The West Coast is the wildest, most inhospitable, most uninhabited, toughest—yet also the most extraordinary—region in New Zealand. The sea is unforgiving, with overwhelming waves and dramatic cliffs; the mountains rise just ahead, with snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and dreamlike lakes; and finally, the jungle: wild, impenetrable, and uniquely native to New Zealand. The West Coast will leave you speechless and will undoubtedly challenge you from the start.
But don’t let that discourage you, believe me, the harshest climates often create the most incredible landscapes. My nearly two weeks on the West Coast gave me plenty to see and do. Although rain was a constant companion, it never stopped me from exploring and discovering the best places, which I’m sharing with you today. And when the sun finally came out, I didn’t hesitate—I jumped out of a plane. Sounds better now, right?
The West Coast region is located on New Zealand’s South Island and, as the name suggests, stretches along most of the island’s western coastline—from Kahurangi Point in the north to Awarua Point in the south. From tip to tip, it spans 600 kilometers. Bordered by the wild Tasman Sea to the west and the Southern Alps to the east.
The region is officially known as Te Tai Poutini, although locals simply call it “The Coast.” The main towns (or villages) are Westport, Greymouth, and Hokitika. With a total population of just 32,000, it’s the most sparsely populated region in the country.
The West Coast is nationally known for its unpredictable and generally harsh weather. In fact, rain falls about 300 days a year, and strong winds are nearly constant. Storms and even avalanches are possible too.
Remarkably, the West Coast’s nature is the most untouched by invasive species and remains one of the most original environments in the country. Westland National Park is the main natural reserve in the area and encompasses most of its key attractions.
You can visit the West Coast year-round—because let’s face it, the weather’s always going to be bad! Hahaha. Okay Marcos, jokes aside, let’s get serious.
The best time to visit the West Coast is during summer: from December to March. During these months, the days are longer, giving you more daylight to explore.
They also tend to be the sunniest months, which increases your chances of seeing the main attractions without rain or fog. Just be sure to book in advance, as this is also the busiest season.
If you decide to visit during the rest of the year, be aware that road closures can happen due to extreme weather. That said, winter has its own magic, with snow-covered peaks and glaciers at their most majestic. Spring and autumn are less crowded, making it easier to book activities.
It’s essential to travel to New Zealand with comprehensive insurance. We were among the first to offer the popular IATI discount, and you can now get it with Heymondo Travel Insurance as well.
You can find more information about both companies through the links provided above, or you can access the discount directly using the buttons below (in both cases, you’ll see the reduced final price on their website):
Internet is mandatory for getting around and using metservice, the country’s weather service. Keeping up to date with the weather is necessary if you don’t want to have any problems. It can also be very useful when translating if you don’t understand English very well.
To do this, we will tell you how to get a New Zealand SIM card with the internet and take advantage of its affordable prices. And now we also have information about the New Zealand eSIM with unlimited data.
Just a quick note before we begin—since the West Coast is 600 kilometers long, this section focuses on how to reach its three main towns. Also, NZ State Highway 6 runs the entire length of the coast and is the main route you’ll use.
There are two small airports on the West Coast. Westport is served by direct flights from Wellington (about 40 minutes), while Hokitika connects to Christchurch.
As usual, your go-to bus company in New Zealand is InterCity. It connects the West Coast with several major cities on the South Island.
For instance, you can take a bus from Nelson to Greymouth (6 hours) or Westport (3 hours 45 minutes). From Queenstown, there’s an 8.5-hour bus to Franz Josef. Finally, from Christchurch, you can get to Hokitika (6 hours) and Greymouth (4 hours 50 minutes).
If you’re coming from the North Island, you’ll first need to reach Wellington and then take the ferry to Picton. From there, a 4-hour bus ride will take you to Westport.
Plane from Auckland to Wellington
Driving is by far the best way to reach and explore the West Coast. However, there are only a few passes across the Alps, so you’ll need to choose your starting point based on your planned route.
