Drive from Nelson to Hokitika?
 

Hello,

We had originally planned to stay in Punakaiki and drive from Abel Tasman to Punakaiki in one day so as to leave ourselves enough time to enjoy the journey. But at this point the only good accommodation I found for our travel date is near Hokitika. Would it be too rushed if we made an early start? We do want to make stops at must-see places along the way (suggestions welcome). So far I have Buller Gorge, Cape Foulwind and Punakaiki.

The next day we drive to Franz Josef. If we do stay in Hokitika, are there any scenic drives we must do before we start off? I imagine we could leave around 2 pm and still make Franz Josef by about 6. I have read about the gorge and Lake Mahinapua, Okarito or even driving up to Arthur's Pass and back. Which would be the best for our first time on the South Island?

Thanks very much!

Vasu

Nelson to Hokitika is a haul.

As you travel along SH6 from Nelson you will go right through the Buller Gorge and pass the Buller Gorge Swingbridge.

You'll also pass right through Punakaiki, but Cape Foulwind is 13 km from Westport, and Westport itself is a detour from SH 6, as it's not right on the highway.

The travel calculator I use to plan my own trips to NZ states the distance between Nelson and Hokitika as 325 km. That's a long way on narrow, twisting, turning NZ roads, and this route in particular is very winding - which adds quite a lot of time to the drive. When I last drove this stretch in 2014 I was exhausted after the drive.

To give you an idea - we drove from Motueka (near the Marahau entrance to Abel Tasman) to Punakaiki - we stopped in Murchison for lunch, stopped at the Buller Gorge Swing Bridge, and made the short detour to Westport for groceries and a drink. Then we continued on to Punakaiki...the drive took us EIGHT hours.

So, you can probably guess what I'm going to say...yes, it's just too long a drive day, and that doesn't even take into consideration time of year you're traveling (?) and potential daylight, campervan, etc issues.

What are your travel dates? Perhaps I could help you look for accommodation in/around Punakaiki. I'm pretty familiar with accommodation in the area.

As far as things to see around Hokitika - a drive out the Hokitika gorge on a pretty day is very much worth the effort. You'll go right through Okarito as you approach Franz, so that's an option as is Lake Kanere near Hoki, but Arthur's Pass is quite the detour and you'd have to double back.

Not familiar with Lake Mahinapua - will look it up though.

Found Lake Mahinapua - not sure if I've been there yet. Must rectify that.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-rec...cenic-reserve/

Hi Mel,

Sorry I should have stated the date...it is November 19. I guessed it would be a stressful day so I will look some more for accommodation in Westport through Punakaiki. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks,

Vasu

Okay, for your night I find three options here:

http://www.havenz.co.nz/reservations.htm

(I've actually stayed at Flax Haven, really enjoyed it)

This place has rooms available in every single category for Nov 19:

http://www.paparoa.co.nz/

Same here:

http://www.wavewatchers.co.nz/

One room available here:

http://therockshomestay.com/bookings/

And here:

http://www.punakaiki-accommodation.co.nz/?page_id=363

Haven't even gotten to the hostels and the surrounding towns yet. Not sure what the problem is, I'm finding loads of options.

Cottage available here (I've stayed in these motel units, but not the cottage):

http://www.punakaikibeachfrontmotels.co.nz/

Then there's Barrytown, which is 15 km south of Punakiaki (haven't search your date yet):

https://www.holidayhouses.co.nz/Barrytown.asp

And two more options in Punakaiki available Nov 19:

http://www.beachhideaway.co.nz/index

Thanks, Mel. I have an e-mail in to Flax Haven already. I will follow up on some of these other places.