The West Coast region reaches from Kahurangi Point in the north to Awarua Point in the south, a distance of 600 km. This land is very scenic, with wild coastlines, mountains and a very high proportion of native bush, much of it native temperate rain forest. When the mountains began forming millions of years ago they produced precious gold and pounamu (New Zealand Jade) deposits, treasured by Māori and pioneers, giving birth to the Coast’s rich history. Nature also carved dramatic glacial valleys to form two of the world’s most unique and accessible glaciers.
Discovering the treasures of the West Coast can take awhile, be prepared to stay longer!
Where nature has right of way ... for about 20 million years, give or take...
Discover an abundance of nature so astounding, it'll leave an impressions for years to come. Discover Nikau palms and semi tropical fruit trees in the north to temperate rainforests in the south. In between are wild coastlines, deserted beaches and dense forests of giant trees, ferns and mosses all waiting to be explored. Share this lush forest with an abundance of bird life. Get up close and personal with kea who make a beeline for your shiniest possessions, weka that take off with your lunch if you turn your back for a second and rare kiwi only the very lucky ever get to see or hear.
With five National Parks, two wilderness areas, two kiwi sanctuaries and a southern landscape so awe inspiring UNESCO, named it a world heritage area, the West Coast is truly nature at its most raw and spectacular. Just you and nature. It’s the holiday you know you’ve been needing for ages.
Hokitika & Hokitika Gorge
There is plenty to do with a large artisan community, interesting history and mountains, the river, two lakes and the beach nearby.
Learn morePunakaiki - Home of Pancake Rocks & Blowholes
Get there via the Great Coast Road, one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world!
Learn moreGlacier Country
Glacier Country is a unique area where you can enjoy the freedom to explore New Zealand’s most diverse, unaltered natural landscapes - from the mountains and glaciers to the sea - and to immerse yourself in pure nature.
Learn moreFranz Josef
The small town of Franz Josef is world famous as the gateway to the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier.
Learn moreFox Glacier
The township of Fox Glacier is just a scenic 30-minute drive south from Franz Josef, and like its neighbour is a great place for a unique glacier experience.
Learn moreFranz Josef & Fox Glaciers
This is the Glacier Country offering a wealth of adventure activities!
Learn moreOkarito
Ōkārito Lagoon is New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland and home to a some of the country’s rarest birdlife.
Learn moreWhataroa
Whataroa is the northern gateway to Glacier Country and South Westland and the best place in New Zealand to see the rare native white heron (Kotuku).
Learn moreGrey District
Greymouth and the surrounding Grey Valley offer adventure activities, heritage attractions and tours.
Learn moreHaast
The Haast region is a lost world that is so spectacular and remote UNESCO awarded it the status of being a "World Heritage" area.
Learn moreReefton - The Town of Light
The small town of Reefton is a place for everyone to enjoy - be it for a day or two, a week or a place to call home.
Learn moreLake Brunner, Moana
Lake Brunner is the largest lake in the region with year-round trout fishing.
Learn moreWestport, Karamea & Buller DIstrict
The spectacularly scenic Northern West Coast region is well known for its rich coal mining history in addition to its abundant unique natural attractions and warm, mild weather.
Learn more