West Coast winter holiday
Winter casts a new light
From north to south, mountains to sea, winter adds an extra layer to the drama and colours of the West Coast's iconic landscapes.
Imagine crisp mornings, misty valleys, snowy peaks, brilliant sunsets and clear night skies. Think deserted beaches, glistening rainforests, breath-taking reflections, quiet trails revealing spectacular vistas, and the soft pink glow of sunsets on the mountain tops.
Some places are best enjoyed without the crowds so, while visitors are thinner on the ground, there may never be a better time to visit the West Coast. Oh, and by the way, winter is often the West Coast's driest season with average winter temperatures usually higher than Christchurch and Queenstown.
Views from the TranzAlpine train
Sit back, relax and enjoy a spectacular rail journey across the Southern Alps to the West Coast.
TRANZALPINE — MOUNTAINS TO SEA, NO HANDS
Let someone else do the driving on one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, KiwiRail’s TranzAlpine running between Greymouth and Christchurch (or Christchurch and Greymouth). It's no less spectacular than when it started out in 1987 but much more classy with panoramic windows, dining options and a new Scenic Plus class.
With snow on the Southern Alps — and, from time to time, on the rail route — winter is the most spectacular season to take the TranzAlpine. The route travels coast to coast, east-west, taking in some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery. From Christchurch, the train travels over the Canterbury Plains, alongside braided rivers, through dramatic gorges, and high country stations, into the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass National Park.
On the West Coast side of spectacular Arthur’s Pass, the train descends back to sea level via leafy beech forests, mirror lakes and the Southern Alps. Covering 223 km (140 mi) one-way, the journey takes just under five hours passing through 16 tunnels (the longest at 8.5 km or 5 mi), across four viaducts and stopping at several scenic railway stations.
Travel Tips:
- The TranzAlpine Great Journey runs Thursday to Sunday.
- Scenic Plus offers a premium class with a luxurious cabin and gourmet dining (inspired by West Coast and Canterbury produce).
- Pick up your rental car at Greymouth Railway Station then head north on the Great Coast Road, or south to the cool little town of Hokitika.
- Stop off at Moana — the last stop before Greymouth is a pretty holiday resort (boating, fishing, walking) on Lake Brunner with hotel, motels, campgrounds and cafe. Book to stay a night or two at Moana or on the lake edge at Mitchells in gracious Lake Brunner Eco Lodge.
Hokitika Gorge
The luscious colours of Hokitika Gorge — turquoise water, white granite rocks, lush green forest — are a photogenic highlight.
HOKITIKA GORGE — ZOOM IN ON NATURE
Photogenic Hokitika Gorge — with those vivid turquoise blue waters — is an unmissable stop on the West Coast. A short drive inland from the cool little town of Hokitika, the Hokitika Gorge Track is an easy well-formed trail that’s fine for pushchairs and wheelchairs with assistance.
The recently upgraded track has some spectacular features including suspension bridges across the river, waterfalls, leafy rainforest and, if you’re lucky enough to spot some, the weirdly blue werewere-kōkako mushrooms growing on the forest floor. There are some great vantage points over the surreal blue waters coursing through the rocky white limestone gorge, and winter brings a snow-capped mountain backdrop. (Note: One of the two bridges is currently closed for maintenance but the track is still accessible as an in and out track.)
Back towards the coast and Hokitika, the West Coast Treetop Walk offers a different kind of walk in the woods — an elevated close up on forest life that climbs right into a virgin forest canopy. Rising to an impressive 47 m above Lake Mahinapua, the suspended walkway is a surprisingly accessible experience suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, offering sensational vistas of the lake, forest and Southern Alps. There's also a new dual zipline.
Travel Tips:
- Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve is 33 km (30 min) drive from Hokitika.
- The water is bluest when it hasn’t been raining.
- Allow an hour and a half to walk the track, admire the scenery and take your photos.
- If you need shelter, the West Coast Treetop Walk has a cosy cafe; or spend an hour or two exploring Hokitika’s artist workshops, galleries and eateries.
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
Impressive on any day, Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are an awe-inspiring example of powerful natural forces in action.
PUNAKAIKI — FORCES OF NATURE AT PLAY
Powerful forces of nature are at work 24/7 on the famed Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, creating a sensory spectacle of sight, sound and spray as the ocean grinds its way into the layered limestone cliffs. In any season, it’s compelling viewing for visitors travelling the Great Coast Road between Greymouth and Westport.
The pancake rocks are a short, easy walk on a loop trail that starts from the parking area opposite the beaut new Paparoa Visitor Centre. While the blowhole action is the main attraction here, there’s much more to see and do around Punakaiki with charming short walks to pristine beaches, verdant palm-lined rainforest trails beside the Pororari River, kayaking and paddle boarding in the peaceful estuary.
Trampers and mountain bikers completing the Paparoa Track — New Zealand’s newest Great Walk — exit at Punakaiki and the little settlement offers a wide range of accommodation (from camping to motels, baches, glamping and the 4-star Ocean View Retreat) and eateries. Brilliant sunsets, clear night skies and misty spray-charged air add to the energetic holiday vibe.
Travel Tips:
- The blowholes are most impressive at high tide so time your visit for that.
- Punakaiki is midway between Westport and Greymouth on SH6.
