Looking to step out of your daily life and into some of New Zealand’s most untouched nature?
On the West Coast, you can choose your level of adventure: is it a gentle guided tour through a magical underground world, or a self-propelled epic backcountry mission? Or perhaps it’s trying some wild foods in an even wilder setting?
Whatever your appetite for adventure, here are ten ways to switch off, get outside, and enjoy the West Coast’s vast natural playground.
New Zealand’s newest Great Walk, the Paparoa Track, is a 55-km tramp (or bike) through lush coastal forests up onto alpine ridges. It’s a spectacular three-day adventure staying in well-equipped modern huts, but day walks are possible too. The best taster for Great Coast Road trippers is exploring the pedestrian entrance of the trail at Punakaiki, where it follows the Porari River through a limestone gorge flanked with dense rainforest.
Further north, the Heaphy Track is a classic amongst walkers for good reason. Starting in Golden Bay, the 4 – 6 day hike traverses tussock downs, lush forests and nīkau palms before emerging on the West Coast, not too far from the otherworldly Oparara Arches. Mountain bikes are allowed on the trail between May and November.
Short on time? What the 18-km Copland Track lacks in distance, it makes up for in scenery. This popular trail shows off Westland’s spectacular forest, river and mountains, with natural hot pools at Welcome Flat an added attraction.
Join us on one of our guided eco tours amongst the pristine rainforest and limestone caves of the unique Oparara Basin. Several tour options available.
Learn moreThe Paparoa Track is New Zealand’s 10th Great Walk. It travels through the spectacular limestone landscapes and luxuriant forests of Paparoa National Park, custom-built for both mountain biking and hiking.
Learn moreOne of New Zealand’s nine great walks, the Heaphy Track, finishes (or starts, depending on which way you’re heading) at Karamea.
Learn moreTucked away in a corner of Kahurangi National Park, the Oparara has a magic all of its own, born of millions years of undisturbed isolation.
Learn moreIf you’re looking for an epic backcountry adventure, you need to travel the Old Ghost Road, a long-forgotten gold miners' road revived as an 85-km mountain biking/tramping trail. It takes you deep into the Kahurangi National Park, and also into the mindsets of the 1900s pioneers who founded the remote ghost towns en route. Top tip: book your final night at the trail-end Rough and Tumble Lodge.
More into a milder multi-day mission? Try the four-day West Coast Wilderness Trail, where you will wind through ancient rainforests, along glacial rivers and beside rugged coastline. Small towns and heritage sites offer a chance to delve deep into the region’s fascinating history. Do the whole thing, or dip in for a day-ride.
The beech forest and historic goldfields surrounding Reefton also feature a range of mountain biking tracks. Most tracks can be accessed by bike or a short 10-15 minute drive from Reefton.
The 85km-long Old Ghost Road traverses majestic native forest, open tussock tops, river flats and forgotten valleys, providing days of adventure and spectacular huts for mountain bikers and trampers.
Learn moreThe West Coast Wilderness Trail showcases some of the most outstanding scenery on the South Island’s West Coast with a diversity of landscapes second to none. Grab your bike and explore this Grade 2 Easy trail.
Learn moreReefton, on the Lewis Pass road and near Victoria Conservation Park (NZ's largest), is well worth a stop and its claim to fame is an illuminating one – in 1888 it was the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to have electric streetlights!
Learn moreEver in motion and retreating fast, there has never been a better time to visit the glaciers. You can spot the creeping ice flows from some local look-out points, but for a truly overwhelming experience, take a guided heli-hike on the luminous blue ice. Either glacier is astounding – try Franz Josef for its dramatic new landing zone, or Fox Glacier Guiding, rated by TripAdvisor as the World’s Best Out of the Ordinary Experience for 2021.
TripAdvisor Best of the Best 2021 Top Out of the Ordinary Experience – World #1 Fox Glacier Heli Hike. Year-round guided Heli Hikes and Ice Climbing on the West Coast's biggest and less crowded glacier. Discover the dramatic world of ice.
Learn moreDiscover the glacier wonderland on close-up scenic flights with Glacier Helicopters.
Learn moreTripAdvisor Best of the Best 2021 Top Out of the Ordinary Experience –World. Our fly-in, fly-out guided heli-hike combines the excitement of exploring a remote & exceptionally stunning part of the Fox Glacier with the thrill of 2 helicopter flights.
Learn moreNo West Coast roadie should miss the natural spectacle that is the pancake rocks at Punakaiki. Understandably the Coast’s most visited attraction – geyser-like plumes of salt water spray through massive blowholes and thump and pound in the limestone tunnels. But wait, there’s more to see here – just across the road, the Paparoa National Park beckons.
