Franz Josef to Greymouth
West Coast Self Drive Travel Guide.

  Travel Facts
Distance: 177km ( 110 miles)
Approximately: 3 hours 10 minutes
Road Conditions: State Highway 6

This guide sponsored by: Chapel Hill B & B, Greymouth

Franz Josef - Whataroa - Ross - Hokitika - Greymouth

Southern Alps viewed from the bridge on SH 6. Whataroa River, Westland.

At Whataroa, (25 minutes north of Franz Josef), you can visit New Zealand's only White Heron (Kotuku) nesting colony. Nesting season generally runs from late October through to March.

Entry is by permit only, tours are approximately 2 and a half hours in duration where you can also see Little Shag and Royal Spoonbill and other birdlife all in their naturl environmnet.

The road takes you past many of Westlands scenic wonders and awesome sites, but with a wild streak. The farmland is trying to turn back into forest, and the beauty of the snow and ice feed rivers is primeaval as they literally carve their way around the mountainous regions spilling out on the flat lands before pushing on to meet the Tasman.

This region while predominantely a farming area is the northern gateway to Westland's Tai Poutini National Park, at Harihari the Coastal Walkway once used to bring in supplies for miners is one of a range of walks and tracks that offer spectacular views. Nestled between the rugged Southern Alps and just as rugged coast line Harihari is is approximately the halfway point between Franz Josef and Hokitika.

The road north skirts the eastern shore of Lake Ianthe a popular picnic spot and one of Westland's scenic gems, a perfectly located photo opportunity.

Ross Gold Fields

"The museum and former Gold fields are a must stop for visitors to the region."

The township of Ross, approximately 40kms further north was one of the most prosperous gold fields on the Coast. The museum and former Gold fields are a must stop for visitors to the region.

The largest nugget found in New Zealand was discovered here in 1909, named the "Hounourable Roddy" a replica of which can be seen at the miners cottage. The size of a fist, the "Honourable Roddy" weighed 99oz.

There is a goldfield walkway to explore, when gold was discovered in this region is was unusual in that it was found in all forms; alluvial deposits, quartz and beach sand gold. The Water Race walk is a moderate walk with some up hill sections which will take about one hour for the round trip.

 

Franz Josef - Whataroa - Ross - Hokitika - Greymouth

From Ross the drive north to Hokitika is easy travelling as we continue to follow State Highway 6.

Hokitika Clock Tower.

Hokitika is now a realatively quieter township than it was a 100 years ago, dependent upon farming and tourism.

From about 1864 when the township, like most other Coast towns, was a centre of boasting gold miners, hundreds of hotels and liquor shops, dancing girls and a considerable population of diggers from many parts of the world.

At one stage boasting a regional population of 50,000 Hokitika was the sixth town in New Zealand, ranking after Nelson.

There are many attractive spots within easy reach of the township, including Lake Kaniere approximately 19kms east of the township.

From Hokitika the drive north north is interesting and easy too the Kumara Junction (approx 15 minutes) and on to Greymouth.

Just north of Kumara Junction we come to one of those unique features of New Zealand roads, the Single Lane bridge.

This bridge over the Taramakua River also allows for the passage of Trains as well as road traffic. Remember the train always has the right of way. If you are riding a bicycle or motorcycle do be careful of the ruts along the bridge surface, these can and will drop you to the deck if you catch them.

From the Taramakua River it is only another 15 minutes to Greymouth. The drive is easy through farm and scrub land as we pass through Gladstone, Paroa and South Beach just before entering Greymouth.

Franz Josef - Whataroa - Ross - Hokitika - Greymouth

Greymouth CBD and the Grey River.

Greymouth is the largest town and main business centre on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, with a population of approximately 13,000.

Named for its locality at the mouth of the mighty Grey River, which is named after Sir George Grey, a former Governor General of New Zealand.

Surrounded by rainforest, wild beaches and glorious lakes, back dropped by the majestic Southern Alps, New Zealand's highest mountains. Greymouth is nestled on the Southern bank of the Grey River.

Originally established as a town to supply the prospectors and surveyors in 1863 and surviving on coal, timber and more recently tourism.

At the heart of the Coast, Greymouth is the perfect starting point for a number of Coast journeys, and sightseeing trips. The most notable being Shantytown approximately 10km's south of the township.

On to Chapel Hill B&B

From Kumara Junction follow the signs north toward Greymouth and the Taramakau road rail bridge. Do slow down when approaching the bridge and be sure it is clear before driving onto it.

Look for the Chapell Hill Sign

The drive north is approximately 20 minutes to Paroa and the turn into Rutherglen Road, (follow the signs for Shantytown,) that will take you to Chapel Hill B&B. From Paroa it is just 8 minutes drive to Chapel Hill where Joy, John and Crash are looking forward to welcoming you to their little piece of paradise.

Look for the Chapel Hill sign (photo right), on Rutherglen Road, approximately five minutes after you pass Shantytown which is perfectly located for the start of tomorrows adventures on the West Coast.

For precise directions from Paroa to Chapel Hill B&B please see the information on www.chapelhill.co.nz

 

Welcome to Greymouth and the Grey District - enjoy your stay.

This Guide last Updated: September 2010