LIFE ON THE COAST, HARD TO BEAT

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!
THE COAST FOR THE FAMILY
The Coast is the perfect place to bring up children. They’ll grow up surrounded by grass rather than asphalt, and the sound of birds instead of traffic.
And education is a key focus on the Coast. Good high schools in Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika provide the region’s young adults with stepping stones to a profitable working life, and the Greymouth-based Tai Poutini Polytechnic offers a wide range of technical study options.
Study on the West Coast and experience the relaxed lifestyle we’re known for.
Working here
Imagine a life where you can escape the concrete jungle and have time to spend with your family doing what you love. The West Coast provides the perfect work-life balance, with exciting job opportunities, vibrant communities and an untamed natural wilderness on your doorstep.
Working here
The perfect work-life balance, with an untamed natural wilderness on your doorstep.
Learn moreOPPORTUNITY AWAITS
The Kiwi dream is alive and well on the West Coast. Affordable housing, exciting business opportunities, and an unmatched work-life balance ensure the Coast is the place to be!

THE COAST WELCOMES BUSINESSES
The West Coast business community has always been pioneering, leveraging the latest technologies to open up new opportunities, whether that was during the gold rush of the 1800s or the present world of immersive digital technologies. Today West Coast businesses are busy leveraging digital technologies to be competitive in international markets.
The acute awareness of being future-focused is matched with the appreciation of the region’s rich history. Living and working on the West Coast, it is difficult to ignore the stories of the founding fathers - true pioneers and trail blazers. The resilient nature of Coasters transcends the generations, making for a community of hard workers. And they are a friendly bunch, just pop into one of the region’s many cafes for a coffee and a yarn, and it won’t be too long before you’ll feel at home.
“Business opportunities are aplenty here. In addition to the new industries digital technologies are enabling, the region has thriving sectors in manufacturing and agribusiness, and so much more,” says Development West Coast (DWC) chief executive Heath Milne.
Business support
DWC offers a wide range of business services and support to help grow businesses from all sectors, all sizes and at all stages of development
Learn moreHERITAGE & CULTURE
A land of many generations of New Zealanders, rich in history and heritage. Known as Te Tai Poutini - Tai meaning Coast and Poutini, the guardian of the West Coast, protecting both the people and the spiritual essence of pounamu, greenstone.

West Coast stories
Unmatched work-life balance
Joseph went from running a successful sandwich shop in Denver to setting up shop in Hokitika.
Learn moreWorking from home
Advances in digital technologies and an inspiring backyard are making the West Coast a hub for creative artisans.
Learn moreShifting to the West Coast a huge success
Relocating from Auckland to Greymouth pays off for family.
Learn moreTurning pure West Coast rainwater into gin
Patsy Bass from Reefton Distilling Co. discusses starting a business and living on the West Coast.
Learn moreOut of the pressure cooker
Andy and Jolene have swapped high-pressure Government jobs for the Coast life.
Learn moreThe metamorphosis of a mining community
Reefton is attracting a new generation of residents and entrepreneurs with a wealth of business ideas.
Learn moreThe Crafty Chook
Andrea has built a soap empire from the comfort of her lifestyle block in Hokitika.
Learn moreNot just fairy bread and cheerios!
Andrew and Heather took the punt and moved to Kumara on the the West Coast, and haven't looked back.
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