Here you can wander by the water in a rainforest of nīkau palms on the Pororari River Track or take a short 30-minute forest walk to a stunning beach on the nearby Truman Track. Get waterside for a serene stand-up-paddle or kayak on the Punakaiki Lagoon or Pororari River.
A selection of scenic walks in the Punakaiki area of the West Coast of New Zealand.
Learn morePunakaiki Beach Hostel is the perfect place to explore the West Coast's famous Pancake Rocks.
Learn moreOn the South Island’s rugged West Coast, the Punakaiki Beachfront Motels are the ideal location to enjoy all that this stunning region has to offer.
Learn moreTake a leisurely paddle on the Pororari River beneath towering limestone cliffs in the Paparoa National Park.
Learn morePunakaiki Resort is a modern accommodation complex offering either standard resort rooms or eco suites with ocean or rainforest views; all rooms have ensuite bathroom, SKY TV, and wireless internet.
Learn moreSurfing on the West Coast sounds like it might be for pros, but conditions at Tauranga Bay are perfect for newbies too. Professional surfer and national surfing judge Mark Perana offers lessons and coaching for all levels, in sheltered Tauranga Bay with its long sandy beach and world-class waves. If you’ve never been on a board or you’re looking for some one-on-one pro tips, this is the place to come.
Mark loves to teach Surfing! He has been dedicated to teaching surfing for the past 25 years, Mark is a previous NZ Team Coach and National Champ and a level 2 certified coach and contest judge. Experience beautiful Tauranga Bay with NZ's top coach.
Learn moreA short walk with spectacular ocean views, steeple rocks, and a large year-round fur seal colony.
Learn moreOverlooking the popular surf break at Tauranga Bay in the suburb of Cape Foulwind, The Bay House Beachfront Accommodation is a unique coastal retreat giving all who come here a sense of escape to somewhere close to Paradise.
Learn moreWith rapids to suit all abilities, stunning gorges, and underground river options, there’s lots to love about rafting on the West Coast. Based in Reefton, Inland Adventures can arrange grade 3 and 4 rafting adventures on the Grey and Waiau rivers.
South of Westport, historic Charleston offers caving adventures of a different kind. Here you get to float through glow-worm caverns before tumbling down some gentle rapids on the Waitakere River.
Looking for an even lower-effort adventure? In Greymouth, On Yer Bike Adventures offer muddy missions into the “enchanted” West Coast rainforest via quad bike.
There is no better way to spend a day than out on a river. Whether you want entertaining Grade 3 rapids with stunning scenery or to give your kids their first taste of whitewater we have you covered.
Learn moreFantastic off-road adventures through native forest and beautiful scenery! Quad bikes, one-, two- and four-seater off-road buggies and Hagglund. Experience nature and adventures, protective clothing and boots provided, fully guided.
Learn moreJoin us on a simply magical journey of discovery in the Nile River Glowworm Caves. Float on an underground lake illuminated only by Glowworms and admire a wonderland of stactites & stalagmites in one of New Zealand's largest unmodified cave systems.
Learn moreTake the Rainforest Train in to the Nile River Canyon rain forest and explore the enormous Nile River Cave system. You will view an ancient wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites & simply galaxies of glowworms.
Learn moreSituated in the charming town of Charleston on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the Charleston Motel is your first choice for affordable quality accommodation.
Learn moreStay at Charleston Motor Camp & Holiday Park, 27km from Westport, and explore the wild and beautiful landscape of the West Coast! The perfect base to enjoy stunning coastal tracks, rainforest train trips, glow-worm caving, seal colony and more.
Learn moreAotearoa at its best, and recognised by UNESCO as one of the world’s most outstanding natural treasures, the vast area of Te Wahipounamu South West New Zealand is the place to leave digital distractions behind and immerse yourself in nature.
Start in the little town of Haast, the western gateway to Te Wahipounamu. Perched on the edge of all that wilderness, it’s a base for outdoor adventures of all kinds. There’s walking and hiking, hunting and fishing, as well as a unique jet boat ride. An eco-friendly “river safari” takes you up the turquoise Waiatoto River into the depths of the dramatic and diverse wilderness that caught UNESCO’s attention (not to mention Lonely Planet, who rate it as one New Zealand’s best boat tours).
Another way to appreciate all this world heritage wilderness is from the air. Scenic helicopter flights take off from Haast and survey cascading waterfalls, alpine lakes, giant glaciers and rugged coastline (look out for Hector’s dolphins).
The Haast area is comprised of small settlements including Haast township, Haast Junction and Haast Beach.
Learn moreWe offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience the untouched natural beauty of Te Wāhipounamu - World Heritage Area, while traveling in one of our custom designed fully enclosed jet boats.
Learn morePark up, relax and put away the keys for the day. We are the only park in the Haast area within easy walking distance (200m) to playground, souvenir shops and restaurant.
