but wow, is it beautiful! It’s certainly a luxurious stay with ocean views, stunning rooms, a bar, and room service.

2. Hokitika Gorge

Hokitika Gorge New Zealand
Hokitika Gorge New Zealand

New Zealand’s rivers on the South Island are stunning. They’re often glacier-fed and rock flour in the glacier melt gives the rivers a bright blue color – especially on a sunny day! A great example of this is the powerful Hokitika River that runs through Hokitika Gorge.

On any road trip on the West Coast, you simply must make a stop here and enjoy the short 2-kilometer (1.24 miles) walk to the gorge and its viewpoints. There’s not much to do there except stare at the powerful river and take photos, but it’s so beautiful it just had to make this road trip itinerary!

Hokitika Gorge is just outside of Hokitika so it’s super convenient to visit! It is also one of the most popular stops on the drive from Christchurch to Franz Josef.

3. West Coast Treetop Walk

Views on the West Coast Treetop walk
Take a hike through the forest from a different perspective!

Ever wanted to walk among giants? Well on the west coast of the South Island you can visit the West Coast Treetop Walk and take a stroll 20 meters (66 feet) above the forest floor. This cool experience lets you explore the landscape from a different perspective.

Located only 15 minutes from Hokitika, the West Coast Treetop Walk costs $32 NZD per person (for adults), and all up there is 450 meters (1,476 feet) of boardwalk to explore. Along the walk, there is also a tall viewing platform that must extend around another 20 meters (66 feet) higher. In total, it takes around 30 to 40 minutes to enjoy the walk, however, if you love the view you can stay longer.

Stay nearby: If you’re looking to take a break from your road trip, consider staying near the treetop walk. The Lake Mahinapua DOC Campground is a great place for those camping or in a campervan/motorhome. It’s a beautiful location right on the shores of Lake Mahinapua. If you need a hotel the Mahinapua Retreat B&B and the Mirror Creek Holiday Cottage are good options nearby.

4. Ross

Ross is a small gold-mining town established in the 1960s. It’s a quiet and less-visited place to explore on the drive from Greymouth to Franz Josef. In town, you must visit the Ross Goldfields Information Center where you can pan for gold, see a historic miner’s cottage, and walk the 1-hour gold trail.

Ross has several other walking tracks too and is the endpoint on the popular West Coast Wilderness Trail

5. Lake Ianthe

A short drive from Ross is the beautiful Lake Ianthe. On a clear day, the reflections here are absolutely stunning and the lake makes for a perfect place to stop for a bite to eat and even a toilet break.

The Lake Ianthe Matahi Campsite is also located here and is a popular place to stay for those on a road trip. At only $10 NZD a night (for adults) it’s really cheap and peaceful.

6. Pakihi Walk Lookout

As you continue south past Lake Wahapo, you’ll come to Forks-Okarito Road. A short detour down here brings you to the Pakihi Walk Lookout. This road leads to Ōkārito, the next stop on this road trip itinerary from Greymouth to Franz Josef.

The Pakihi Walk is a short 1-kilometer return (0.6 miles) trail that leads to a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the stunning forest and even the Southern Alps. In fact, you can spot Mt Cook from here! This short trail is well worth a stop even for just 20 minutes. It’s a hidden gem on the West Coast and in my opinion a must-do on the South Island.

7. Okarito

Boathouse on the shores of Lake Ōkārito
The famous Ōkārito boathouse!

Ōkārito is a small coastal village that sits on the shores of Ōkārito Lagoon. Around 30 residents call this small town “home”, and for visitors, it’s a unique chance to explore a lesser-known area on the famous West Coast.

One of the most popular things to do in Ōkārito includes kayaking on the lagoon. Because it’s sheltered from the ocean, the waters are calm and easy to paddle. On a short trip, you can view wildlife including wading birds, and just admire the views.

Another popular activity is the Okarito Trig Walk. This 4.8-kilometer (3 miles) return track is relatively easy and leads to a breathtaking view of the West Coast. For a short hike stop at Ōkārito Wetland Walk and turn around. This trail is only a 1-kilometer return (0.6 mi). For a longer hike, Three Mile Pack Track is a 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) return trail. All trails begin at the same location and follow the same path. You can read about all the trails in Ōkārito here.

Stay in Ōkārito

If you love getting well off the beaten path then a night in Ōkārito is a real treat. The Code Time Lodge is one of the only hotels in the town and it comes highly reviewed. For campervans/motorhomes and those with tents, the Okarito Campground is the place to stay.

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8. Lake Mapourika Recreational Area

Bailey at Lake Mapourika Recreational Area
Lake Mapourika Recreational Area!

Just 5 minutes outside of Franz Josef lies the largest lake on the West Coast. Lake Mapourika is a popular spot for fishing, bird watching, and kayaking. It’s a water lovers’ paradise and a guided kayak tour across the Lake is a very popular activity!

