There’s something about the West Coast that just grabs you and doesn’t let go. It’s wild, it’s dramatic, it’s moody and hands down our favourite region in all of New Zealand. While it does have a rain high fall, it doesn't rain every single day! We have spent months on the West Coast over the years and a huge amount of these days have been blue sky which has been amazing for exploring. In saying that, we also LOVE getting out on the moody, rainy days because there is something so magical about the low clouds hanging out in the rainforest.
Stretching from Karamea to Haast, this coastline is pure magic. There are glaciers that spill into rainforest, blowholes that thunder through limestone cliffs, lakes that mirror the sky (you'll find some of the best mirror lakes in NZ here!) and walking tracks that take you through lush green rainforest. It’s the kind of place where nature is unapologetically in charge and we love it!!
There’s beauty in the chaos of the West Coast, peace in the rainforest and more soul in these landscapes than almost anywhere else we’ve been.
If you’re ready to explore the raw, real, ridiculously beautiful side of New Zealand then you need to explore the West Coast.
There is a separate page for both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier towns - Click here to read about Franz and Fox Glacier.
If you see “blog coming soon,” don’t worry—it won’t be for much longer! We’re working hard behind the scenes to finish everything in the next few weeks. We’re also adding heaps more guides, updating older blogs and making it SO much easier for you to plan your trip around New Zealand!
Stretching from Karamea to Haast, this coastline is pure magic. There are glaciers that spill into rainforest, blowholes that thunder through limestone cliffs, lakes that mirror the sky (you'll find some of the best mirror lakes in NZ here!) and walking tracks that take you through lush green rainforest. It’s the kind of place where nature is unapologetically in charge and we love it!!
There’s beauty in the chaos of the West Coast, peace in the rainforest and more soul in these landscapes than almost anywhere else we’ve been.
If you’re ready to explore the raw, real, ridiculously beautiful side of New Zealand then you need to explore the West Coast.
There is a separate page for both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier towns - Click here to read about Franz and Fox Glacier.
If you see “blog coming soon,” don’t worry—it won’t be for much longer! We’re working hard behind the scenes to finish everything in the next few weeks. We’re also adding heaps more guides, updating older blogs and making it SO much easier for you to plan your trip around New Zealand!
TOP SPOTS TO PAN FOR REAL GOLD ON THE WEST COAST
There are plenty of spots where you can try your luck finding real gold! All you need is a pan, a bit of patience, and a sense of adventure.
Blog coming soon! 
LAKE KANIERE
Lake Kaniere stretches 8km through lush forest. Perfect for walks, waterfalls or kayaking. One of the West Coast’s best kept secrets.
Blog coming soon! 
See mining relics and experience the history of New Zealand's worst mining disaster, where 65 miners lost their lives.
This track leads through lush forest to the Cave Creek resurgence, where crystal-clear water flows from a limestone cave.
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6 STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL LAKES YOU NEED TO VISIT ON THE WEST COAST
From well known lakes to ones no one talks about but need to be seen, these six West Coast lakes are well worth visiting.
Blog coming soon! 
HOKITIKA BEACH
Wild, rugged and right on the edge of town - Hokitika Beach is full of driftwood, greenstone and has super fiery sunsets.
Blog coming soon! 
The Hokitika Gorge Track is 1 hour return and is one of the West Coast’s most popular attractions due to the stunning blue water.
Punakaiki’s famous Pancake Rocks are a West Coast highlight with wild seas, blowholes and rock formations you won’t see anywhere else.
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OUR TOP 8 WALKS ON THE WEST COAST
From green rainforests to tracks with glacier views these eight walks show you the wild, beautiful side of the West Coast. Blog coming soon! 
Woods Creek Track is a short, peaceful walk through native bush and old gold mining relics from Chinese miners in the 1800s.
Take a walk high above the West Coast forest for views of the Southern Alps and rainforest. Climb the 47m tower for an even better view!
A 3.6km return walk through native bush leads you to Coal Creek Falls - a 7m waterfall with a pool at the base for those hot summer days.
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Trek through beech forest and see historic gold mining tail races and hand carved trails. There's a lovely view from the top of the ridge.
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This track enters and exits through old miners tail race tunnels and takes you through the forest where you can see old gold workings.
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Hike 2kms return through lush forest to see the incredible 30m high Carew Falls, near Lake Brunner.