From Picton or Nelson to Westport takes 4 and 3 hours, respectively. From Christchurch, the quickest routes to Greymouth and Hokitika take just 3 hours. If you’re coming from Queenstown, the closest major destination is Franz Josef.
The city of Queenstown offers an incredible variety of things to see and do. While there are several art galleries to visit and some lovely parks within the city, the best experiences are undoubtedly found in its surrounding hills, lakes, and nearby towns.
One of the two jewels of Westland National Park, this glacier is a must-see on the West Coast. It stretches 12 kilometers from the mountains toward the sea, fed by a powerful and turbulent river. However, access to the glacier itself is only possible by helicopter.
If you plan to visit, aim for the town of Franz Josef. Just a 10-minute drive away is the Franz Josef Glacier Walk—a short 90-minute round trip that offers the best views of the glacier.
Unfortunately, when I went, I only got a few seconds of visibility before the clouds rolled in. Still, those few seconds were enough to snap the beautiful photo I’m sharing below.
There are also plenty of activities you can do on or around the glacier: helicopter tours, scenic flights, and my personal favorite… skydiving! Don’t worry—I’ll tell you all about the best tours on the West Coast later.
The other gem of Westland National Park, Fox Glacier stretches 13 kilometers and will captivate you from the start.
This West Coast glacier is the neighbor of Franz Josef Glacier—they’re only a few kilometers apart. However, once again, you won’t be able to walk on the glacier unless you book a helicopter tour (don’t worry, I’ll share one later).
The best views of the glacier can be found at the lookout point at the end of the South Side Walk. This 2-hour round-trip hike is an easy and enjoyable trail. Along the way, you’ll see the alpine mountains, and at the end, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of Fox Glacier.
Make sure your phone is fully charged—if the weather’s clear, you won’t be able to stop taking photos!
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to explore some glow worm caves near the town of Fox Glacier (yes, the town shares the glacier’s name). These fascinating creatures will make your West Coast adventure even more magical.
A small glacial lake just six minutes by car from the town of Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson offers one of the most iconic views in all of New Zealand. You can walk a short loop around the lake, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Picture this: a lake with still, pure water reflecting the majestic Cook and Tasman mountains. It’s no surprise that this is considered one of the best short walks in the country.
Just one tip—if you want to see the reflection, visit on a sunny day. Otherwise, the lake loses some of its magic, and the trip may not be worth it. That said, even without the perfect reflection, Lake Matheson is a stunning spot.
A charming town on the West Coast (where else?) and located close to the Hokitika River. This is the largest town in the Westland District, making it a great spot to take shelter from bad weather or stock up on supplies.
But don’t be fooled, Hokitika is full of things to do. You absolutely can’t miss Hokitika Beach. It’s wild and untamed, and if the wind isn’t too strong, it’s perfect for a relaxing stroll.
If you’re feeling adventurous, hike up to Mt Brown Hut and spend the night in this cosy mountain shelter. The climb is an adventure in itself, especially in bad weather, but the native forest you’ll pass through is incredible. It’s one of the best ways to experience New Zealand’s wilderness.
From the top, legend says you can see the entire West Coast in all its glory, along with some glacial lakes (although, for us, the weather blocked the view entirely).
As romantic as it sounds to spend a night in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, be warned—even in summer, it gets freezing cold. The fireplace couldn’t even warm us up! Pro tip: bring dry firewood from Hokitika. 😉
While you’re still in Hokitika, be sure to check out Glow Worm Dell, a small area with glow worms lighting up the rock walls. Just remember: go at night! During the day, the dim light makes it nearly impossible to spot them.
One of the West Coast’s must-see attractions is Hokitika Gorge. A short trail through the forest follows the river and leads to breathtaking views of turquoise water surrounded by lush native trees.
It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature—located just 33 kilometers from Hokitika town, in the heart of the Hokitika Scenic Reserve.
