Latest industry news
Ōparara Basin waharoa unveiled
A waharoa (gateway) marking the entry to a viewpoint of the Ōparara Basin north of Karamea was unveiled yesterday signalling the completion of a major upgrade to visitor facilities.
Learn moreWest Coast summer campaign underway
Development West Coast's summer campaign is focused on driving awareness for the Coast as a visitor destination.
Learn moreMonumental Ancestor: Wētā Workshop Unveils New Zealand's Largest Masterpiece
Descendants of the Poutini Ngāi Tahu Warrior Chief, Tūhuru, have travelled to Wētā Workshop in Wellington to bless the first-ever hyper-realistic representation of their ancestor, as part of the eagerly awaited tourism experience, the Pounamu Pathway.
Learn moreOkarito Plant Project
In South Westland a new business-led initiative, the Ōkārito Plant Project, is quietly making a difference.
Learn morePike29 Memorial Track opening confirmed
The Pike29 Memorial Track is opening on 17 February 2024.
Learn moreHeaphy Track reopens
After almost two years of closure due to damage from Cyclone Dovi, the Heaphy Track in the South Island's Kahurangi National Park has finally reopened, and it's not just nature enthusiasts who are celebrating.
Learn moreThe West Coast Pie Company goes national
The West Coast Pie Company is set to go national with an exciting new campaign in partnership with Development West Coast and Monteith’s.
Learn moreInternational visitors and wildlife return to the West Coast
The West Coast has achieved a significant milestone. Not only has international visitor spending surpassed pre-pandemic levels, but iconic hotels are also reawakening and nature is presenting its own spectacle with the return of the endangered Kōtuku and Tawaki penguins.
Learn moreCritically endangered Kōtuku return to West Coast for breeding
As the Southern Hemisphere ushers in the spring season, New Zealand celebrates a natural marvel—the return of the critically endangered Kōtuku, or White Heron, to its sole breeding ground in Whataroa on the West Coast.
Learn moreSummit prepares for ‘summer of the Coast’
The West Coast recently held Manaakitanga Ki Te Tai Poutini Hui, or West Coast Tourism Summit, in preparation for a bustling summer season.
Learn moreTourism revival boosts West Coast economy
Economic activity on the West Coast grew by 3.1% over the year to June 2023, according to economic consultancy Infometrics latest provisional estimates.
Learn moreRare penguins swim 2,000km to return to the West Coast
Making a 2,000-kilometre swim from their Sub-Antarctic Convergence summer feeding grounds, the Tawaki (Fiordland Crested Penguins) have once again reached the coastal rainforests of Lake Moeraki on the West Coast for their annual breeding season.
Learn moreDestination Management Plan - charting the course for sustainable and regenerative tourism
Te Tai Poutini West Coast Destination Management Plan (DMP) reference group had its first meeting on the 13 July. The group meets quarterly and consists of representatives from the four West Coast councils, iwi, and tourism industry representatives who had been engaged throughout the DMP development process.
Learn moreNew Zealand Tourism Awards 2023
Entries are open for the New Zealand Tourism Awards 2023, showcasing and celebrating the tourism industry’s individual and business successes.
Learn morePromote your deal for free on the NZMCA app and website
An easy and cost-effective way to reach over 115,000 of New Zealand’s most regular domestic tourists in over 63,000 households nationwide.
Learn moreInternational travel agents hosted on the Coast
Development West Coast hosts 120 travel agents on famils, showcasing the region.
Learn moreNew West Coast travel packages added to TranzAlpine
New rail-based tourism packages will encourage people to get out and explore the West Coast.
Learn moreEmbracing Winter on the Coast: DWC unveils new website and winter campaign
Development West Coast (DWC) launches a new consumer-focused tourism website, and kicks off a winter campaign - "There's worse places to be this winter."
Learn moreTRENZ attendees treated to a taste of the Coast
Last night, attendees at the TRENZ event in Christchurch were treated to a vibrant taste of the West Coast.
Learn moreUpdated TECNZ International Arrival Forecasts 23-25
TECNZ has updated its international arrival forecasts with some new assumptions. We hope you find them useful.
Learn moreWest Coast being showcased at TRENZ
The West Coast is making a strong impression at TRENZ, New Zealand's most significant international business-to-business travel and trade event, held in Christchurch this year.
Learn moreInternational market update from Tourism New Zealand
Tourism New Zealand share Tourism New Zealand’s plan for the China market as borders reopen, and activity to support off-peak travel in Australia and Asia.
Learn moreRTO's join forces to relaunch tourism awareness
Six Regional Tourism Organisations from the Canterbury and West Coast joined forces to relaunch tourism awareness with tourism trade at a showcase event in Auckland.
Learn moreManaakitanga Ki Te Tai Poutini Hui
150 attend West Coast tourism summit, as the industry readies for the return of tourism.
Learn moreWest Coast launches ‘Pretty Great, Actually’ campaign
The West Coast of New Zealand is hoping to pique the interest of curious travellers with a quirky new campaign.
Learn moreŌkārito-Franz Josef-Fox Glacier Cycle/Walkway Feasibility Study Released
TRC Tourism Pty Ltd (TRC) were contracted by Development West Coast (DWC) to develop a feasibility study of an Ōkārito-Franz Josef-Fox Glacier cycle/walkway.
Learn moreInformation and resources
Destination Management Plan
The Destination Management Plan (DMP) sets a clear direction for tourism on Te Tai Poutini | the West Coast.
Learn moreWorking with Tourism Trade
The tools to help you understand why this relationship is vital to your business.
Learn moreWest Coast Regional Events Fund
Supporting existing events to continue to operate or supporting new events to form.
Learn moreUpcoming Industry Events
Auckland ITO Sales Calls - December 2023
Development West Coast will be in Auckland conducting sales calls with ITO’s in early December 2023 and are seeking your interest to join.
Learn moreChinese ITO New Year Event 2024
Development West Coast is delighted to invite you to participate in a Chinese New Year event in Auckland on Thursday, 8 February 2024. We are seeking interest from businesses that want to work with Chinese Inbound Tourism Operators (ITOs).
Learn moreTNZ Kiwi Link Japan and Korea 2024
Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) is pleased to invite representatives of the New Zealand tourism industry to participate in the Kiwi Link Japan and Korea, 2024.
Learn moreAuckland ITO Sales Calls – April 2024
Development West Coast will be in Auckland conducting sales calls with inbound tourism operators (ITOs) in April 2024. We are seeking interest from West Coast tourism businesses that wish to promote their products to a highly focused trade and incentive clientele.
Learn moreOther useful resources

For any enquiries or assistance, please contact:
Development West Coast (DWC) Tourism and Destination Management team
Development West Coast is a member of The Tourism Export Council New Zealand (TECNZ)