The South Island of New Zealand’s West Coast is home to untamed terrain, breathtaking scenery, and endless adventure. The West Coast is full of must-see locations, whether you want to take in New Zealand’s beauty up close or from underground. To acquire ideas for your next trip, look over our list of the top West Coast destinations!
1. Greymouth
Greymouth, the largest town along the West Coast, is home to a number of historical, cultural, and culinary attractions. The Shanty Town Heritage Park offers a glimpse into the area’s early days of settlement for history aficionados.
There are numerous local galleries that specialize in pounamu, or New Zealand jade, in the region that was formerly a Mori Pa (fortified village). The storied Monteith’s Brewery has you covered for food, beer samples, and even brewery tours if you’re less interested in the past and more in the pale ales!
2. Pancake Rock / Punakaiki
Punakaiki, one of the best West Coast rest stops, is situated along one of the Great Coast Road’s most beautiful sections. Pancake Rock, a distinctive feature formed by 30 million years of seaside erosion, may be found here. The formation’s remarkable resemblance to many stacks of pancakes is how Pancake Rock acquired its name.
There are also blowholes, which are especially impressive when the tide is high if that weren’t fantastic enough. There are self-contained, B&B, and camping choices available here if you wish to take a few days to enjoy the surroundings.
3. Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
You won’t find glaciers encircled by temperate rainforests in many parts of the planet. Because of this, Fox Glacier is unique. Ice-climbing across the glacier is the finest way to view it, and you can do this by scheduling a tour with a company like Fox Glacier Guiding.
Even a helicopter is used to deliver you! A heli-hike excursion can also take you to the Franz Josef Glacier, another well-known frozen sight located a bit further north. It provides a dramatic conclusion to a West Coast road journey because it is situated close to the region’s southernmost point.
4. Hokitika
Hokitika, which was first settled as a gold mining community, is today a popular tourist destination on the West Coast. The Hokitika Gorge, which features a river with opaque turquoise water to rival the Canadian Rockies, is likely the reason the region is most well-known.
The region is also well-known for its pounamu, or New Zealand greenstone and Hokitika’s local shops provide numerous possibilities to purchase something to commemorate it. You can make a trip to Hokitika a holiday no matter your financial situation because there are lodging alternatives for every price range.
5. Westport
The town of Westport is located at the northernmost point of the Great Coast Road. Excellent outdoor recreation opportunities can be found all around this region, including stunning Kahurangi National Park and surfing hotspots like Tauranga Bay.
Black water rafting with Underworld Adventures in Charlestown is, without a doubt, one of the top West Coast activities a traveller can partake in there. The journey takes visitors deep inside glow worm caves, at times floating on inflatable tubes in pitch-blackness.
6. Haast
Haast is located at the very base of the West Coast area. Haast will be your paradise if you’re looking for untamed, rugged New Zealand coastline on the West Coast. Haast is one of the top vacation destinations on the West Coast for nature lovers, offering uncrowded beaches and the chance to see Hector’s dolphins and Fiordland crested penguins. Make sure to visit Jackson Bay as well while you’re nearby.
