West Coast Region Transport

Transport options in the West Coast

The majority of travellers journey up and down the West Coast by rental car, but some choose to pedal a bike or straddle a motorcycle. The main roads are full sealed and easy to drive. Minor roads offer exploration opportunities for 4WD enthusiasts. It's recommended you abandon your wheels for a day and take to the sky - a scenic flight will be a highlight of your holiday.

Getting to and from the West Coast

By Car:
There are four major road routes to the West Coast. From Nelson or Marlborough drive through the magnificent Buller Gorge. From Christchurch drive through the Lewis Pass or over Arthur's Pass. Lastly, you can drive over the Haast Pass from Wanaka.

By Air:
Air New Zealand provides scheduled daily departures from Hokitika to Christchurch and from Westport to Wellington. Air West Coast provides a scheduled service from Greymouth to Wellington (via Westport) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

By Train:
The West Coast is home to the sixth greatest rail journey in the world - the 'TranzAlpine'. The TranzAlpine train arrives daily from Christchurch at 12.45pm and departs at 1.45pm.

By Bus:
Bus services connect the West Coast with Wanaka, Queenstown, Christchurch, Nelson and Picton.

Transport around the West Coast

There are approximately 13 rental car companies operating around the West Coast, providing a range of makes and models for you to choose from. Classic Car Rentals, based in Hokitika, have a range of beautifully restored vehicles - you can live out your dream of driving a classic car along some of the world's most picturesque roads.

Helicopter and light aircraft operate throughout the West Coast, providing transport as well as sightseeing opportunities. Scenic flights are available to Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, Milford Sound, Mount Aspiring, Lake Brunner, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, the Heaphy Track, Karamea and Nelson.