Best Things To Do On New Zealand’s West Coast
The Wild West Coast of New Zealand is one of the best places to visit in the South Island. A rugged 600km stretch of coastline offering sights of beaches, caves, waterfalls, lakes and glaciers. Diverse landscapes all in such a small area. And the sunsets….ooooh the sunsets on the coast are truly something special. So what are the best attractions on the West Coast? We’ll give you a list of our top 18 favourite things to do and what we think should be on your radar when you visit.
I will also quickly mention a little something about the weather. If you’re not from New Zealand then you aren’t aware of how much rain the West Coast gets. When it rains it pours! So make sure you’re checking weather apps before your trip and try and time it when there looks to be a couple of clear days in a row, as hard as that may be. A little tip - we’ve found the winter season on the west to be the best!
We haven’t made it as far as Karamea as yet, but have heard great things. If you have at least 3 or 4 days to travel the coast we’d recommend popping up to the Oparara Basin Arches to start the trip, then work your way south to the bottom where the coast meets the Haast pass.
The Drive to Westport
It may seem a little cheeky adding the drive as an activity, however the stretch of coastline from Greymouth up to Westport is absolutely stunning and deserves to be mentioned on it’s own. Driving along as the sun is setting, watching the sea mist float across the road is such a peaceful sight to see. Take your time and enjoy the drive.
Punakaiki Rocks
The Punakaiki Rocks are definitely one of the major attractions along the West Coast. A super unique natural wonder where layers of water sculpted limestone resemble stacks of pancakes. I remember as a kid visiting this spot and being terrified of the sea bursting through the blowholes as it was so powerful. Now, it’s definitely a highlight of the attraction. These are best viewed at high tide so make sure you’re checking the tides before your visit to time it right.
As far as the walk goes it’s a super easy (wheel-chair accessible) 20 minute loop walk. Although allow an hour so you get the time to really enjoy and take it all in. The walk is a really cool one as part of it is actually stairs cut into the rock faces and you’ll also cross a natural limestone bridge which is great for photo opportunities! We highly recommend visiting for a sunset. The sun setting into the ocean as a backdrop for the Pancake Rocks is the perfect place to get some beautiful landscape photos.
Motukiekie Beach
Motukiekie Beach is most well known for being able to see masses of bright orange starfish during low tide, a spectacle we have yet to witness. The beach is full of reflective rock pools and some incredible sea stacked rock formations. A photographers dream location and a nice place for anyone to stop and take a beach stroll while enjoying the unique views. A quick side note that you cannot walk on the beach during high tide as it completely disappears underwater. Make sure to time your visit correctly. You don’t want to get caught out.
Monteiths Brewery
If you love a good brew, a trip to the West Coast isn’t complete until you’ve visited the Monteiths Brewery in Greymouth. A beautiful building with plenty of pozzies to park up for a couple of beer tastings.
Lake Kaniere
Lake Kaniere is located just out of Hokitika (about 20 mins) and doubles as an attraction and accommodation! There is a DOC run campsite with spots for $15 a night per person. The end of the jetty is a beautiful spot to watch the sunrise or sunset and is worth a stop on your West Coast road trip. Check out some of our other favourite lakeside camp spots here
Hokitika Beach
Hokitika is hands down our favourite little town on the West Coast. We love it so much in fact that we plan on buying a piece of land over there within the next few years. The surf is amazing, the people are quirky and friendly and you’ve got the most beautiful views of the Southern Alps. A lot of travellers like to visit Hokitika to get a photo with the famous sign made out of driftwood. Why not grab some fush n chips from the locals and take em onto the beach for an evening watching the sunset.
Hokitika Gorge
Definitely another highlight and reason for travelling to the West Coast is the Hokitika Gorge. Located 30 minutes out of Hokitika this is one you don’t want to leave off your list! On a beautiful sunny day you’ll be rewarded to stunning teal coloured water and on a cloudy day a more milkier shade of blue. The contrast of the blue against the white rock is stunning. The walk is an easy 30 minute return stroll. Although allow yourself an hour as you’ll want to stop for photos and maybe even a swim at the end.
Dorothy Falls
If you’re at Lake Kaniere, the Dorothy Falls are only another 4 or 5kms down the road that is next to the lake. Keep heading on the road past the lake and you’ll come across a little bridge and a small carpark on your left where you’ll see the Dorothy Falls. This particular road between Lake Kaniere and Dorothy Falls (landslide prone area) isn’t always open but if it is make sure you go for a visit! Alternatively you can come from around the back (if you’re driving from the Hokitika Gorge to Lake Kaniere) it’ll just take a little longer.
