Franz Josef to Haast

Start the day with a short walk to gorgeous Lake Matheson. The highest mountain in New Zealand, Mount Cook, looms behind the lake. When the skies are clear and there's no wind, you can see the enormous mountain reflected in the still waters of the lake.

Fox Glacier is New Zealand's longest glacier. Like Franz Josef Glacier, you can't walk on Fox Glacier unless you go on a helicopter tour, but you can admire it from a distance and take short walks to within a few kilometres of it.

There aren't many towns that can boast having a whole UNESCO World Heritage Site based around them. Haast is one. Although with a population of just 84, it's debatable whether Haast can really be called a town! This small settlement is almost as far as you can drive along the West Coast of the South Island, and has a true end-of-the-world feel (in a non-apocalyptic way!)

Haast isn't quite the end of the road: if you want to truly go as far as the road will take you, continue on to Jackson Bay, just 15 minutes' drive from Haast. This tiny fishing community is famous for its seafood. Stop at award-winning The Craypot for crayfish and coffee (or other seafood options, if you prefer). The Craypot Open daily, 11am to 3.30pm

Congratulate yourself for travelling as far south as you can on the West Coast! Spend a peaceful night in chilled-out Haast, with beautiful mountain, river and sea views all around.
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