The West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island offers rugged landscapes, dramatic scenery, and limitless adventure. Whether you’re stopping off along the Great Coast Road between Westport and Greymouth, or venturing further south, there’s no shortage of opportunity to connect with something special. Whether you enjoy appreciating New Zealand’s beauty from a distance, or from deep underground, the West Coast is packed with must-visit spots. Check out this list of the best places to visit on the West Coast to get inspired for your next trip!
1. Greymouth
The largest town in the West Coast region, Greymouth hosts a range of historical, cultural, and gastronomical attractions. For the history buffs, the Shanty Town Heritage Park provides a view into the pioneering past of the region. Once the site of a Moāri Pa (fortified village), there are many local galleries specializing in pounamu, or New Zealand jade. If you’re less about the past and more about the pale ales, then the legendary Monteith’s Brewery has you sorted for food, beer tastings, and even brewery tours!
2. Punakaiki / Pancake Rock
Along one of the most scenic stretches of the Great Coast Road rests Punakaiki, one of the best places to stop on the West Coast. Here can be found Pancake Rock, a unique formation created by 30 million years of seaside erosion. Pancake Rock got its name from the formation’s uncanny resemblance to hundreds of stacks of pancakes. If that wasn’t cool enough, there are even blowholes which are particularly spectacular when the tide is high. If you want to spend a few days soaking up the scenery, there are self-contained, B&B, and camping options here.
3. Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier
There aren’t many places in the world where you come across a glacier surrounded by temperate rainforest. That’s what makes Fox Glacier so special. The best way to see the glacier is by ice-climbing over it, which can be arranged by booking a tour with guides like Fox Glacier Guiding. They even drop you off by helicopter! A little further north, there’s another famous frozen landmark, the Franz Josef Glacier, also reachable for a heli-hike tour. Located near the southernmost end of the West Coast region, it makes for a dramatic end to a West Coast road trip.
4. Hokitika
Once established as a gold mining town, Hokitika is now a top spot to visit on the West Coast. The area is probably most famous for the Hokitika Gorge, which boasts a river with opaque turquoise water to rival the Canadian Rockies. The area is also renowned for its New Zealand greenstone, or pounamu, and Hokitika’s local boutiques offer many opportunities to pick something up to remember it by. There are accommodation options for all budgets, so no matter your price range, you’ll be able to turn a trip to Hokitika into a getaway.
5. Westport
At the northernmost end of the Great Coast Road, is the town of Westport. This area is littered with excellent outdoor fun such as surfing spots like Tauranga Bay, and the gorgeous Kahurangi National Park. Without a doubt, one of the best West Coast activities an adventurer can do in the region is the Charlestown’s black water rafting experience, with Underworld Adventures. The tour takes its participants deep through glow worm caves, in parts floating in complete darkness on inflatable tubes.
6. Haast
At the very bottom of the West Coast region is Haast. If what you want from the West Coast is unbridled, rugged New Zealand coast, then Haast will be your heaven. One of the best West Coast holiday spots for the outdoors-lover, Haast offers tourist-free beaches, and the opportunity to spot Fiordland crested penguins and Hector’s dolphins. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out Jackson Bay too!
