Walks & Hikes

Nowhere on New Zealand’s West Coast is ever far from mountains, lakes, forests, beaches and fascinating landforms (usually all at once). No matter what part of the Coast you make your way to, there is a choice of easy, short walks leading to a journey of natural discovery. Short walks can be anything from 5 minutes to a couple of hours. Easy means well-formed trails suitable for all the family, and anyone with low to moderate fitness

Multi-day hikes — or tramps — are for experienced adventurers wanting to escape the crowds and take on a wilderness challenge. The West Coast is home to two of New Zealand’s most popular Great Walks, the Paparoa Track and the Heaphy Track. These Great Walks are administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and walkers will need to pre-book their places and accommodation in the huts and lodges on the tracks. There are five national parks within the West Coast region so there is a good choice of overnight and multi-day tracks and trails aside from the Great Walks. The DOC website has comprehensive details on these hiking and tramping adventures.