West Coast Glaciers Scenic Drive

The West Coast Glaciers Scenic Drive is one of New Zealand's most dramatic road trips, threading through temperate rainforest, past towering waterfalls, and delivering you to the foot of two of the country's most accessible glaciers: Franz Josef and Fox. This 130-kilometer stretch of State Highway 6 between the towns of Franz Josef and Haast is a sensory overload of misty valleys, turquoise rivers, and the constant roar of ice cracking high above. Whether you're behind the wheel for a day or stretching it into a multi-day journey, this drive is the quintessential West Coast experience.

Highlights & What to See

• Franz Josef Glacier – Walk to the terminal face viewpoint or take a heli-hike onto the ice; the valley walk alone is unforgettable.
• Fox Glacier – Slightly smaller but equally impressive; the Lake Matheson loop track offers mirror reflections of the glacier and Mount Cook on calm days.
• Lake Matheson – The classic photo stop; arrive early for still waters and mountain views.
• Ship Creek – A short boardwalk through dense rainforest to a wild beach; look for seals and driftwood.
• Knight's Point Lookout – Sweeping coastal views where the road hugs the cliffs; perfect for a picnic.
• Haast Pass – The southern gateway, with waterfalls like Thunder Creek Falls and Fantail Falls right by the road.
• West Coast Wildlife Centre – In Franz Josef, see kiwi and tuatara up close, especially the rare rowi kiwi.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate a full day for the drive one-way, ideally with an overnight stop in either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier to break the journey. If you're short on time, you can drive from Franz Josef to Fox Glacier and back in half a day, but you'll miss the southern highlights. For a relaxed pace, spend two days: day one exploring Franz Josef and its walks, day two driving south with stops at Lake Matheson, Ship Creek, and Haast, then overnight in Haast before continuing to Wanaka or Queenstown.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef Glacier – The northern hub with glacier walks, hot pools, and the wildlife centre.
• Fox Glacier – Quieter town with access to Fox Glacier and Lake Matheson.
• Haast – Gateway to the World Heritage–listed Haast Pass and the start of the road to Wanaka.
• Okarito – A sleepy lagoon town with kayaking and the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.
• Hokitika – North of Franz Josef, known for pounamu (greenstone) galleries and the Hokitika Gorge.

Please check official sources for current details.