Making New Tracks on the West Coast

Great walks, short walks and hikes

One of the enduring delights of the West Coast is you’re never far from a beach, lake, forest or mountain — usually all at once — and a well-formed track to wherever. Along SH6 watch for signs indicating walks with attractions worth stopping for. Kudos to the Department of Conservation for continuing to put considerable resources into building new tracks and upgrading old ones to make them more accessible for walkers of all abilities. 

This special part of Aotearoa has received more than its fair share of fascinating natural wonders. Some, such as Punakaiki’s spectacular Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, the brilliant turquoise hues of the Hokitika Gorge, the sublime alpine reflections in Lake Matheson, call for an obligatory pilgrimage. But plenty of others, less well known, are worth the effort to get there.

For those with time and fitness, the West Coast boasts two of New Zealand’s Great Walks: the Heaphy Track (4-6 days / start or finish near Karamea), and the newly completed Paparoa Track (3 days / between Blackball and Punakaiki). Both tracks are open to trampers and mountain bikers.

Cycling and mountain biking

West Coast landscapes lend themselves to all types of trail including some seriously spectacular mountain bike rides. However, it’s not necessarily all hard work – especially with an e-bike – as some trails are perfectly adapted for younger or less experienced riders. 

Ancient rainforests, glacial rivers and rugged coastline have all helped turn the West Coast Wilderness Trail into one of New Zealand’s most popular riding experiences. The full 4 to 5-day ride travels 133 km between Greymouth and Ross with multiple stages through spectacular natural landscapes and past many historical heritage sites. Mainly grade 2, it’s an easy ride for beginners and families, and can be joined or completed anywhere along the way.

The Coast’s latest two-wheel adventure, the Kawatiri Coastal Trail is New Zealand’s newest Great Ride. It follows a meandering route along an often wild coastal landscape and past long stretches of sandy beach, spectacular mountain vistas, historical and wildlife highlights, including the Cape Foulwind seal colony. Six of the eight sections, or 42 km of dedicated trail between Westport and Charleston, are open on this easy grade 2 ride.

Mountain biking adventures

The Old Ghost Road, climbing up to 1200m above sea level, beckons confident mountain bikers. This long-forgotten gold miners’ road, brought back to life by a volunteer team of absolute enthusiasts (another story in itself), winds 85 km through forested valleys, past roaring rivers and along steep mountain ridges. Mainly grade 4 (advanced), it’s a 2 to 4-day ride on challenging backcountry terrain.

The newest of our ‘Great Walks’ – the Paparoa Track – is also a ‘Great Ride’, fast making its name as one of New Zealand’s best backcountry rides. Traversing the Paparoa Range from Blackball to Punakaiki, the 55 km grade 4 trail, journeys from mountain top to majestic limestone landscapes before emerging into lush coastal forest.

For a different experience, the beech forest and historic goldfields surrounding Reefton feature a range of tracks for beginner to expert mountain bikers. Most tracks can be accessed by bike or via a short drive from Reefton.

Water, water everywhere

Water! With almost 600 km of coast, dozens of lakes, rivers and wetlands, the West Coast is a vast watery wilderness perfectly formed for kayaking and paddle boarding. 

Nestled into the Franz Josef Glacier valley — just north of Franz Josef township — serene Lake Mapourika is the largest mirror lake in South Westland and the perfect setting for easy paddling. Franz Josef Wilderness Tours offers guided kayak and paddle boarding on the lake, or freedom hires. Paddle through ancient rainforests and wetlands into kiwi sanctuary territory.  

On Ōkārito Lagoon, Okarito Kayaks offer guided nature tours and kayak hire for independent paddling, including an overnight option for anyone wanting a wilderness camping experience. On a still day the mirror images on the water are spectacular plus the kayak hub at the red sheds beside the lagoon also serves great coffee and delicious home-made counter food. 

A few minutes’ drive from the pancake rocks, the still, deep waters of the Pororari River emerge from a spectacular limestone gorge flanked with swathes of sub-tropical nikau palms. Waka Puna Paddle at Punakaiki, hires out kayaks and paddleboards. Great for families and beginner paddlers.

Serene and shimmering with beautiful alpine and forest reflections, lovely Lake Mahinapua, south of Hokitika, forms part of an historic network of coastal wetland waterways. Relax on a guided cruise following in the wake of those hardy pioneers or paddle a freedom kayak with West Coast Scenic Waterways.