- The 20-minute loop walk is an easy stroll, but leave enough time to watch the action.
- Two short walks on the Pororari River Track (1.5 or 3 hours return) start near the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre.
Ōkārito Kayaks, Westland
Spectacular views on the calm, wildlife-rich waters of Ōkārito Lagoon near Franz Josef village.
ŌKĀRITO— REFLECTED GLORY
Ōkārito-ites say winter is the best season to visit their patch of paradise, and to meet the locals — a multitude of wildlife species, alongside the occasional rare human. Typically winter brings cool, clear weather and temperatures moderated by the ocean mean frosts and snow are rare.
The tiny settlement, north of Franz Josef, sits on the edge of a sheltered coastal lagoon (New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland), tucked in-between a wild coast and virgin rainforest. It’s a haven for rare wildlife and the scenic departure point for some of the world’s best wilderness experiences.
Winter days may be shorter but this true wilderness landscape evolves with the hour progressing from early morning mists to crystal clear vistas of snow-covered mountains, mirrored reflections on the water and due west sunsets in the evening. And, on a rainy day, it’s something else to find yourself inside a living, breathing, dripping rainforest.
Travel Tips:
- Turn off to Ōkārito from SH6, 15km north of Franz Josef township.
- The café at Ōkārito Kayaks serves great coffee and counter food.
- The gentle Ōkārito Trig Walk (easy 4.2km / 1.5 hours return) leads to a viewpoint with views of the Southern Alps, forest, lagoons and beaches.
- The short 1km Ōkārito Wetland Walk follows a boardwalk to a viewpoint over the estuary.
Glacier hiking
The twin glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox offer the world's most accessible glacier hiking experience.
GLACIERS — AWESOME HELI HIKING
The twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef exist in a unique temperate location, extending well below the snow line and within 19 km of the sea, making them the world’s most accessible rivers of ice. Winter is a spectacular time to visit the glaciers so pack a few extra layers, embrace the season and head to Glacier Country for a bucket-list adventure.
It used to be that tourists could walk up from the lower valleys onto the glaciers but the ice has retreated so much over recent years that this is no longer possible. To get up on the ice, take a scenic helicopter flight, land on the glacier, then explore this icy wilderness of ice caves, deep crevasses and icy pinnacles on a guided glacier hike. The scenery is majestic — mountains behind, rainforest and the sea beyond — and it’s an exhilarating experience for anyone with moderate fitness and agility.
Tours leave every day from the small towns of Franz Josef and Fox. With visitor numbers down in the off-season, it’s the best-ever opportunity to get a real wilderness experience.
Travel Tips:
- Glacier guides provide boots, outdoor and safety gear for your ice hiking adventure.
- After a day in the outdoors, enjoy soaking in a hot tub at Waiho Hot Tubs in Franz Josef.
- From the carpark on the Franz Josef access road, the Sentinel Rock Walk is an easy, steady climb to the summit (900 m / 20 min return) with mountain, valley and river views.
- The Peter’s Pool Walk (1.1 km return, 25 min) leads through rainforest to a small kettle lake with lovely alpine reflections.
- The Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk is a gentle trail around the lake famed for its magnificent mountain reflections.
Operators
Waiho Hot Tubs, Franz Josef Glacier
Relax with us for an hour. The Waiho Hot Tubs at Franz Josef Glacier are your ultimate wilderness relaxation adventure. Recharge your body and mind as you soak in your own fresh water, wood fired, private hot tub hidden in a rainforest setting.
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$1450
Fox Glacier Guiding
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.
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Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Franz Josef Glacier Guides gives you the opportunity to experience the most spectacular glacier environment available to the general public. We offer a range of glacier hiking trips and experiences that will allow you to see ice formations firsthand.
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$125
Okarito Boat EcoTours
Okarito is a hidden gem in New Zealand, teeming with natural beauty. Explore the expansive Okarito lagoon, wetlands, and rainforest waterways with our guided tours, immersing yourself in New Zealand's largest unaltered wetland.
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$60 - $130
Okarito Kayaks
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.
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32
West Coast Tree Top Walk & Tower Zipline
An exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Easy access for all to enjoy along a steel platform 20m high and 450m long and a spiral tower 45m high.
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249
TranzAlpine Train
One of the world’s great train journeys, travelling from coast to coast on New Zealand's South Island taking in the vast Canterbury Plains, spectacular Southern Alps and wild West Coast.
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Hotel Lake Brunner
Hotel Lake Brunner is situated in Moana, and overlooks the picturesque Lake Brunner. A multi-functional venue, the Hotel offers a range of accommodation from budget to premier, luxury Wood Fired Hot Hubs, and the onsite Kingfisher Bar and Restaurant.
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From $20 - $180
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
A family owned wilderness guiding company in Franz Josef offering kayak tours, boat tours, fishing charters and quad bike adventures.
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$570
Punakaiki Escapes
Are you looking for a holiday home in a stunning location in Punakaiki on the West Coast?
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$300
Beachfront Hotel
Located right on the beach, the Beachfront Hotel offers offers a wide range of quality accommodation, full dining and event facilities in Hokitika.
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Punakaiki Beach Camp
Between the beach, river and National Park the Punakaiki Beach Camp is truly a paradise holiday destination. The camp is located 700m north of the Pancake Rocks under magnificent limestone cliffs.
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