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MANANUI BUSH TO BEACH WALK
This short 10-minute track takes you through lush rainforest and ends up on a stunning West Coast beach.
Blog coming soon! |
CAPE FOULWIND WALKWAY
Rugged coastline, crashing waves, panoramic views and a seal colony - this is one of the most beautiful tracks on the West Coast.
Blog coming soon! |
KAWATIRI RIVER TRAIL
A series of trails lead around a lagoon and along the Buller River. There is plenty of wildlife to see as well as cherry blossoms in spring.
Blog coming soon! |
TAURANGA BAY TO SEAL COLONY
This 10-minute track follows the rugged coastline, taking you to a NZ fur seal colony where you can watch the seals from above.
Blog coming soon! |
PORORARI RIVER TRACK
An stunning walk along side the Pororari River, through the heart of the rainforest, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
Blog coming soon! |
OPARARA ARCH
Explore the 219 meter long Oparara Arch, hidden deep within the rainforest in the Kahurangi National Park.
Blog coming soon! |
MORIA GATE ARCH
A track through the rainforest leads you to a staircase descending into a limestone cave, which opens up to stunning natural arches!
Blog coming soon! |
COALBROOKDALE TRACK
This return track takes you through an old coal mining town, where you'll discover relics from the past and several closed mine portals.
Blog coming soon! |
DENNISTON PLATEAU
Denniston Plateau has one of the best views on the West Coast. Here you can learn a lot about the mining history of the area.
Blog coming soon! |
TRUMAN TRACK
Rugged coastline, blowholes, rainforest and seals - this is one of the coolest tracks along the West Coast. Blog coming soon! |
EXPLORING THE OPARARA BASIN
The Oparara Basin reveals a world of ancient limestone formations and hidden caves which feels like you're stepping into another world! Blog coming soon! |
Kid approved activities and family adventures in the heart of glacier country. From glowworm walks to wildlife encounters.
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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EXPLORING GREYMOUTH
Your go-to guide for making the most of this rugged West Coast town - waterfalls, walks, history and more in one place.
Blog coming soon! 
Drive off-road on a buggy or quad through rainforest and rivers, in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a must-do in Franz Josef!
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Hokitika is a great place for families. There are plenty of outdoor spots to explore, learn and make memories with the kids.
Step into a magical world, where thousands of glowworms glow every night all around you! It's a must-do in Hokitika. |
SHANTYTOWN
Step back in time where you can try your luck at gold panning, go on a train ride and learn about the important history of the area. Blog coming soon! 
YOUR GUIDE TO EXPLORING WESPORT: A HIDDEN GEM OF THE WEST COAST
A quieter West Coast spot, Westport has great walks, wildlife and history without the crowds. A great place to slow down and explore.
Blog coming soon! |
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FOX GLACIER
Everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Fox Glacier - rainforest hikes, glacier viewpoints and mirror lakes. Blog coming soon! |
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE WEST COAST? (WEATHER AND SEASONS)
Every season offers something different on the West Coast - from the rainy season to crisp mornings and perfect lake reflections.
Blog coming soon! |
WHERE TO SEE GLOWWORMS ON THE WEST COAST
The West Coast is one of the best places in NZ to see glowworms. Find out where to spot these magical little lights on a night adventure.
Blog coming soon! |
EXPLORE THE WEST COAST'S MINING PAST: TOP HERITAGE WALKS & TRAILS
Step back in time and wander through the West Coast’s rugged mining history on these heritage walks.
Blog coming soon! |
WALKS ALONG WEST COAST RIVERS WITH UNBELIEVABLY BLUE WATER
Follow trails alongside rivers with the iconic blue glacial water that the West Coast region is known for.
Blog coming soon! |
7 WEST COAST WATERFALLS YOU CAN'T MISS
Seven stunning waterfalls on the West Coast that are totally worth the walk. Nature’s best - no fuss, just pure wild beauty.
Blog coming soon! |
WHERE TO SEE GLACIERS ON THE WEST COAST
Find out the best spots to see West Coast glaciers - whether it’s from a heli ride, a hike or pulling over on the side of the road.
Blog coming soon! |
WEST COAST WALKS THAT LEAD YOU INTO MYSTERIOUS CAVES
Explore hidden caves tucked away in the West Coast’s wild forests. A real adventure for anyone who loves a bit of mystery.
Blog coming soon! |
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