Lake Mapourika
A beautiful lake on the side of the road well worth the stop and one of the best things to do in Franz Josef. We visited here during the spring, it wasn’t a super warm day but we needed a swim and a freshen up. So we decided to jump straight off the jetty as we find that so much easier than slowly easing ourselves into cold waters. When jumping in I got the biggest shock and it wasn’t from the cold water…now hear me out for a second. You know in the middle of the night when you go to grab a drink from the fridge half asleep? You go to grab the carton of orange juice but blindly grab the milk instead and take a swig only to get the shock of your life. That is how it felt jumping into this lake expecting it to be freezing and instead finding it to be like a nice warm bath.
“Being surrounded by such dense rain-forest, Lake Mapourika has black water. This black water is caused by the tannin’s from the surrounding rain-forest dyeing the water. The black water heats up quickly in the sun and is often a balmy 20 degrees Celsius in temperate.”
An unnecessary spiel that hopefully encourages you guys to visit and go for a swim!
Lake Ianthe
Another beautiful road side lake worth a stop. Lake Ianthe offers some beautiful reflections. If you’re lucky enough to visit after heavy rainfall (not a hard achievement on the West Coast) then the jetty may even be under water creating some really cool photo opportunities. This would be the perfect place to stop off for a snack and a stretch of the legs on your road trip.
Lake Matheson
Lake Matheson should be a big reason for visiting the West Coast. Absolutely stunning views of New Zealand’s tallest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook on a clear day. If you’re wanting more information on this place make sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Lake Matheson.
Gillispie Beach
A spectacular spot to watch the sun go down, as well as a great place to stay the night. If you’re travelling in a campervan you have the option to stay for $8 per person in the DOC camp.
Fox Glacier Walk
The Fox Glacier walk takes you to a viewing platform where you can get a better view of the glacier. The walk is easy and accessible for all levels of fitness. Allow yourself 1 hour return to complete the walk. Add an extra 20 minutes if you decide to take the Moraine Walk detour which you will come across halfway through the track. We recommend walking to the glacier and doing the Moraine Loop Walk on your way back. It starts on the Fox Glacier track and loops around to the same spot that it starts. This was actually our favourite part of the walk as it felt like such a magical fantasy land.
Franz Josef Glacier Walk
The Franz Josef Walk is 250 metres above sea level so is a easy accessible walk for all levels. The walk is an hour and a half return and takes you through riverbed before a small incline up to the viewing platform in front of the glaciers face. We thoroughly enjoyed this walk and multiple times said we felt like it was something out of Jurassic Park with the harsh cliff faces towering above and cascading waterfalls everywhere you looked! This will no doubt be the spot where you’ll get to see some of our cheeky keas playing around too!
Okarito
As you’re heading south from Franz Josef you’ll come across a sign on your right to turn off to Okarito. This little town is slightly out of the way but is absolutely gorgeous! If you have the time it’s well worth coming for a look. There are such stunning views of the mountains from the beach side as well as a really nice lagoon perfect for cruising along in a kayak. Pop in for a little look around or stay the night at the campground or one of the many cribs they have on Air BnB. To remember the name of this place we just needed to remind each other of the phrase “open my packet of Doritos”. Open - ‘Oka’ Doritos - ‘rito’. I dunno, maybe it will help you too HAHA!
Blue Pools
The Blue Pools are part of the Makarora River that runs down from the nearby mountains in Mount Aspiring National Park. Beautiful! But in our opinion, slightly overrated. Definitely add them to your West Coast road trip however, I wouldn’t be coming West just for this track as there are so many quieter spots along the coast to view clear blue water. The walk itself is flat and easy and will take you less than an hour return. Just a heads up this is the worst place in the WORLD for sandflies so prepare accordingly.
Fantail Falls
This is a beautiful and easily accessible waterfall, which drops into the crystal clear Haast River. Only a 10 minute return walk you might as well go for a look. If you’re comfortable and careful with river crossings, enjoy an even better view from the base.
Thunder Creek Falls
An epic waterfall just off the highway! Walk a couple of minutes and there you are! A must stop because well, why the hell not?
Wilsons Creek Chasm
Wilsons Creek Chasm is one of those places that makes you feel as if you’re in another world. It’s absolutely magical. It’s a little hidden gem right off the side of the road. Sharing the name and location of this place has become extremely unpopular with many on Instagram attacking those for sharing where it is. I personally think it would be a real shame to keep this all to myself, especially knowing how much joy it’s brought me being able to witness such beauty. Why not give others the chance? Anyway to prevent attacks my way, I’m not going to tell you how to get there however, Google will! Just look up a guide to Wilsons Creek or where is Wilsons Creek?!
It’s true what they say….West is the BEST! I hope this has given you a few ideas to throw into your road trip around the West Coast or just New Zealand in general. Enjoy your time, pack insect repellant and a rain jacket and as always…
Toitu Te Whenua // Leave The Land Undisturbed
Before you go…
Need some more ideas on where to visit in the South Island? Check out these blogs: