Plan your visit
There are a number of things that visitors should consider when planning to Travel the West Coast.
The Nature of Our Roads
What cannot be overstated is the nature of our Heritage Highways and roads as they undulate and wind across and through the Coast region.
Passing around lakes, over rivers and steep gorges on single lane bridges, climbing numerous hills and mountains, following the course of rivers or the Coast line as they wind, twist and turn, the length and breadth of the region.
Our roads are well formed, good to drive and truly Scenic, but, the nature of our roads is not condusive to fast travel between towns and localities.
Visitors should therefore;
- Allow extra time for sightseeing and visiting attractions along the way.
- Allow extra time in heavier traffic conditions and inclement weather.
- Allow extra time for any personal needs you have.
- Allow extra time.
Allow Ample Time
While the speed limit on open (rural) roads in New Zealand is generally set at 100kmh the nature of our roads often means that safe driving is well below that limit.
Visitors should therefore;
- Allow extra time for sightseeing and visiting attractions along the way.
- Allow extra time in heavier traffic conditions and inclement weather.
- Allow extra time for any personal needs you have.
- Allow extra time in case of other delays.
- Allow extra time.
our Attractions and Towns.
The issue for many visitors is not the climate (rain), it is that our West Coast attractions are away from our towns. If you are reliant on others for transport, you could find yourself at a loss in inclement weather and feel the time has been wasted.
The answer is both obvious and simple;
Plan for things you can do. Then you will not feel the time is wasted.
Our heaviest rains most often fall in the Spring (mid September to late December) and mid to late Autumn (May to June). If your visit is timed to coincide with these months expect to encounter some rain. Outside of this the chances are realitively average of encountering some rain.
read more about our West Coast Weather. »
When using our Guides
The drive times in our Itinerary, Travel and Tour Guides are in our opinion, realistic times in which to complete the journey from place to place, allowing for a short 5-10 minute break in each hour of driving.
These times are calculated at an average of 90kmh driving speed to cover the stated distance. Thus a journey of 180kmh is said to take 2 hours and 10 minutes.
- 1 hour for the first 90kms traveled.
- + 10 minute break
- + 1 hour for the second 90 kms traveled.
- = 1 hour + 10min + 1 hour
- Stated Travel Time = 2 hours 10 minutes
However on many sections of our roads the speed at which you can drive safely will be well below the stated 100kmh speed limit or the 90kmh we have allowed.
Visitors should therefore;
- Allow extra time for sightseeing and visiting attractions along the way.
- Allow extra time in heavier traffic conditions and inclement weather.
- Allow extra time for any personal needs you have.
- Allow extra time.
