In West Coast Glacier Country, you can see glaciers reaching down into temperate rainforest. According to the regional tourism description, this combination is possible in only one of two places in the world. The West Coast is also the western gateway to the Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.
Rainforest, Karst and Alpine Landscapes
The Paparoa Track crosses alpine summits, limestone karst landscapes and lush rainforests. This spectacular multi-day hiking route runs through remote alpine and coastal wilderness. It is one of New Zealand’s ten Great Walks and one of two Great Walks associated with the West Coast.
The Lake Matheson Walk offers a different natural attraction: it leads through lush rainforest to Lake Matheson, known for its reflections of New Zealand’s highest mountains. While the Paparoa Track showcases several types of landscape along a multi-day route, the forest path and reflections on the lake define the Lake Matheson experience.
Ōkārito Lagoon is a significant, unmodified wetland. More than 76 native bird species visit the lagoon. Rainforests, alpine landscapes and wetlands are all among the natural features to discover on the West Coast.
The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes reveal another side of the landscape. The 20-minute loop leads to limestone formations that are around 30 million years old; the blowholes are especially impressive at high tide. The Lake Matheson Circuit is also a loop: it is 4.4 km long and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to walk. In terms of walking time, this is a longer stretch than the 20-minute Pancake Rocks loop.
Walking and Cycling Experiences
The West Coast Wilderness Trail is divided into four sections of around 30 km each, between Greymouth and Ross. It is also suitable for people with little or no cycling experience. The information about the number and length of sections gives a clear idea of how this cycling route is laid out, without equating it with the shorter walking loops.
Another way to experience the landscape is to take a heli-hike on the Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier. Operators fly visitors by helicopter to both glaciers. So alongside multi-day hikes and a cycling route divided into sections, the itinerary can also include guided helicopter tours.
Mining Heritage and Regional Specialties
Mining history is also part of the West Coast. The preserved machinery remains at Denniston tell the story of historic mining there. Brunner Industrial Site is regarded as an outstanding coal-mining heritage site on the West Coast. Together, the two sites represent different aspects of this heritage: preserved machinery remains at Denniston and Brunner’s recognition as a significant coal-mining site.
The Wildfoods Festival is held annually in Hokitika. Visitors can sample a wide selection of native natural products and unusual specialties there. If you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the dates for the year you plan to visit.
Getting Around the West Coast
For regional road directions, the Great Coast Road runs along the West Coast between Westport and Greymouth. These two place names mark the endpoints of the route described. Together with the variety of walking, cycling and cultural experiences, this gives a picture of a region to explore through its landscapes, routes and history.
Discover more destinations: Greymouth, Buller District, Westland District, Grey District, Karamea, Reefton, Kumara, Seddonville, Denniston, Karangarua.
For an overview of destinations across the country: New Zealand.
