Case studies: Life on the Coast

Advances in digital technologies and an inspiring backyard are making the West Coast a hub for creative artisans.

Relocating from Auckland to Greymouth pays off for family.

Physicians shift to NZ and embrace life as Coasters.

The West Coast has always attracted pioneering people – from Māori trading pounamu to those who flocked here during the goldrush days.

Joseph went from running a successful sandwich shop in Denver to setting up shop in Hokitika.

The days of needing an office “in the city” are long gone and many companies are eyeing the regions as workers seek cheaper housing, family friendly lifestyles and that feel of New Zealand as it used to be.

Patsy Bass from Reefton Distilling Co. discusses starting a business and living on the West Coast.

US lawyer working remotely from Greymouth.

Andrea has built a soap empire from the comfort of her lifestyle block in Hokitika.

Marilyn is one of the many Coasters who have moved back to the West Coast.

Andy and Jolene have swapped high-pressure Government jobs for the Coast life.

Come and experience life on the Coast for yourself.

Cindy and Gavin left Auckland and have built a life and a successful tourism venture in Hokitika.

From Israel to Westport, Anat and Rami Edwy have found their home and inspiration on the West Coast.

Moving to the Coast gave Layla the opportunity to become a first-home buyer and start her own business.

Andrew and Heather took the punt and moved to Kumara on the the West Coast, and haven't looked back.

Reefton is attracting a new generation of residents and entrepreneurs with a wealth of business ideas.

From making games for global entertainment companies to supporting the COVID-19 economic recovery, a lot is happening in the sunny West Coast town of Kawatiri Westport.

The West Coast has a rich history of attracting innovative people, and the New Zealand Institute for Minerals to Materials Research is continuing to draw trail-blazers here.

Emily Miazga is an expat Canadian and former clinical dietitian who is now living in Westport running her own business - Em’s Power Cookies.

Anna Harrison embarks on four days of cycling to explore the beauty and history of the rugged West Coast.

Your Farm, a new boutique milk business, is helping bring the clink of glass bottles back to the West Coast and has plans to make other local produce available to the community direct from the farm as well.

Chakkapong and Rujira visited Hokitika on a road trip in 2018 and fell in love with the town. They are now adding to the West Coast food scene with their restaurant Korath Thai Cuisine.

Daimon Schwalger and Prue Holms-Schwalger moved to the West Coast where they have set up an audio and video business and massage therapy business.

Kararaina Te Ira shifted from Wellington to the West Coast where she has taken on the role of Museum Director in Hokitika.

After traveling the country as a roving Wikipedian Dr Mike Dickison moves to the Cool Little Town of Hokitika.

Caroline, the owner of Ginger Rose, shares her experience of starting a small business on the West Coast and the overwhelming support from the local community.

Jax Hamilton, a TV personality and celebrity chef, received a calling from 'the West Coast angel' and moved to Kumara.

Meet Claire, a woman who found her paradise on the West Coast of New Zealand. Claire is the proud owner of Drifting Sands, a beautiful beachfront property in Hokitika.

Kate's story is one of adventure, self-discovery, and ultimately, entrepreneurship. Originally from rural Dorset in southwest England, Kate took a career break in her mid-twenties and embarked on a journey that would lead her to the West Coast of New Zealand.

Calum and Cara decided to move to the West Coast in search of a better lifestyle. Calum is a GP at Coastal Health, while Cara is a stay-at-home mom.

Bruno Kowalczewski is as busy as he wants to be on the Coast, proving that there are plenty of opportunities for all sorts of skills.

Sue's story shows how a leap of faith can lead to great rewards. Living on the Coast comes with its unique challenges, but it can also provide breathtaking views and a sense of peace and tranquility.

Two years ago, Ely Stuart decided to leave behind the hustle and bustle of Queenstown and return to the West Coast.

Linda Grace and her wife Penny relocated from Picton to Barrytown, where they have set up two new businesses.

Roxane Oates moved from the UK to the West Coast 10 years ago. During her time here, she has successfully established a vital business in Greymouth - Aspire Physiotherapy.

Te Ahu Tama Meihana-Hosking (Tama) and his young family recently moved back from Australia to his hometown of Hokitika.

Local tattoo artist Tony Wallace shares his story of coming back to the West Coast to start his business, Reclusive Art.

Just over a year into its operation, Shortjaw Brewing in Westport is making waves in the craft beer scene, with an emphasis on local ingredients, sustainable practices, and community involvement.

Couple's two-year motorhome journey leads to dream life on West Coast

Sam Duckor-Jones moved to Greymouth in October 2021 where he transformed an old church into his wonderfully pink art project “Gloria of Greymouth”

Colin and Leanne Cutler, the pair behind Hokitika's Woodstock Hotel and Brewing Company, have immersed themselves in the untamed beauty of the West Coast for over a decade. Hailing from England and the North Island, respectively.

Karamea, nestled at the end of a winding road on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, has become the unexpected haven for Paul and Sanae

Jayne, a UK native, stumbled upon a teaching opportunity in Greymouth five years ago.

English teacher moves from South Africa to Greymouth.

Brian's journey to career growth and success in the building industry

Renee Cadigan arrived on the West Coast on what was initially meant to be a holiday. Little did she know that this journey would lead her to a new love and a lifetime of exploration in her new hometown.

A former army chef says his passion for West Coast ingredients has inspired him to open a food cart overlooking Cobden Beach.

Dave and Lisa the pair behind Te Aka Treehouse in Nelson Creek on the South Island’s West Coast, their passion became a project and then a reality after being inspired to build a treehouse from seeing different treehouse projects around the world.

In a quest for a life closer to nature and a better work-life balance, Victoria Bruce, along with her daughter Emilie, has found solace on the West Coast.

Hami Tangiora was born in Lincoln but grew up all around New Zealand due to his father being in the army. Hami found his way to the West Coast for tertiary study.

A year ago, the Chia family traded the urban hustle of Singapore for the tranquillity of the West Coast.

New Zealand pop and country artist Jody Direen has found a home and new business opportunities on the West Coast.

The West Coast is an amazing place to visit, and it's an even better place to live, work and do business. Come join us and have an untamed natural wilderness for a backyard!