A natural wonder of the West Coast that’s worth visiting, rain or shine. Located in Paparoa National Park, this spot is free to access. A walk of just over 30 minutes takes you to the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Okay Marcos, but… what exactly are Pancake Rocks? They’re layers of limestone shaped by centuries of erosion from wind and sea, forming stacks that look like—you guessed it—pancakes! I’ll leave you a photo because a picture is worth a thousand words.
The cliffs are full of holes where the sea crashes in—especially at high tide—sending jets of salty spray into the air. That’s why they’re called blowholes! 😛
Oh, and keep an eye on the ocean—you might even spot some rare Hector’s dolphins swimming nearby.
The oldest town on the Coast and full of history, Westport sits in the northern part of the West Coast, near the beautiful mouth of the Buller River. The town is known for its mining past, great surfing spots, and numerous historic landmarks.
From Westport, you can do the Cape Foulwind Walkway, a scenic coastal trail that takes you to a seal colony. Be warned though—the cliffs are massive, and the wind is fierce, so be prepared!
One of the most popular routes on the West Coast, the Heaphy Track is part of New Zealand’s famous “Great Walks” (make sure to book in advance!). And no wonder—the 78-kilometre trail combines rugged alpine views, dramatic cliffs, wild native rainforest, and New Zealand’s iconic yellow tussock grass.
This epic hike starts in Karamea, about an hour north of Westport, and typically takes 4–6 days, ending in the upper valley of Golden Bay. You can do it in either direction, and it’s also open to mountain bikers.
Greymouth is the largest town on the entire West Coast and a great stop if you’re looking for a break from the wilderness or need to restock your supplies.
This coastal town of just over 8,000 inhabitants lies at the foot of the Southern Alps, right at the mouth of the Grey River. On clear days, you can even see the mighty Mount Cook from your hotel terrace.
Greymouth is steeped in history, especially from the gold rush era of the mid-19th century. A great way to dive into the past is by visiting the Shantytown Heritage Park. And if you’re in town, don’t miss the chance to sample some local craft beers—I’ll share my favorites later! 😉
Not far from Greymouth, you’ll find Rapahoe Beach—one of the wildest beaches on the West Coast, with incredibly strong currents. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also camp with your car or caravan by Lake Brunner, perfect for water-based activities.
Haast Pass is a 140-kilometre alpine crossing that connects the West Coast with the Central Otago region, specifically linking the town of Haast with Wanaka. It’s an incredible scenic drive through towering mountains, lush rainforest, and countless waterfalls.
As you reach Central Otago, you’ll pass the stunning Lake Wanaka (but more on that in the Central Otago guide). For now, it’s important to note that this pass is the southernmost route out of the West Coast, and your gateway to exploring the South Island further.
To make the most of your drive, be sure to stop at the Haast Pass Lookout. It’s a short and easy walk that offers stunning views of the West Coast native forest and the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park.
Fun fact: this viewpoint marks the official border between Central Otago and the West Coast—a perfect viewpoint to stop and to stretch your legs.
This West Coast gem is one of the easiest to access. Just before the Haast Pass Lookout, take a two-minute walk from the roadside and you’ll reach the picturesque Fantail Falls. Roaring waters tumble over rocks and through dense forest, meeting the powerful Haast River—definitely worth the stop!
By the way, when I visited, there were a bunch of stacked stone sculptures—little towers of flat rocks, kind of like the Pancake Rocks.
I can’t guarantee they’ll still be there when you go, given the bad weather, but either way, it’s worth reading this article beforehand about the strange obsession some people have with this kind of nonsense.
Continuing along the Haast Pass, just a couple of minutes by car from the previous lookout, you’ll find the Thunder Creek Falls. This waterfall is a 28-metre freefall, and it’s breathtaking. A 10-minute walk through the West Coast jungle will take you right to the falls. Definitely a must-see!
