WEST COAST - South Island, New Zealand

The West Coast is a narrow, rugged and surf battered stretch of coastline. It is a wild and untamed place known for rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures where people are few.

No wider than 70 kilometers at any point, the West Coast sits between the formidable peaks of the Southern Alps and the unruly Tasman Sea. This region is home to five National Parks with scenic highlights that include New Zealand's highest mountains, longest caves and its most famous glaciers.

The three largest towns on the West Coast are the harbour town of Westport and the former ports of Greymouth and Hokitika. But the true spirit of the West Coast lies in the smaller places such as Karamea (on the southern limit of the Kahurangi National Park) and Fox and Franz Villages at the foot of the Fox and Franz Glaciers.

With the exception of a couple of decent museums and a handful of sights, the West Coast's appeal is in its scenic beauty. The Oparara Basin, near Karamea and the Paparoa National Park, south of Westport, display some of the country's finest limestone formations, including huge arched spans and the famous Pancake Rocks.

There is no lack of activities, including rafting trips, caving and hiking and many walks.

During summer (December to February) the coast roads flood with campervans, but from May to September days can be warm and clear with views of snowy peaks, fewer clouds and cheaper accommodation. At around 5 metres annually, the coast has serious rainfall which periodically pours down with tropical intensity.

West Coast Transportation

The easiest way to see the West Coast is with your own car, or cycling is relatively easy.

Public transport is limited to a train service that goes as far as Greymouth (which includes the TranzAlpine Express which runs daily from Christchurch to Greymouth) and a bus service that will take you to the major towns (but will not get you to any of the major walks).

By air you can get to the West Coast at Westport and Hokitika Airport serviced by Air New Zealand Link, and Greymouth Airport serviced by West Coast Air which provides direct links to Christchurch or Wellington. The nearest international airport is Christchurch International Airport.

By road, Greymouth is 3 hours and 40 minutes from Christchurch. The West Coast is also accessible from Nelson to the north and Central Otago to the south.

Fox and Franz Glacier

One of the biggest draw cards to the West Coast is the massive icy fracturing of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Located down through in Westland National Park and only 25 kilometres from each other, these giant frozen masses of ice grind rain forest to just 300 meters (984 ft) above sea level.

Fox and Franz Glacier - More Information

Hokitika

Hokitika is 40 kilometres south of Greymouth and was a booming port during the 1860's goldrush. Nowadays it is a centre for greenstone with a plethora of arts and craft shops. It offers some of the best eating on the coast with some great walks and a close by beach.

Hokitika - More Information

Greymouth

Greymouth is the West Coast's largest centre with a history deep in gold mining. It sits at the mouth of the Grey River.

Greymouth - More Information

Westport

A port town where the Buller River meets the Tasman Sea, Westport is an excellent base for exploration of the upper West Coast namely the Buller Gorge and Charleston Ranges, plus a logical stopover on the way to Karamea, and there is a seal colony west of town.

Westport - More Information

West Coast Accommodation

West Coast Activities