Learn moreThe best way to experience the West Coasts untamed natural wilderness is to simply get out there among it.
Learn moreUnique journey into the Haast River Valley - experience this World Heritage Area from the comfort of innovative all-weather boats. NZ Tourism Award winners 2006.
Learn moreOne of New Zealand’s rarest, Fiordland crested penguins can be spotted on the short but scenic Monro Beach Walk near Haast. They nest here and are often seen bobbing up and down in the surf in spring. Look out for Hector’s dolphins whenever you are near the sea, and New Zealand fur seals too (the largest colony can be seen from the shortCape Foulwind Walkway).
Between Hokitika and Franz Josef, Okarito is one of the West Coast’s hidden natural gems.
Its tranquil lagoon is best explored by kayak with spectacular mountains-to-sea views and the chance to encounter the rare and mythical kōtuku/white heron. Rare rowi kiwis can be seen (and heard!) in the nearby Okarito Forest. For their origin story (and to hear more about conservation on the Coast), visit the hatchery at the West Coast Wildlife Centre.
Stunning rental and fully guided kayak trips on the remote and tranquil Okarito Lagoon, with incredible views of the Southern Alps and Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Family friendly and suitable for all abilities.
Learn moreOkarito - New Zealand's largest and unmodified wetlands. Surrounded by the towering Southern Alps and rainforest waterways, on the open air boat you are instantly engaged in watching the birds and incredible landscapes.
Learn moreHeritage tour exploring the highlights of Okarito village. Wharf shed history, then walk up Trig Track hearing NZ birds. Views on the beach of NZ's highest mountains (Aoraki Mt Cook & Tasman) as well as FJ Glacier & Okarito Lagoon & village.
Learn moreTo get the most out of your day in nature, retreat to a secluded stay after the sun sets. Or watch it go down from your hot tub at the cliff-top, off-grid Woodpecker’s Hut which offers all the simple luxuries you need. Nearby Punakaiki Resort is a classic, with the waves so close you will hear them as you fall asleep at night.
South of Punakaiki, Breaker’s Boutique Accommodation is a peaceful beachfront retreat with just four guest rooms, nestled between the Paparoa mountain range and the mighty Tasman Sea. Even further south, you’ll find the Franz Josef Rainforest Retreat. Laidback luxury is the theme here, you can enjoy spa-gazing from your private hot tub under the lush canopy after a day’s exploring.
Woodpecker Hut a beautifully crafted off-grid hut, set on a coastal cliff top property on the famous Great Coast Highway. Just a seven minute drive from Punakaiki - it is the perfect base to explore this stunning region.
Learn morePunakaiki Resort is a modern accommodation complex offering either standard resort rooms or eco suites with ocean or rainforest views; all rooms have ensuite bathroom, SKY TV, and wireless internet.
Learn moreStunning absolute beachfront location with superb sea views. Breakers offers four ensuite double rooms all overlooking the sea. Homemade pizza (pre-ordered) and New Zealand beer/wine available. Free WIFI. Relax to the sound of the breaking waves.
Learn moreNestled amongst native bush at the feet of the Southern Alps, Rainforest Retreat offers deluxe Tree House, Tree Lodge, Tree Huts and Park Motel accommodation, and a friendly and fun backpackers and holiday camp.
Learn moreWild landscapes, wild food. If you are feeling like getting out of your comfort zone in more ways than one, visit the annual Hokitika Wildfoods Festival (next up, 12 March 2022). Just about anything goes (in the mouth) here – from barbequed huhu grubs to wasp larvae ice cream.
Many entrepreneurial brewers and distillers have sprung up here in recent years. Try the stylish Reefton Distilling Co. for tastings and tales about their flagship Little Biddy gin, or visit down-to-earth Hopaholics in Greymouth, a sustainable craft brewery that uses pure rain water in their wide range of beers.
Other West Coast classics include whitebait pizza from Fat Pipi’s(Hokitika), pub grub with a side of history at the Theatre Royal Hotel (Kumara), and the freshest fish ‘n chips on the beach at the quirky Craypot in Jackson Bay where you’ll feel at the end of the world (in the best possible way).
Reefton Distilling Co. is a modern distillery at the forefront of spirit production in New Zealand. We produce a range of award-winning, small batch distilled premium spirits with a distinct West Coast flavour.
Learn moreBuilt in 1876 and reopened in 2012, the Theatre Royal Hotel is the West Coast's only remaining restored Miners' Hotel. Boasting six luxurious on-site rooms, a restaurant and bar, this award-winning hotel is truly a sight to behold.
Learn moreThere’s something for everyone on a trip to the West Coast.
Learn moreDiscover the West Coast’s wild side and the most amazing landscapes.
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