To wrap up this journey through Haast Pass, you can’t miss the Blue Pools. Technically, they’re in the Otago region—but since we’re on the same scenic drive, I’m including them here so you don’t skip them by mistake.
These crystal-clear pools are fed by glacial waters and glow in brilliant turquoise. My favourite spot is just below a small metal bridge that stands about 18 metres above the water. (Jumping off the bridge isn’t advised, but… tempting, right?)
A beautiful walk through the jungle and across hanging bridges leads you to the pools. The best part? Take a dip in the freezing water and then dry off in the sun… if the sandflies don’t get to you first (they’re seriously worse here than anywhere else on the West Coast).
This is, without a doubt, the best way to experience Fox Glacier. Hop on a helicopter for a scenic flight straight to the glacier, where you’ll go on a 3-hour guided hike. You’ll explore ice caves, crevasses, and even see the stunning Victoria Falls.
All equipment is provided, and the guides are true experts—so the glacial cold (pun intended) won’t stop you from having a blast.
A tour entirely dedicated to capturing the best panoramic views of Franz Josef Glacier. This unforgettable experience takes you by helicopter over the majestic glacier located on the West Coast.
You’ll witness stunning views of New Zealand’s highest peaks, dominated by Mt. Cook, along with frozen rivers, crevasses, and breathtaking ice pinnacles.
But that’s not all! The helicopter will land on an elevated area where you’ll have the chance to take amazing photos and explore a bit on your own.
Okay, I have to share this from a personal point of view because I still can’t get over this long-awaited experience, it was my first time skydiving!
After arriving at the airfield and receiving a quick briefing, we boarded the plane—there were three of us in total. At first, it was all laughter and jokes with the instructor until they handed us oxygen masks due to the altitude. That’s when things got real.
Soon, the plane doors opened at 20,000 feet (that’s 6 kilometers up!) and the entire West Coast stretched out below me.
The instructor looked amused. The usually chatty Marcos went completely silent. I was just in awe of the view: majestic glacial rivers flowing toward the sea, lush green forests at the base of the magnificent Southern Alps, and glaciers cascading down the mountainsides. It was like looking at a computer screensaver—only better.
But truthfully, what really left me speechless was the fear. I was about to jump from up there!
And then, without further ado, the instructor—with me strapped in front—jumped. We were the last in the group, so I already had a preview of what was coming.
Still, nothing could have prepared me for the 80 seconds of freefall. Insane! Those 80 seconds felt like milliseconds, thanks to the adrenaline. When they told me we had been falling for over a minute, I couldn’t believe it.
Later, the instructor let me “steer” the parachute for a bit, and we landed safely.
The best money I’ve ever spent! I still regret not paying extra for the photo package. Don’t make the same mistake.
The much-anticipated beer tour in Greymouth is a must on any visit to the West Coast. This 45-minute tour of the region’s most iconic brewery offers a deep dive into the traditional beer-making process that is a proud part of Greymouth’s local heritage.
At the end of the tour, you’ll get the chance to pour your own beer and enjoy it with guidance from a professional taster. Culture has never been more fun than with a pint in hand.
This guided coach tour departs from Greymouth and takes you to some of the must-see attractions on the West Coast. You’ll enjoy scenic views while learning about the region from a knowledgeable guide.
Stops include the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, the stunning Hokitika Gorge, and the Tree Top Walkway. It’s the perfect way to explore the West Coast if you don’t have your own vehicle or are tired of driving across the region’s 600 kilometers.
This tour takes you deep into one of the most remote and wild areas of the West Coast (and trust me, that’s saying a lot!). Perfect for nature lovers, this adventure will leave you in awe with views of the Southern Alps, powerful rivers, and the dense rainforest of the West Coast World Heritage Park.
The thrilling boat ride takes you to the upper reaches of the river, where you can take a short hike through the jungle and fully immerse yourself in the purest nature the West Coast has to offer. Best of all? Everything is included, so all you have to do is enjoy.
