Drives West Coast, New Zealand The West Coast
Great Coast Road: SH6
SH 6, SH 67, Punakaiki Road · Greymouth → Westport
The drive
The Great Coast Road is State Highway 6 between Greymouth and Westport, 97 km (60 mi) of the northern West Coast with the Tasman Sea on one side and the Paparoa range on the other. It runs north from Greymouth through Rapahoe and Barrytown, then along the cliffs and bluffs to Punakaiki, where the Pancake Rocks stand in Paparoa National Park a short walk from the road.
North of Punakaiki the highway keeps to the shore through Fox River and on to Charleston, then turns inland toward the Buller River. The drive finishes on the Buller Bridge at Westport. Curves are mostly gentle, with two twisty stretches, and the pace is set by the coastline and the amount of traffic stopping to look at it. Allow about 1 hr 35 min with no long stops.
Slips are the road's weak point. Rock and mud come down on the sections between Punakaiki and Fox River in heavy rain, and the highway has been closed or cut to one lane there more than once.
Along the way
- Greymouth
- Punakaiki
- Charleston
- Westport
Good to know
- Slips near Meybille Bay, between Punakaiki and Fox River, have closed SH6 or cut it to a single lane with stop/go in heavy rain.
- Dogs are not allowed in Paparoa National Park, which matters if you plan to stop at the Pancake Rocks.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NZTA Journey Planner: highway conditions.
Questions about this drive
How long does the Great Coast Road from Greymouth to Westport take?
The Great Coast Road on SH6 is 97 km (60 mi) and takes about 1 hr 35 min without long stops. Most people add time for Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks.
Is the Great Coast Road twisty?
Mostly gentle, with two twisty stretches. The Great Coast Road follows cliffs and bluffs above the Tasman Sea, so it is more scenic than tight.
Does the Great Coast Road close?
Yes, at times. Slips near Meybille Bay between Punakaiki and Fox River have closed SH6 or reduced it to one lane after heavy rain, so check NZTA before setting out.
Where are the Pancake Rocks on the Great Coast Road?
The Pancake Rocks are at Punakaiki in Paparoa National Park, about the middle of the Greymouth to Westport drive on SH6.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.