West Coast Travel Guide

Explore the natural wonders, cultural landmarks, must-try dishes, and top things to do in West Coast, New Zealand, with this comprehensive travel guide.


Welcome to the stunning West Coast, a region of unparalleled beauty and adventure located on the South Island of New Zealand. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you on a journey through some of the most picturesque landscapes and culturally significant landmarks in the region. You will also discover the best things to do, places to eat, and where to stay during your visit to West Coast.

Introduction to West Coast

The West Coast region spans 400 kilometers along the western side of the South Island, encompassing the rugged Westland Tai Poutini National Park, including the famous Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, and the lush rainforests of the Kahurangi National Park. This region is home to only 32,000 people, but it offers visitors an abundance of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and skiing.

List of Places to Visit in West Coast

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The West Coast is rich in Maori and European culture, with several museums and historical places to explore.

  • The West Coast Historical Museum in Hokitika showcases artifacts and stories of early Maori and European settlers in the region.
  • The Brunner Mine Site offers a glimpse into the gritty reality of coal mining in the late 1800s, and it is the site of one of the country’s worst coal mining disasters.
  • The Monteith’s Brewing Company in Greymouth is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts, with tours and tastings of the famous Monteith’s beverages.

Natural Attractions of West Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The West Coast is known for its stunning, untouched natural landscapes and unique flora and fauna.

  • The glaciers in Fox and Franz Josef offer incredible views of ice formations and crevasses.
  • The Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, a natural formation of layered rocks, is a popular tourist spot on the coast.
  • The lush rainforests of Kahurangi National Park are home to the native Kiwi bird and offer several hiking trails, including the famous Heaphy Track.

Hiking/Biking Routes of West Coast

The West Coast has several hiking and biking trails for adventurers of all levels.

  • The Old Ghost Road is a challenging, 85 km trail through the remote wilderness of the Buller District.
  • The Paparoa Track is a 55 km trail that winds through native forests and across alpine plateaus.
  • The Hokitika Gorge Walk is an easy 15-minute walk that offers stunning views of turquoise waters and steep cliffs.

Best Things to Do in West Coast: Activities and Tours

There are countless activities and tours to choose from when visiting the West Coast.

  • Take an unforgettable helicopter tour of the glaciers with experienced pilots who can safely land you on the ice formations.
  • Visit the spectacular Hokitika Gorge, where you can enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking, and taking beautiful nature walks.
  • Take a scenic train ride on the TranzAlpine from Greymouth to Christchurch with breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, and forests along the way.

Week-Long Itinerary for West Coast

Day 1: Start your visit in Hokitika, where you can explore the West Coast Historical Museum and the Hokitika Gorge Walk. Day 2: Take a helicopter tour of the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. Day 3: Head to Punakaiki to view the famous Pancake Rocks and explore the Pororari River Track. Day 4: Visit the Brunner Mine site and learn about the gold rush of the 1800s. Day 5: Enjoy a scenic train ride on the TranzAlpine from Greymouth to Christchurch. Day 6: Spend the day exploring the lush rainforests of Kahurangi National Park. Day 7: Take an easy drive to the Alpine Village of Hanmer Springs and relax in the thermal hot springs.

Food and Drink Scene of West Coast

Must-Try Dishes

West Coast is home to some unique and delicious dishes that foodies will love.

  • Whitebait fritters, a popular local specialty made from a type of tiny fish, are a must-try dish.
  • Wild venison stew, made with local deer, is a hearty and delicious meal to warm you up on a chilly day.
  • Blue cod, a fish unique to New Zealand, is a must-try at local seafood restaurants.

Local Beverages

The West Coast is known for its craft breweries and the beautiful vineyards of the nearby Canterbury region.

  • The Monteith’s Brewing Company in Greymouth offers tours and tastings of their famous beer.
  • The West Coast Wilderness Trail Tour offers a 4-day biking tour that includes visits to local wineries and craft breweries.

Where to Stay in West Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several accommodation options in the West Coast, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

  • The YHA Hokitika is a popular backpacker’s hostel in the heart of the town.
  • The Punakaiki Resort offers luxurious rooms with stunning views of the coast and nearby mountains.
  • The Rainforest Retreat in Franz Josef offers private treehouse chalets and is nestled in the lush rainforest.

What to Buy in West Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The West Coast is known for its Jade and Gold products, and you can find unique souvenirs and jewelry made from these precious materials. You can also buy:

  • Hand-carved wood products made by local artisans, such as bowls and figurines.
  • Local honey and beeswax candles to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of West Coast

The West Coast has a proud history of Maori and European culture, and it is home to several unique customs and traditions.

  • The annual Hokitika Wildfoods Festival celebrates the region’s culinary specialties and draws thousands of visitors annually.
  • The Hokitika Regatta is a long-standing tradition that dates back to the gold rush era and involves fun water races and entertainment.

Best Time to Visit West Coast

The best time to visit West Coast is during the summer months from December to February when the days are longer, and the weather is warm. However, the region is a year-round destination, and each season offers unique experiences.

Do’s and Don’ts of West Coast

Do:

  • Respect the unique nature and wildlife of the region by staying on marked trails and obeying signage.
  • Learn about the local Maori and European culture by visiting museums and engaging with locals.

Don’t:

  • Leave your valuables unattended, especially at tourist hot spots.
  • Litter or damage local vegetation, as this can harm the ecosystem and wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in West Coast

West Coast is a safe place to visit, but visitors should still exercise basic safety precautions.

  • Be aware of changing weather conditions, especially on hikes and other outdoor activities.
  • Take caution when driving on remote roads, and be sure to prepare for the journey with plenty of gas, food, and water.

Health in West Coast

The West Coast has a modern health infrastructure, including hospitals and medical clinics. However, visitors should be aware of the potential risks of outdoor activities, such as hypothermia and dehydration. You should also take specific precautions such as sunscreen and insect repellent.

Getting to West Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near West Coast

The main airport on the West Coast is the Hokitika Airport, and there are also regular flights to Christchurch and other major cities.

Bus Stations Near West Coast

Intercity and other bus companies run regular services between major cities in New Zealand and the West Coast.

Other Options

There are several car rental and taxi services available for visitors who want to explore the region at their own pace.

How to Get Around in West Coast

Driving is the easiest way to get around in West Coast, and visitors can rent cars from several car rental agencies in the area. There are also local taxis, shuttle buses, and bike rental shops for visitors who prefer other transportation options.

Where to Go Next from West Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The West Coast is the perfect starting point for several popular New Zealand destinations, such as Christchurch and Marlborough. Visit the idyllic town of Picton, enjoy a wine tasting in the Marlborough region, or enjoy whale watching off the coast of Kaikoura.

Conclusion

West Coast is a unique and adventurous destination that offers visitors of all ages and interests a variety of exciting activities and attractions. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can confidently plan your itinerary and look forward to an unforgettable trip to this beautiful region of New Zealand.

The isolated coast in stormy weather The isolated coast in stormy weather A weka, common on the West Coast. Not to be confused with a kiwi, which has a longer beak and no tail - but still a special native flightless bird unique to New Zealand. A weka, common on the West Coast. Not to be confused with a kiwi, which has a longer beak and no tail - but still a special native flightless bird unique to New Zealand.


    Charleston
    Franz Josef
    Karamea
    Paparoa National Park
    Ross
    Westport