Greymouth to Queenstown via the Glaciers: A 5-Day Campervan Itinerary

Quick summary: Starting a campervan trip in Greymouth puts the glaciers on your doorstep. Ride the TranzAlpine train over the Southern Alps from Christchurch, collect a campervan or motorhome in Greymouth, and head south through Hokitika to Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, then over the Haast Pass to Wānaka and Queenstown. It’s around 600 km over five days, with two nights at the glaciers and no need to drive Arthur’s Pass yourself.

At a glance
Length	5 days, one-way
Start and finish	Greymouth to Queenstown
Total driving	Around 600 km
Before the trip	The TranzAlpine train from Christchurch
Nights at the glaciers	Two, at Franz Josef and Fox
Longest day	Around 260 km, Fox Glacier to Wānaka

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Before the trip: The TranzAlpine from Christchurch

Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth, climbing through the Waimakariri Gorge and over Arthur’s Pass, one of the world’s great train journeys. Stay in Greymouth, or collect the vehicle on arrival if the depot’s hours allow. See Greymouth pickup.

Day 1: Greymouth to Hokitika (around 40 km, plus the gorge)

Collect the campervan, stock up in Greymouth, and drive south to Hokitika. Take the detour inland to Hokitika Gorge, around 35 km each way, for its turquoise water and swing bridge. Watch the sunset on Hokitika Beach, then visit the glow-worm dell.

Day 2: Hokitika to Franz Josef (around 135 km)

Drive south through Ross, past Lake Ianthe and Whataroa, and stop at Lake Mapourika. Arrive at Franz Josef in the afternoon, walk the glacier valley, and soak in the hot pools. See Franz Josef by campervan.

Day 3: Franz Josef to Fox Glacier (around 25 km)

Take your heli-hike or flight in the morning, then drive to Fox Glacier and walk around Lake Matheson at sunset. See heli-hiking and Fox Glacier by campervan.

Day 4: Fox Glacier to Wānaka (around 260 km)

If the weather cancelled yesterday’s flight, try again at Fox in the morning. Then drive south to Haast and over the pass to Wānaka, stopping at the waterfalls and the Blue Pools. See Haast by campervan.

Day 5: Wānaka to Queenstown (around 70–115 km)

Drive to Queenstown over the Crown Range or via Cromwell, and return the vehicle.

Why start an RV glacier trip in Greymouth rather than Christchurch?

Because it trades around 250 km of driving, including Arthur’s Pass, for a relaxing day on one of the world’s great train journeys, and it puts you on the West Coast from the first day. It suits travellers with limited time, or anyone who would rather not drive a large vehicle over a steep mountain pass on the first day of the hire.

How can you change the trip?

• Add Punakaiki, around 45 km north of Greymouth, for the Pancake Rocks before heading south.
• Add a second night at Franz Josef, for more flexibility with the weather.
• Add Mount Cook from Wānaka over the Lindis Pass, around 210 km each way.

One-way hires may carry extra fees or minimum hire periods, so compare the options when you search.

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Frequently Asked Questions