The abundant trout and salmon fishing here attracts many locals and tourists daily because the fish are huge. I mean, most trout caught in Lake Mapourika tend to be between 3 – 5 pounds, and the salmon are even bigger! The annual fishing competition (held in February) has proven very popular over the years too. If you love to fish then book this 3-hour fishing tour and see if you can catch a record breaker!

If you don’t fancy getting in the water you can book a 2-hour scenic cruise around the Lake. There’s abundant birdlife so keep an eye out and you may spot birds like the rare crested grebe, white-throated shag, white-faced heron, and kingfisher to name only a few.

Note: Lake Mapurika is a popular stop on the road from Franz Josef to Punakaiki too, so it can get pretty busy especially during the summer.

9. Franz Josef

Bailey at the Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint along the Franz Josef glacier valley walk
Come and enjoy the view!
Bailey crosses the suspension bridge at Callery Gorge in Franz Josef
Callery Gorge

Once you have reached the boutique town of Franz Josef, you will find it filled with awesome accommodations and a wide range of activities on offer – hiking, kayaking, hot pools, and of course the majestic Franz Josef Glacier, just to name a few!

From Franz Josef, there are lots of different things to do. You can partake in cycling, beautiful walks, and even action-packed adventures like rafting or skydiving. If you’re after something a little more unique then why not take a guided tour to the White Heron Colony at Waitangi Roto Nature Reserve. Or, visit Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary to see the Rowi – the world’s rarest kiwi, there are only 600 of these left in existence in the country.

There are also plenty of hikes around Franz Josef. The Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk is one of the best hikes in New Zealand as is the hike to the nearby Fox Glacier.

Another activity I love in Franz Josef is a visit to the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools. These beautiful hot pools are so relaxing especially after a long drive or hiking adventure. There are three public pools that are all at different temperatures as well as private pools.

After all that driving and exploring you’re sure to be hungry so grab some food in the highly recommended Alice May or Monsoon restaurants both on Cron Street in the town. If you love craft beer and pub food go to Snakebite Brewery, it’s my favorite place to go for a hearty meal and delicious beer.

Where to Stay in Franz Josef

Franz Josef town, New Zealand
Franz Josef town, New Zealand

The small town of Franz Josef may be small, but it’s such a beautiful place to stay with lots of lively restaurants, bars, and other fun attractions to check out in town! There are lots of fantastic accommodation choices in Franz Josef to check out too – here are some of my favorites:

Glow Worm Accommodation – $

For budget travelers, Glow Worm Accommodation is a great choice. It’s located within walking distance of everything and offers dorm and private rooms at really affordable prices. I stayed here on my first-ever trip down the West Coast and had a social night with other travelers. The private rooms here are also really nice, and super affordable!

A bed in a dorm here starts as low as $40 NZD per night, and you can nab a private room from around $115 NZD per night. This is a popular accommodation choice though, so make sure to check out your dates in advance. You can book your stay here on Booking.com or here on Hostelworld.

Aspen Court (Franz Josef) – $$

For those with a slightly larger budget, the Aspen Court Franz Josef is a good mid-range option with outstanding reviews. The hotel is located on the outskirts of town but is only a short walk from the best restaurants and bars. They also have apartments and studios, so it’s perfect for those who like to prepare their own meals or those traveling in a group/family.

A one-night stay here at Aspen Court starts from around $297 NZD for a studio room, with all rooms coming with a kitchenette too. You can check out available dates and book your stay here on Booking.com.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat – $$$

If you’re a luxury traveler, the Te Waonui Forest Retreat is pure bliss! The entire retreat is surrounded by lush forest, and you’ll be able to hear the sounds of nature right from your balcony. Rooms are also large and well decorated, and you’ll also have access to their state-of-the-art spa during your stay, offering massages, facials, and more.

Don’t forget about their incredible on-site restaurant too! The Canopy Restaurant and Bar offers “fine dining in the rainforest,” where you’ll dine among the treetops, savoring local produce and the world-famous Otago lamb!

Rooms here at the Te Waonui Forest Retreat aren’t cheap, starting from around $900 NZD per night. That said, if you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking for the perfect place to enjoy your honeymoon, or simply want to experience one of the best hotels Franz Josef, this is the place for you! You can check your dates online here and book your stay here on Booking.com.

Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand

Bailey stands and smiles with a JUCY Campervan New Zealand
Bailey sits in a Star RV campervan in New Zealand with mountain in the background-2

Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!

You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:

  • Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
  • Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Bailey poses for a photo in Wanaka
Thanks for reading!

As you can see the road trip from Greymouth to Franz Josef is one epic adventure with lots of beautiful stops and attractions. Without a doubt, I’m sure you’ll find many more places to stop and take in the views.

Thanks so much for reading. I hope this guide has helped plan your upcoming road trip. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to browse around some more! I have so many road trip blogs as well as guides about QueenstownWanaka, and so much more! Additionally, if you liked this guide check some of my other popular posts:

Best things to do in Mount Cook National Park

Best things to do in Te Anau

Adventure activities in Queenstown