Fox Glacier: The Quieter Glacier (and a Lake That Mirrors Mt Cook)
Fox Glacier is the quieter West Coast glacier with a free valley walk to the viewpoint, plus Lake Matheson’s famous mirror reflections. Backpacker guide.
NZ Travel Guides
Franz Josef Glacier: See a Glacier for Free on the West Coast
Franz Josef Glacier is NZ’s most accessible glacier. The free valley walk to the viewpoint, free parking, hot pools and backpacker tips for the West Coast.
Hokitika: Glowworms, Wild Beaches and That Famous Blue Gorge
Hokitika is a creative West Coast town near the stunning Hokitika Gorge and a free glowworm dell. Pounamu (jade), wild beaches and backpacker camping tips.
Greymouth: Gateway to the Wild West Coast
Greymouth is the West Coast’s biggest town and the end of the TranzAlpine line. Pancake Rocks nearby, wild beaches, brewery tours and backpacker tips.
The TranzAlpine: One of the World’s Great Train Journeys (Christchurch to Greymouth)
The TranzAlpine train crosses the South Island from Christchurch to Greymouth via Arthur’s Pass. Route, scenery, and how backpackers can do it on a budget.
Murchison: White Water, Empty Roads and a Real Hidden Gem
Murchison is a tiny river town between Nelson and the West Coast, famous for white-water kayaking and total quiet. A genuine off-the-radar backpacker stop.
Kaikoura: Whales, Seals and Mountains That Fall Into the Sea
Kaikoura is where the mountains meet the ocean and whales feed year-round. Free seal colonies, coastal walks, crayfish, and honest freedom camping rules.
Lake Pukaki: The Bluest Lake, the Best View of Mt Cook
Lake Pukaki is the jaw-dropping blue lake on the road to Mt Cook, with designated self-contained camping. Free viewpoints, salmon, and backpacker tips.
Lake Tekapo: That Impossible Blue (and the Stars Above It)
Lake Tekapo’s milky-turquoise water and dark skies are South Island icons. Free things to do, the lupins, stargazing and honest camping rules for backpackers.
Aoraki / Mt Cook: New Zealand’s Highest Peak and Best Free Walk
Aoraki/Mt Cook is NZ’s highest mountain and a dark-sky reserve. The free Hooker Valley Track, glacier views, stargazing and camping tips for backpackers.
