Where is the West Coast?
New Zealand's West Coast region sits between the foothills of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea midway along the South Island.
Relentlessly carved and sculpted by the elements, this wildest of coastlines is renowned for its geological splendour. A place where precious gemstones and minerals are forged deep underground from colliding tectonic plates. A land shaped by icy glaciers that descend from the mountains, grinding vast valleys into the rock.
This is a world where the power and grandeur of nature is on show—and it is an awesome show.
Our Precious West Coast
Rich in minerals and natural resources, including gemstones, coal, gold, and oil, the West Coast has attracted settlers and fortune seekers since the 10th century, beginning with a Polynesian explorer named Kahue who discovered pounamu here (jade).
Pounamu remains hugely important to the West Coast because it is the only region where it can be found. And if you are looking for an authentic Māori carving, or wish to try carving your own, then this is the place to come.
At the other end of the scale, the search for gold and oil flopped dramatically, with prospectors finding nothing more than poverty. Many buildings and mines from the gold rush have been restored as museums to tell their story.
Top places to visit on the West Coast
From quaint little towns to vibrant coastal hotspots, the West Coast region features some of the best places to visit in New Zealand
Things to do on the West Coast
With so much stunning scenery and extraordinary geology, it's no surprise that nature gets top billing. From glaciers and rainforests to gold and greenstone, there is plenty to entertain you on the West Coast.
Top 10 West Coast attractions
If you want to see the best of the West Coast without spending months in the wilderness, we recommend the following top West Coast activities:
Glacier Country
New Zealand's West Coast glaciers provide a unique ecosystem that has supported life on the West Coast since the last ice age.
The glacial environment is uniquely accessible on the West Coast because Fox and Franz Joseph glaciers descend into the temperate rainforest. This means you can walk from your hotel to the face of a glacier without even a pair of hiking boots.
However, to explore the unique glacier environment, with its crevasses, ice caves, and seracs, you need to take a guided tour or Heli-tour.
Rich rainforests
New Zealand's West Coast region provides the perfect climate for lush evergreen rainforest to flourish.
Stretching from Kahurangi National Park in the north to Tai Poutini National Park in the south, there are plenty of opportunities to discover the unique birdlife, flora, and aromas of the rainforest. And you don't have to go far. A simple hour-long walk on a well-maintained trail will take you deep into thick jungle-like forest, a world away from civilisation. And for a truly immersive rainforest experience, sleep amidst the trees at Te Waonui Forest Retreat.
West Coast Short Breaks
Escape by rail and discover the stunning West Coast aboard the TranzAlpine train with these short breaks and packages:
West Coast Rail Tours
Discover more on a West Coast tour, where we will show you the best of this spectacular region on a scenic guided rail tour starting nationwide:
West Coast Accommodation
With immaculate beachside apartments, luxurious rainforest retreats, and rustic lakeside lodgings to choose from, you won't struggle to find your perfect West Coast accommodation.
But with each town having its own unique style, you might find it best to plan your West Coast itinerary around the style of accommodation you are looking for and then plan your daytime activities accordingly.
Top 5 West Coast Hotels
From beach front boutiques to rainforest retreats, these are the five best hotels on the West Coast:
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Find out more about the West Coast and everything it has to offer by reading our blogs: