West Coast dominates top experiences on visitor app

The West Coast has taken centre stage in the Roady App's 2023 year wrap, boasting the three highest-rated visitor experiences.

Copland Track Welcome Flat Hut claimed the top spot with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 rating, closely followed by the Paparoa Track (4.95) and the Fox and Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight (4.94).

DOC Western South Island Operations Director Mark Davies said, “We're delighted to see the deservedly popular Copland Track and Paparoa Track Great Walk in the top five experiences. Along with these there’s an immense amount of other stunning DOC tracks and facilities to entice summer visitors. For example, we’re getting rave reviews from people who’ve walked the Heaphy Track Great Walk since it reopened as a through walk in October and the Ōparara Basin is in tiptop condition after major improvements to visitor facilities and the access road. Further south the Hokitika Gorge track is a great option for all ages and Ship Creek near Haast has two stunning walks.”

According to the report, the West Coast has earned the distinction of being the second most-visited region on the app, following Auckland. With 4,642 visits, the West Coast surpasses renowned hotspots such as Queenstown, Wanaka, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Occupying an impressive 6.6% of total visits among the 32 regions featured on the app, the West Coast stands at 112% above average. This achievement underscores the region's appeal, surpassing other well-known destinations and solidifying its status as a premier destination on the Roady App.

Roady Founder and Managing Director Roscoe Price Moor reflected on the results saying “Our audience are young at heart, active adventurers and the West Coast is the perfect playground for them with some of the best hikes in the country and epic local operators that can get you close to some amazing landscapes whether that be by heli, bike, kayak or quad.”

“The West Coast is a place people go to disconnect with technology, escape the crowds and reconnect with nature.”

Roscoe’s personal favourite West Coast Attractions include Copland Track to Welcome Flat Hut Walk.

“There was no surprises for me to see this as our top rated experience on the app. I would say it's up there with the top overnight hike you can do in NZ. To walk 6 hours and then be treated to a natural hot spring in the mountains is an experience like no other. We have put out four pieces of content from this walk that have amassed over one million views.”

He also highlights the Mt Brown hike for its special charm and challenging trek and the Franz or Fox Heli Hike, describing the glacier landing as a real bucket list experience.

Patrick Dault, Development West Coast (DWC) Destination and Tourism Manager, said it was great to work with the team at RoadyNZ as they play a key role in DWC’s strategic storytelling.

“We aim to increase our market share of domestic and international visitors by sharing some of the Coast’s hidden gems. Giving a voice to our visitors and supporting them to share their own stories is a fabulous way to tell our stories but also allows us to convey the fragility of our environment and what we must do to protect it.

“As we gear up for a busy season, now more than ever, we hope that visitors will make the most of every moment on the Coast by threading lightly and helping us preserve this amazing taonga,” Patrick added.

Nicki Miller from Totally Tourism said they have seen their scenic helicopter flights on the West Coast going from strength to strength and are gearing up for a busy Summer season.

“The views by Helicopter are the best way to take in the full extent of the spectacular Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, this is definitely one to add to your must dos if you are visiting Glacier Country . We are also seeing increase in demand of our Franz Josef Heli Hike were guests can land on and explore the glacier with a specialist guide. Taking in ice caves, tunnels and crevasses, this is a great experience for the little more adventurous,” she said.