Great Coast Road: 90-Minute / 102 km (63 miles) of one of the World’s Best Coastal Drives
On paper, the Great Coast Road looks like a quick trip. The stretch of State Highway 6 between Westport and Greymouth is only about 100 km long. You could drive it in an hour and a half without stopping. But almost nobody who drives it does that, and once you see the coast you will understand why.
This road hugs the wild West Coast of the South Island. On one side, huge waves smash against cliffs and wide grey beaches. On the other, limestone bluffs and thick rainforest climb into the Paparoa Range. Every few kilometres there is something new to stop for. Lonely Planet has even named it one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world.
This guide counts down the ten best stops between Westport and Greymouth. Treat it as a menu, then give yourself the whole day to enjoy it.
What Is the Great Coast Road?
The Great Coast Road is the touring name for the coastal section of State Highway 6 on the West Coast. It runs from Westport in the north, through Charleston and Punakaiki, and on to Greymouth. The official touring route continues a little further south to Kumara, where it meets the Great Alpine Highway from Christchurch.
Much of the road passes along the edge of Paparoa National Park. The park was created in 1987 to protect its limestone cliffs, caves, rivers and rainforest. The result is a drive where rainforest meets the sea, with very few buildings in between.
Before you set off, read our guide to driving in New Zealand. The road is sealed and easy to drive, but it is winding in places and there are few fuel stops between the towns.
Great Coast Road Map
The 10 Best Stops Between Westport and Greymouth
These stops run from north to south. If you are driving from Greymouth, simply read the list backwards.
10. Cape Foulwind and the Seal Colony
Your first stop is only about 15 minutes from Westport. Captain James Cook named Cape Foulwind in 1770 after a storm blew his ship off course. Today a walkway runs along the clifftops from the lighthouse to Tauranga Bay.
At the southern end of the walk, viewing platforms look down on a busy colony of New Zealand fur seals. Pups are often seen playing in the rock pools from late spring into summer. The full walkway takes around an hour each way, but you can also drive to Tauranga Bay and walk a short section to the colony.
9. Charleston and Its Gold Rush Past
Charleston was once a booming gold rush town with dozens of hotels. Today only a handful of buildings remain. Nearby, Mitchells Gully Gold Mine gives you a hands-on look at how miners worked in the 1800s.
Charleston is also a base for underground adventures. Local operators run guided trips into the limestone caves of the nearby Nile River valley to see stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms. Check current tours and book ahead in summer.
8. Constant Bay
Just off the highway at Charleston, Constant Bay is a small, sheltered cove ringed by rocky headlands. It was once a busy gold port, though it is hard to imagine today. Now it is a peaceful spot for a picnic and a short walk on the rocks.
7. The Truman Track
North of Punakaiki, the Truman Track is a short and easy walk through coastal rainforest. It ends at a wild beach with a waterfall pouring over the cliffs onto the sand. The walk takes about half an hour return and is one of the best short walks on the coast.
6. Pororari River Track
Just north of the Pancake Rocks, the Pororari River Track follows a deep limestone gorge. Giant nīkau palms line the river, giving the forest an almost tropical feel. You can walk a short section and return, or hire a kayak in Punakaiki and paddle up the calm river.
5. Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks are the star of the Great Coast Road. These limestone stacks look like piles of pancakes, with thin layers stacked one on top of another. Scientists believe the layers formed under the sea long ago and were later lifted up and shaped by wind and waves.
An easy loop track at Dolomite Point takes about 20 minutes and leads to several lookouts. The highlight is the blowholes, where the sea surges into caves and bursts upwards in clouds of spray.
Knowing when to see the Pancake Rocks blowholes makes a huge difference to your visit. They work best around high tide, especially when there is a strong westerly swell. Check the tide times at the Punakaiki visitor centre or online, then plan your day around that window.
4. The Paparoa Track
The Paparoa Track is one of the newest Great Walks in New Zealand. It opened in 2019 and runs for about 55 km across the Paparoa Range, with sweeping views down to the coast. It was also built as a memorial to the 29 men who died in the Pike River Mine disaster in 2010.
