The West Coast is the perfect getaway for couples to relax, unwind and explore.




Waipara to Maruia Springs
1 hour 29 mins, 122 km
After a day exploring the Waipara wine region in Canterbury, meander through the breath-taking Lewis Pass to Maruia Hot Springs, your accommodation for the night.
An award winning hot springs hotel, immerse yourself in the natural mineral hot springs and take in the views of picturesque Lewis Pass National Reserve.
A restaurant is on site, massage options are available, and there are charming short walks at your disposal.
Retreat for the night to your four star quality ensuite bedroom and enjoy the tranquility.
You might love this spot so much, you'll want to stay another night!

Maruia Hot Springs
Immerse yourself in the ultimate outdoor experience at Maruia Hot Springs.
Learn moreMaruia River Retreat
Maruia River Retreat offers relaxed luxury accommodation with the perfect location to explore the South Island of New Zealand.
Learn moreReefton
Reefton, 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 moreDay 2 - Maruia Springs to Westport
1 hour 48 mins, 139 km
Explore historic mining town Reefton as you make your way through to Westport.
Continue through stunning Buller Gorge on your way to Westport. For a bit of adventure, you may want to try the Buller Canyon Jet experience, a 45 minute rush along the river itself, or the Buller Swing Bridge.
Once you arrive in Westport, explore Cape Foulwind Walkway and check out the Tauranga Bay Fur Seal Colony. For a bit more adventure, try Underworld Adventures in Charleston and go cave rafting.

Kawatiri Coastal Trail
The Kawatiri Coastal Trail is due for completion late 2022. Cyclists and walkers can look forward to a 55 km, Grade 2 family friendly heritage trail which will connect the Buller District towns of Westport and Charleston.
Learn moreTauranga Bay Fur Seal Colony
A short walk with spectacular ocean views, steeple rocks, and a large year-round fur seal colony.
Learn moreOparara Arches
Tucked 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 moreWestport i-SITE Visitor Centre
To help you find those special places and plan your West Coast holiday.
Learn moreWhanake Gallery & Espresso Bar
Come to Westport and browse this unique Gallery with a coffee in your hand. We pride ourselves on our coffee and specialize in photography, we offer a variety of local imagery on a range of media…
Learn moreUnderworld Adventures
Underworld Rafting: Is a “Cave Rafting Adventure” in the Paparoa National Park. Located in Charleston.
Learn moreDay 3 - Westport to Hokitika
1 hour 58 mins, 140 km
Travel down the Great Coast Road, voted on of the top ten most scenic coastal drives in the world by Lonely Plant.
Stop by Pancake Rocks & Blowholes to experience nature at work at the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast.
Grab a bite to eat and go shopping in Greymouth
Explore the jade shops in Hokitika and see the famous driftwood sign on the beach. Venture inland to the iconic Hokitika Gorge and see its radiant turquoise colours.

Great Coast Road
The main highway called The Great Coast Road between Westport and Greymouth has been named one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world according to Lonely Planet.
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 morePancake Rocks and Blowholes
The pancake rocks in Punakaiki are the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast with good reason, they really do look like pancakes!
Learn moreExplore Hokitika
Hokitika: The Cool Little Town Tour and the only beachside, full-service town centre on the West Coast
Learn moreHokitika - Cool Little Town
Welcome to Hokitika, cool little town. Hokitika is the only beachside, full-service town centre on the West Coast
Learn moreHokitika to Franz Josef
1 hour 45 mins, 134 km
Explore Lake Mahinapua by sunrise cruise with West Coast Scenic Waterways.
Stop in at Whataroa to take the White Heron Sanctuary tour along the Okarito basin. Visit West Coast Wildlife Centre, the home of the official breeding programme for the world's rarest kiwi called the Rowi and now the Haast Kiwi!
Get ready to be further amazed by this untamed, natural wilderness!

Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers
This is the Glacier Country offering a wealth of adventure activities!
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 glacier walks
Enjoy moderate to easy walks around the township of Franz Josef and its glacier.
Learn moreGlacier Country Helicopters Ltd.
Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company in Franz Josef offering scenic glacier flights and much more in our incredible backyard.
Learn moreAir Safaris Franz Josef
Our Grand Traverse scenic flight from Franz Josef provides the best way to experience this glacial environment in its entirety.
Learn moreHeliServices.NZ Franz Josef
Scenic helicopter flights and snow landings above Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.
Learn moreOkarito 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.
Learn moreSt James Anglican Church
At the top end of Franz Josef village, sits the beautiful, serene St James Church
Learn moreAir Safaris Franz Josef
Our Grand Traverse scenic flight from Franz Josef provides the best way to experience this glacial environment in its entirety.
Learn moreFranz Josef Wilderness Tours
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours is a locally owned and operated family business in Franz Josef. Kayak, Cruise or Fish with us on Lake Mapourika
Learn moreWestland Tai Poutini National Park
Westland Tai Poutini National Park extends from the highest peaks of the Southern Alps to the Tasman Sea and is split by the Alpine Fault.
Learn moreWhite Heron Sanctuary Tours
New Zealand's Only Kotuku, White Heron Nesting Site, Whataroa is the departure point for White Heron Sanctuary Tours.
Learn moreLake Matheson
The unsurpassed views and mountain reflections from the forested shores of Lake Matheson make this easy walk one of the most popular on the West Coast.
Learn moreAndris Apse Gallery
This serene and professional gallery showcases the exquisitely dramatic Landscape Photography and books by Andris Apse.
Learn moreLord of the Rings location
Lighting of the beacons that run along The White Mountains (Ered Nimrais) from Gondor to Rohan was filmed at Mount Gunn, near Franz Josef, West Coast.
Learn moreGlacier Valley Eco Tours
Glacier Valley Eco Tours is a family owned business committed to giving our clients the best experience on our guided nature walks in Glacier Country.
Learn more