Rent a car and set out for a scenic expedition in the South Island
New Zealand is one of the world’s top holiday destinations for tourists, who are often interested in exploring nature together with their families and friends. The country has something for everyone: fantastic walking trails, places to hike, excellent weather conditions, convenient lodging options, numerous beachside and adventure activities, picturesque landscapes, and exotic wildlife locations. Rent a car and keep your family entertained with a splendid mix of leisure activities and sightseeing. Try to gear up in the South Island, which is packed with impressive attractions and a plethora of things to do.
Expert guides always recommend tourists to explore this amazing land by road. The country has well-maintained roads and thus road trips can be started conveniently. Home to some of the most beautiful scenic landscapes in the world, one cannot afford to miss out on this scenic drive. A 3-hour drive is also enough to find white sand beaches, tropical jungle, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and sandy beaches. Other modes of transportation can prove expensive, but a road trip, by all standards, can easily fall below your budget line. The views that you will enjoy during your trip will definitely last a lifetime. The nation has some of the best drives in the world for backpackers. If you’re an avid outdoorsman, then you should take a road trip from rough Westport to Westland’s ‘Big Smoke’, Greymouth. You must take route SH6 along the swell-beaten coastline, commanding splendid views of the Tasman Sea, so beautiful that Lonely Planet has tagged this road as one of the top 10 road trips on the planet. After searching for a suitable vehicle at the car rental agency, now set off for this expedition. Refuel your car in Westport, as you won’t find a gas station until Runanga, which is 92 km away. The next ATM is available only in Greymouth. So take gas and cash with you. The main attractions along the way are the geologically captivating Pancake Rocks, located in Punakaiki. To break up the journey you can relax at Beaconstone Lodge which is located on Birds Ferry Road. With an organic garden, solar power, and energy-efficient amenities, this Auberge makes a bold green statement. To learn more about the region’s ancient mining history, visit Mitchell’s Gully Gold Mine, which falls along the way.
The next city, which would cross his path, is Charleston. This theatrical town grew during the gold rush of 1860. The town boasts three breweries, numerous hotels and an 18th century pub; Charleston’s European Tavern. This town is the focal point for water-laden trips, run by Norwest Adventures. Upon reaching Greymouth, you can continue on SH6 to Franz Josef Glacier, which is also a must-see attraction.