Lake Mapourika is a tranquil lake near Franz Josef. On sunny days, you can see the Southern Alps reflected perfectly in the water—or, in my case, lots of clouds. xD
From personal experience, the best way to explore this lake is by kayak. You can either take a guided tour or rent one and explore solo. The guided tour lasts three hours and includes a guide, photos, all necessary equipment, and transport from Franz Josef to the lake.
You’ll paddle through glacial waters and into untouched rainforest, reaching the heart of the Okarito Kiwi Bird Sanctuary—where, with a bit of luck, you might spot the elusive Kiwi bird.
Where you sleep on the West Coast is part of the adventure. The best option is to travel in a campervan and stay at one of the many campsites close to the main attractions. This way, you’ll avoid early wake-ups and long drives.
If you’re not traveling by campervan or prefer more comfort, here are some accommodation options, organized by budget:
One of my personal favorites is Noah’s Ark Backpackers, just a 3-minute walk from central Greymouth. This place feels more like a home than a hostel thanks to its warmth and charm. This place is ideal if you don’t have a car, as it’s right next to the train and bus stops, making it easy to get around the West Coast. To begin with, it’s absolutely captivating…
Set in a converted monastery, it features stunning stained-glass windows and original artwork. The hostel offers dorm rooms with shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen with free basics (coffee, sugar, spices and salt), and a patio garden with hammocks and picnic tables. The cozy common room includes a fireplace, piano, board games, and books—perfect for meeting fellow travelers. Hands down, my favorite hostel on the West Coast.
Other interesting options along the West Coast are:
If you’re flying into Hokitika, Shining Star Beachfront Accommodation is a great option—just 5 minutes from the airport and about two hours by car from the glaciers.
It offers private double rooms with bathrooms and a fridges. On the other hand, if you’re looking for even more privacy, they also offer small chalets with patios, as well as rooms with both double and single beds. All complemented by sea views and a small kitchen.
Other decent mid-range options:
For a dream stay with all the extras, check out Awatuna Sunset Lodge, just 10 minutes from Hokitika. Located on the Tasman Sea, this hotel features King rooms with private patios and bathrooms.
While the rooms are cozy rather than luxurious, the extras more than make up for it: a private beach, a beautifully maintained garden, a lounge with a bar, and even an outdoor hot tub for stargazing.
The hotel also offers airport transfers from Hokitika and a restaurant serving homemade meals. Tempting, right?
Other great options include:
The best way to travel around New Zealand—and especially the West Coast—is by car or campervan. I highly recommend renting a campervan, as it gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
New Zealand is fully campervan-friendly, with numerous campsites, public toilets, and showers. Therefore, traveling in a motorhome will be very simple and comfortable. While the initial cost might seem high, you’ll save a lot on accommodation and food.
Since the West Coast is long and narrow, you can also use the InterCity Bus to get around. For example, Westport is well connected to Greymouth, Franz Josef, and Fox Glacier. The same applies to Greymouth with routes from Punakaiki and the glaciers. Though less convenient and often pricey, bus travel is still an option.
As you’ve probably noticed, bad weather was a constant companion during my West Coast trip. Honestly, it’s totally normal—so be prepared! I was just grateful that it was sunny on skydiving day. I mention this because it’s something that will likely happen.
The truth is, most days are rainy, and you might not feel like going out. But don’t let that stop you. Sunshine makes everything prettier, sure—but some places on the West Coast are unique and absolutely worth seeing, no matter the weather. In my opinion, Pancake Rocks, Hokitika Gorge, and the two glaciers mentioned above are the must-see sights on “The Coast.”
In my case, I took 12 days to explore the West Coast without rushing. If you’re short on time, plan at least 4 days to see the essentials. If you can, 10 days will let you enjoy everything at a relaxed pace and even join multi-day tours.
Quick Tips for Surviving “The Coast”:
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around West Coast.
