Road Tripping New Zealand’s South West Coast

The island nation of New Zealand boasts some of the most majestic landscapes around the world. But the most extraordinary element of the island’s natural beauty lies within the inaccessibility of these exquisite sites. So what’s the easiest way to take in this natural splendour? 4-wheels. Hire a car or motorhome, to immerse yourself in this utterly indescribable wonderland, and get up close and personal with some of the most breathtaking scenery and remarkable wildlife.

Milford Sound

To start your trip get a cheap flight into Queenstown, NZ. Pick up your motorhome in Queenstown and head south west for 4 hours until you reach the epitome of lush green farmland, Te Anau. Te Anau marks the entrance to Fiordland National Park which is home to the poster boy of New Zealand, Milford Sounds. To get there, trek along the Milford Road, connecting Te Anau and Milford. Travel through dense grasslands and open glossy flats, with the most sensational backdrop of rugged snow-capped mountains until you arrive at the glistening glacial lakes of Milford Sound. Whilst here, take a day cruise through the area, and witness the adorable fur seals basking on the rugged cliffs, plunging into cold, alpine, pristine water. Stay the night at the illustrious Harrison Cove, an intimate experience immersed in the heart of the great outdoors.

Mt Aspiring National Park

Next stop, Mt Aspiring National Park, located in the Southern Alps of NZ, near Wanaka. Travel through the vintage orchards and established vineyards of Otago and enjoy the rural countryside of New Zealand before arriving in resort and ski town, Wanaka. Nestled in the snow-capped mountains by stunning Wanaka Lake, everywhere you look seems straight out of a movie. Head to the Mt Aspiring National Park where its namesake mountain resides, the tallest peak in New Zealand outside of the Mt Cook region. The Māori peoples named Mt Aspiring, “Tititea”, which translates to “Glistening Peak”, representing this dreamland perfectly. Go hiking surrounded by native subalpine forests, grassy river flats, tall mountains and long glacial-gouged river valleys. While you are in Wanaka be sure sure to visit one of the many vineyards in the region to sample some tantalising cool-climate wines, and if you are fortunate enough to be travelling here in Winter, Wanaka is a perfect spectacle point for viewing the Southern Lights.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

From Wanaka head north towards the star-studded skies of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, home to the highest peak in New Zealand. Imagine being surrounded by tall glacial peaks, in a glistening valley, looking up into the depths of the night sky. Well here, you don’t need to imagine. The National Park forms the International Dark Sky Reserve, perfect for skygazing, as the clarity up above is unbelievable. During the day time, the glaciers surrounding the park make the perfect platform for heli-skiing like the Tasman Glacier, allowing intermediate skiers to plow through glacial caverns, an absolutely unforgettable experience. Get lost in this winter wonderland of dreamy white, milky mountains and glacial lakes, by hiking the Hooker Valley Track, the Blue Lakes Walk or the Sealy Tarns Track.

Hokitika Gorge

Hit the road again, and trek up to Hokitika Gorge located just 33 km outside of Hokitika. Venture into the wilderness of lush native forests, until you reach the deep turquoise water’s of the gorge, and walk out along the swing bridge, and stand suspended in the gorge itself, against the backdrop of stunning white rocky cliffs. Whilst in Hokitika, head to the Glow Worm Dell to check these amazing iridescent creatures in their natural habitat. Travel along the West Coast a little further and arrive at the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. The blowholes are just a 10-minute walk from the highway at Punakaiki. Check out the mysteriously pancake shaped limestone cliffs, moulded from the erratic waves of the southerly oceans. And be marveled by the sudden bursts of water pressurised through the cracks in the cliff faces, creating blow holes for the onlooking admirers.

From here, you may choose to continue your road trip onwards, perhaps up to the charming boutique city of Nelson, or venture towards the east coast for more sensational National Parks and breathtaking natural wonders.

Fiordland National Park

It’s a good idea to look up the camping guidelines around New Zealand before jetting off. The sites are there to be adored and witnessed but do not abuse the camping system New Zealand has in place, to protect their natural splendour.