Things You Can’t Miss Along the Wild West Coast!
The long stretching region of the West Coast on the South Island is as rugged as it gets! In fact, Kiwis are more accustomed to calling it the “Wild West Coast”.
It is an almost deserted area, as the biggest town is Greymouth with a population of only 31,000. Clearly, this is a place where nature takes control, which is evident is some amazing natural features, such as the Pancake Rocks, the Blue Pools of Haast, and the glaciers.
With an abundance of New Zealand jade, you are never too far from the jade souvenirs and even do-it-yourself workshops. All in all, any adventurous and curious traveller will not get bored in the West Coast of New Zealand!
With all that in mind, here are some absolute West Coast must-dos!
Table of Contents
1. Witness History Being Made
Explore one of the two most accessible glaciers in the world, the Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier. Retreating at the moment, the two glaciers are living proof of our impact on our fragile climate.
Learn more about experiencing the glaciers at 5 Ways to Take on New Zealand’s Glaciers or book straight onto the “Fox Glacier Heli-hike Tour” with Franz Josef Glacier Guides.
Location: Franz Josef and Fox Glacier
2. Be Part of a Close Encounter
The West Coast of New Zealand harbours three wildlife centres, offering unique opportunities to meet some of the country’s iconic creatures.
In Hokitika, the family-friendly National Kiwi Centre lets you explore a dimly lit nocturnal house that mimics a kiwi’s nighttime world. Here, you can get up close with North Island brown kiwi, guided by passionate wildlife keepers. The centre also features interactive displays showcasing tuatara, giant freshwater eels, crayfish and whitebait.
Further south in Franz Josef, the West Coast Wildlife Centre is both a conservation powerhouse and a must-visit attraction. This bright green building is the hub of the “Operation Nest Egg” program, home to the rare rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi.
For a glimpse of elegance in the wild, take an eco-tour from Okarito with Glacier Valley Eco Tours, where you may spot the famous white heron (kōtuku) colony from a hidden bird hide.
Location: Franz Josef, Hokitika and Okarito.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Pace Yourself and Enjoy the Journey
The Great Coast Road that links Westport and Greymouth has been described as one of the “Top 10 Coastal Drives in the World”, that’s got to be worth something, right?
What you see in 90 minutes can easily stretch into a full day if you take time to soak it in. This 100 km (62 mi) stretch of SH 6 hugs the Tasman Sea on one side and dense, forested cliffs on the other, with each turn revealing new drama.
Expect spontaneous detours to seaside spots like Nine-Mile Beach or Seventeen-Mile Beach, or walk the Cape Foulwind cliffs to catch New Zealand’s largest fur seal colony.
Sneak into Punakaiki for the Pancake Rocks, or plunge into lush rainforest along the Truman Track with waterfalls, nikau palms and ocean views. Seriously, slow down and make the journey itself the destination.
Location: State Highway 6, between Westport and Greymouth.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. See it for Yourself!
The Ōpārara Basin in Karamea hides a jaw-dropping secret: one of the largest limestone arches in the Southern Hemisphere!
This mesmerising natural wonder, known as the Ōpārara Arch, stretches an impressive 219 m (720 ft) long, 79 m (259 ft) wide and soars 43 m (141 ft) high. We admire this off-the-beaten-path gem nestled deep within Kahurangi National Park.
Getting there is part of the adventure. From Karamea, it’s a 10 km (6 mi) drive on sealed roads followed by about 14 km (8.7 mi) on a gravel road (4WD not essential, but campervans best avoid it).
The trail itself is an easy 2 km (1 mi) return walk through lush beech and podocarp forest, following the tannin-stained Ōpārara River to a viewpoint inside the arch—an experience that’s part fairy-tale, part natural cathedral.
Location: Ōpārara Basin, Kahurangi National Park. Approximately 24 km (15 mi) from Karamea.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Embark on a World-class Train Journey
The TranzAlpine train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch is truly one of the world’s greatest rail experiences.
