Explore the West Coast's Towns and Travel Hubs
The West Coast's towns each offer a different experience, making it easy to explore the region at your own pace. Greymouth, the largest town on the coast, is the main gateway and a popular base for exploring the region, with a rich history shaped by gold mining, coal, and the Grey Ri... Show More
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Camping and Glamping in West Coast
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Explore the West Coast's Towns and Travel Hubs
The West Coast's towns each offer a different experience, making it easy to explore the region at your own pace. Greymouth, the largest town on the coast, is the main gateway and a popular base for exploring the region, with a rich history shaped by gold mining, coal, and the Grey River. Further south, Hokitika is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, authentic pounamu (New Zealand jade) carving, and nearby natural attractions including the spectacular Hokitika Gorge.
In Glacier Country, the alpine villages of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier provide access to guided adventures, scenic helicopter flights, rainforest walks, and breath-taking mountain scenery. At the southern end of the region, Haast is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage wilderness of Haast Pass, offering waterfalls, native rainforest, coastal scenery, and access to some of New Zealand's most remote natural landscapes.
Together, these destinations make the West Coast an unforgettable journey, whether you're planning a scenic road trip or exploring the South Island. Not sure where to begin? Explore our interactive New Zealand travel map to plan your route around New Zealand.
Iconic West Coast Attractions and Scenic Wonders
The West Coast is home to some of New Zealand's most iconic natural attractions. The world-famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes feature remarkable layered limestone formations carved by the Tasman Sea over millions of years. The surrounding limestone landscape is also home to fascinating caves, where visitors can enjoy guided caving experiences and explore underground passages with a fantastic display of glow worms and river rafting.
Further south, Hokitika Gorge is one of the region's most photographed locations, famous for its brilliant turquoise glacial waters, native forest, and scenic walking tracks with tree walks and zip lining.
Continuing into Glacier Country, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier offer the rare opportunity to experience glaciers descending from the Southern Alps into a temperate rainforest, creating one of the world's most unique natural environments.
The journey concludes in Haast, where rugged coastline, ancient rainforest, and pristine rivers meet the spectacular landscapes of Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area, providing a fitting finale to one of New Zealand's most scenic and unforgettable road trips. This remote wilderness is also ideal for jet boat river tours, offering the chance to travel deep into untouched valleys and experience the West Coast's dramatic landscapes from the water.
National Parks, Rainforests and Scenic Landscapes
The West Coast is one of New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions, where its National Parks boasts towering mountains, ancient glaciers, temperate rainforests, and wild rivers exist side by side. Much of the region is protected within Westland Tai Poutini National Park, preserving landscapes found in very few places on Earth.
Travellers can discover countless scenic hikes and walks, waterfalls, lookouts, rivers, lakes, and coastal viewpoints throughout the region. One of the highlights is driving the internationally acclaimed Great Coast Road between Westport, Punakaiki and Greymouth, considered one of New Zealand's most scenic coastal drives. Continuing south along State Highway 6, the journey passes through rainforest, glacier country, alpine landscapes, and remote coastal wilderness before reaching Haast Pass, making the West Coast one of the country's most rewarding road trip destinations.
Outdoor Adventures and Nature Experiences
The West Coast is one of New Zealand's leading destinations for outdoor adventures, offering experiences for every type of traveller. Visitors can choose from glacier hikes, heli-hikes, scenic flights, kayaking, jet boating, and wildlife encounters, while the region's limestone landscapes also provide excellent caving adventures.
Walking and hiking are some of the best ways to experience the West Coast, with trails ranging from short rainforest walks and coastal tracks to longer alpine hikes and glacier hikes. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure or a peaceful day immersed in nature, the West Coast offers unforgettable experiences surrounded by some of New Zealand's most dramatic scenery.
West Coast History, Pounamu and Māori Culture
Beyond its spectacular landscapes, the West Coast has a rich cultural heritage shaped by Māori traditions, pioneering communities, and the region's famous gold mining history. The area is closely connected with pounamu (New Zealand jade), a treasured stone of great cultural significance. Visitors to Hokitika can watch skilled artisans at work, learn about traditional carving techniques, and purchase authentic locally sourced pounamu.
The region's European heritage is equally fascinating, with attractions such as Shantytown Heritage Park bringing the West Coast's gold rush era to life. Historic sites, museums, and restored mining settlements tell the story of the people who helped shape the region, while Māori history, creative local communities, and a deep connection with the natural environment continue to define the unique character of the West Coast today.
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