Franz Josef to Hokitika
West Coast Self Drive Travel Guide.

  Travel Facts
Distance: 137km ( 86 miles)
Approximately: 2 hours 35 minutes
Road Conditions: State Highway 6

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Franz Josef - Whataroa - Ross - Hokitika

The drive north from Franz Josef 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.

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.

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

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.

The majority of Hokitika's attractions are centered around the history and natural resources of the region. The National Kiwi Centre has the iconic kiwi and tuatara for the visitor to view up close. Feeding time for the eels is another popular event, with some of these said to be over 100 years in age.

There are also many attractive spots within easy reach of the township, including Lake Kaniere approximately 19kms east of the township, and the must see Hokitika Gorge.

 

Welcome to Hokitika - enjoy your stay.

This Guide last Updated: September 2010