The full track takes two to three days to walk or one to two days on a mountain bike. If you only have a few hours, you can walk the first section from the Punakaiki end and return. Our guide to Paparoa National Park has more detail on the track and the park.
3. Fox River and the Ballroom Overhang
The Fox River mouth is a quiet spot north of Punakaiki where the river meets the sea. From here, a longer walk heads inland to the Fox River caves and the Ballroom Overhang. The overhang is a huge limestone shelf that arches above the river like the roof of a giant ballroom. The full walk takes most of a day and involves several river crossings, so only go in settled weather.
2. Westland Petrels at Dusk
The hills near Punakaiki are the only place in the world where the Westland petrel breeds. These seabirds spend the day at sea and return to their forest burrows at dusk. Watching them fly in from the ocean is a rare and special sight. Guided tours run during the breeding season, roughly from autumn to early summer. Learn more about local wildlife in our guide to New Zealand birds.
1. The Coast Itself’
The best stop on the Great Coast Road is not a single place. It is the view from the many lookouts and pull-over bays along the way. South of Punakaiki, the road climbs above the sea and offers huge views of cliffs, sea stacks and endless surf. Woodpecker Bay and the lookouts near Barrytown are two of the most dramatic. Stop at as many as you can.
Near Barrytown you can also try your hand at making your own knife, a quirky local experience that many visitors love. Book ahead before you go. Before you reach Greymouth, the Strongman Mine Memorial remembers the miners who died in a 1967 explosion, and it offers wide views along the coast.
Planning Your West Coast Road Trip
How Long to Allow
The drive itself takes around 90 minutes. However, we suggest a full day if you want to see the main stops without rushing. Add a second day if you plan to walk part of the Paparoa Track or join a cave tour.
Where to Stay
Westport and Greymouth both have a good range of motels and holiday parks. Punakaiki is the best base if you want to see the blowholes at high tide or watch the petrels at dusk. It has lodges, cabins and a campground near the beach.
Getting There
From Christchurch, the Great Alpine Highway over Arthur’s Pass brings you to the coast near Greymouth. From Nelson, State Highway 6 through the Buller Gorge reaches Westport. Many travellers combine these routes into a longer loop. Our guide to a South Island road trip on the West Coast by campervan shows how it all fits together.
What to Pack
The West Coast is famous for its rain. Pack a good rain jacket, insect repellent for the sandflies and sturdy shoes for the walks. On a clear day, bring sunscreen too, as the sun can be strong.
Best Time to Drive the Great Coast Road
You can drive this road at any time of year. Summer brings the warmest weather and long evenings for sunset at the Pancake Rocks. Autumn is often settled and calm, with fewer visitors. Winter can be surprisingly clear, with crisp days and snow on the Paparoa Range. Spring brings rough seas that make the blowholes especially dramatic.
Rain is common in every season, but it rarely lasts all day. When it clears, the light on the wet rocks and the bush is beautiful.
Final Thoughts
The Great Coast Road proves that the best journeys are not always the longest. In just 100 km you can watch seals, explore gold rush history, walk through nīkau forest and feel the spray of the blowholes. Slow down, follow the tides and stop at every lookout that catches your eye. For more ideas in the region, visit our West Coast activities page, or head south to the turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive the Great Coast Road?
Driving from Westport to Greymouth takes about 90 minutes without stops. Most people spend a full day to enjoy the walks and lookouts.
When is the best time to see the Pancake Rocks blowholes?
The blowholes work best around high tide, especially with a westerly swell. Check the tide times before you visit.
Is the Great Coast Road worth driving?
Yes. It is one of the most scenic coastal drives in New Zealand, with dramatic cliffs, rainforest and wildlife all within a short distance.
What are the best stops between Westport and Greymouth?
Top stops include Cape Foulwind, the Truman Track, the Pororari River, the Pancake Rocks and the coastal lookouts near Barrytown.
Can you see seals on the Great Coast Road?
Yes. The seal colony at Tauranga Bay near Cape Foulwind is home to New Zealand fur seals all year round.
Is the Paparoa Track a Great Walk?
Yes. The Paparoa Track opened in 2019 as one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. It is also open to mountain bikers.
