The main highway called The Great Coast Road between Westport and Greymouth has been named one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world according to Lonely Planet.

The Great Coast Road takes 90 minutes at full speed but we recommend you slow down and enjoy the journey. There are so many beaches, nooks and crannys you may want to take the whole day - and make sure you have your camera.

Ask a local where to find 9 Mile and 17 Mile beaches and make sure you stop for a swim and to walk over the original bridge at Fox River - where it may be hard to believe now that it was once a thriving goldmining township called Brighton.