West Coast road trips: allow time to change plans

Choose a circuit or a slower eastern route

The existing ten-day South Island circuit includes Franz Josef and Arthur’s Pass, with a particularly long Te Anau to Franz Josef transfer. Treat that day as driving, food and rest, not a glacier activity day. If time is limited, the new 14-day South Island route deliberately omits the West Coast and gives extra nights to Aoraki, Wānaka and Fiordland. To include the coast comfortably, add nights rather than attaching it to the last day before a Queenstown flight. Check NZTA for SH6 and alpine-pass closures before departure; a closure may require a substantial reroute.

NZTA

Glacier valley is not glacier access

Stay in Franz Josef township for services and an early start to the valley. DOC describes a 4 km unsealed access road from the township turnoff to the glacier car park, suitable for cars, buses and campervans when open. Toilets are at the car park, not farther up the valley. Flooding and river changes affect access; obey barriers and check the current track page. A valley walk does not put you on the ice. Guided heli-hiking is a separate, weather-dependent product: confirm fitness, equipment, check-in and cancellation conditions with the chosen operator and keep a spare day.

DOC Franz Josef

Plan the next step

• Franz Josef Glacier
• Wānaka
• Christchurch
• 10 Days on the South Island
• 14 days on the South Island: a slower road trip