On this epic 223 km (139 mi), nearly 5-hour adventure, you’ll glide across the sprawling Canterbury Plains, climb into the dramatic Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass, and descend through dense beech rainforest to the wild West Coast.
Expect jaw-dropping views of braided rivers, towering viaducts (like the Staircase Viaduct), and deep gorges.
The carriages are built for sightseeing, with panoramic windows, an open-air viewing carriage, and GPS-triggered commentary. For an extra treat, book the “Scenic Plus” experience and enjoy regional fare served at your seat.
Location: Greymouth, Arthur’s Pass, Christchurch.
© Great Journeys New Zealand6. Immerse in the Mining History
The west coast of New Zealand has a rich mining history. Around the Denniston Plateau, you’ll find breathtaking scenic views of mining areas along with dark but accessible coal mines.
Once New Zealand’s biggest coal producer, Denniston is now a time capsule of grit, engineering and community spirit.
The infamous Denniston Incline, a gravity-powered railway dropping coal 548 m (1,798 ft) over just 1.6 km (1 mi), was dubbed the “eighth wonder of the world” by locals.
Today, you can explore mining relics, peek into the old schoolhouse museum, or tackle mountain bike trails graded from easy to advanced. We love strolling the Brakehead loop for sweeping views back toward Westport and the Tasman Sea.
Location: Denniston, 18 km (11 mi) northeast of Westport.
© Clint Trahan - westcoast.co.nz7. Make Your Own Souvenir
New Zealand’s jade, called pounamu, is plentiful near Hokitika where you can learn to carve your own unique souvenir.
At Bonz ’n’ Stonz, you’ll be guided by local carvers through the entire process, from choosing your stone to grinding, shaping, and polishing it into a pendant you can wear.
Along the way, you’ll also learn about the cultural significance of pounamu in Māori tradition, where each piece carries mana and meaning.
This isn’t just a souvenir, it’s something you’ve created with your own hands, a personal story you’ll take home and treasure forever.
Learn more in our 5 Hokitika Must-Dos.
Location: Bonz ‘n’ Stonz – 16 Weld Street, Hokitika.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Take Snaps of the Pancake Rocks
You cannot drive along the West Coast of New Zealand without stopping by Punakaiki nestled in the Paparoa National Park. Its most famous attraction is the pancake stack-like limestone formation and powerful blowholes.
We love the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Walk, an easy 20-minute loop track suitable for all ages. The well-placed viewing platforms offer perfect shots of this natural spectacle, where layered limestone formations resemble giant stacks of pancakes.
Formed over millions of years, these rocks put on a thunderous show at high tide when water surges through hidden caverns and explodes skyward from the blowholes.
Location: Punakaiki, Paparoa National Park. About 44 km (27 mi) north of Greymouth.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Delve into the Bluest Pools
One of the most popular stops on the Haast Highway (State Highway 6) is the Blue Pools walking track. This 15-minute walk leads you to a turquoise river so vividly blue it looks unreal.
The crystal-clear pools of glacier-fed water are a photographer’s dream, reflecting a striking blue hue due to suspended glacial particles.
Two swing bridges offer spectacular views, making it one of the most iconic stops in Mount Aspiring National Park.
While swimming is allowed, be prepared for icy temperatures year-round. The track is flat and easy, accessible for most visitors, and the reward at the end feels straight out of a postcard.
Location: Haast Pass
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Check Out New Zealand’s Most Reflective Lake
Lake Matheson reflects a picture-perfect view of the Southern Alps on a clear day. Just outside Fox Glacier township, this world-famous lake is known for its near-perfect reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.
The Lake Matheson Loop Walk (1 hr 30 mins) takes you through lush native bush to several viewing platforms, including the iconic “View of Views”.
For the best reflections, visit at sunrise or sunset when the light is soft and the water is calm. It’s one of the many great things to do in Fox Glacier.
Location: Fox Glacier township. The lake is about 5 km (3 mi) from the town centre.
© BareKiwi - westcoast.co.nzMore Must-Dos on the West Coast
That’s it for our guide to West Coast must-dos; for more information about this stunning region, check out the following articles:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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