Welcome West Coast winter break

Winter is a special season in Glacier Country. Days are often still and mild — and, while there’s snow on the mountains, you’re only 20 km from a wilderness beach or a tranquil lake.

Cruisy Franz Josef township is a great base for exploring the glaciers but that’s just the start. Take a hike on ice or a scenic flight. For on the ground adventures, boot up to follow one of many hiking trails or go off-road and learn to drive a quad bike while exploring the dynamic landscapes of the glacier valley. You’ll learn how to drive your trusty vehicle on a range of surfaces from river boulders to muddy forest trails.

If it rains, head indoors to the West Coast Wildlife Centre to see rare kiwi and tuatara, go to the movies, create a pounamu keepsake or fuel up in one of many cosy eateries. Franz Josef has a wide range of accommodation from backpackers and motels to luxury hotels and boutique stays. Retreat to a luxury tree house at Rainforest Retreat where you can soak in your own private spa pool under the stars, or book a tub at wood-fired Waiho Hot Tubs — brilliant in the rain.

From Franz Josef it’s an easy scenic road trip to Hokitika. Stop en route at the old gold mining town of Ross and stretch your legs on the short heritage trail around the hillside where miners sought their fortunes. Pan for gold at the Ross Goldfields Heritage Centre and marvel at the size of the largest gold nugget ever found in New Zealand.

Explore a peaceful rainforest canopy high above Lake Mahinapua, just south of Hokitika, or jump aboard for a cruise into lush rainforest on the scenic waterways. The popular West Coast Wilderness Trail — a multi-day mountain biking and walking route — also runs through here.

The super wide streets in Hokitika are testament to an illustrious past when it was the capital of the goldfields. It’s also a major source of pounamu / NZ greenstone, and is home to many artists’ studios, tasty food joints, excellent accommodations and a long sandy beach made for satisfying wanders. Stay here and allow another day to have a proper look around town.

Moana/Lake Brunner — the biggest lake on the West Coast — is popular with trout fisherman looking to catch a wily brown. Ancient rainforests grow right down to the water's edge and there are some beautiful walking trails and a new cycle trail easily accessed from here. The TranzAlpine train stops at Moana.

Greymouth, the biggest town on the Coast, is only 39 km or a half hour drive from Hokitika. Meet the locals in one of the many heritage pubs in town, or do a tour of Monteiths original craft brewing establishment and sample local craft brews.

There are a multitude of scenic sights and activities to see and do from Greymouth. Visit Shantytown — a replica pioneer village full of restored buildings — or drive up the Great Coast Road to Punakaiki to witness the mesmerising power of the Tasman Sea at the famed Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Contrast that with a tranquil walk through glades of rustling nīkau palms and complete your journey at the amazing new Paparoa Experience — an immersive spectacle that celebrates and explains this special environment.