About West Coast
Sandwiched between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea, the West Coast (Te Tai Poutini) is New Zealand at its rawest — 600 kilometres of empty beaches, dense temperate rainforest, glow-worm caves and two of the world's most accessible glaciers.
The Coast is sparsely populated and proudly distinct, with a frontier history of gold rushes, greenstone (pounamu) and coal. For groups, it delivers some of the country's most cinematic scenery and a refreshingly different pace from the busier east-coast trail.
What to See
Highlights
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes
Layered limestone stacks and dramatic blowholes carved by 30 million years of Tasman Sea swell.
Franz Josef Glacier
A 12km river of blue ice descending from the Southern Alps to within 250m of sea level.
Fox Glacier & Lake Matheson
Franz Josef's quieter twin, paired with the famous mirror reflections of Lake Matheson.
Hokitika & Greenstone Country
The vivid turquoise Hokitika Gorge, Māori greenstone (pounamu) carving and a charming gold-rush town.
For Your Group
Signature Experiences
- Heli-hike on Franz Josef or Fox Glacier
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowhole walk
- Lake Matheson sunrise reflection walk
- Pounamu carving demonstration in Hokitika
- TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps to/from Christchurch
When to Visit
October to April delivers the best chance of clear flying weather for glacier heli-hikes; the rainforest is lush year-round.
Plan a Tour to West CoastKeep Exploring
Other Regions in New Zealand
Bay of Islands
144 subtropical islands at the birthplace of modern New Zealand
Rotorua & Taupō
Geothermal wonders and the heart of Māori culture
Queenstown & Wānaka
The adventure capital of the world
Mount Cook & Fiordland
Snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes and the eighth wonder of the world
Canterbury & Kaikōura
Garden city, French village and the world's best whale-watching coast