About the West Coast

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.

Tiaki Promise

Find out more about the Tiaki Promise