The Great Coast Road was named one of the world's most beautiful coastal drives by Lonely Planet and Business Insider. As soon as you hit the 100km stretch of road, you'll immediately see why! State Highway 6 hugs the coastline from Westport to Greymouth, with views of the ocean on one side and the rainforest as it meets the mountains on the other.

You’ll see Seal Colonies and the famous Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki and explore some of the West Coast's best walking trails.  The road can be driven in one day as it only takes 90 minutes from start to finish. However, it would be criminal not to take your time! We did it in two days which left us lots of stops for the viewpoints along the drive. However, if you’re pressed for time, I’d recommend spending at least 3-4 hours exploring the coast. The photo attached to this pin is of Irimahuwhero Lookout, which was Mathew's favourite viewpoint (and honestly one of mine) and a must-add to your itinerary.

How to get there

The best way to experience the Great Coast Road is on a self-driving adventure. There is no public transport out to this corner of the country, and while other tour companies will take you to the West Coast, you won’t get the freedom to choose where to stop, and you may not have time for an overnight trip. If you’re flying into Christchurch or Queenstown, it’s easy to pick up a rental car at the airport. Otherwise, they’re usually available in Greymouth or Westport and around $60–$90 per day, depending on the season.