Hidden gems on the West Coast

Look up the word ‘wild’ and by all accounts there should be an image of the West Coast. Mother Nature’s kingdom is fully intact here. Rainforest, lakes, rivers, wildlife and glaciers: if the world was left virtually untouched by mankind, it’d look just like this.

The West Coast is wild, unpredictable, unspoilt and staggeringly beautiful. It has more than 600km of rugged coastline, and as the most sparsely populated area in New Zealand, allows visitors the chance to find space far from the crowds.

Running in a strip down the western edge of the South Island, the area is a natural and mostly unclaimed wilderness. You can hike through lush rainforests, see glaciers, dip your toes in ice-cold, crystal clear rivers, fossick for gold on rocky desolate beaches and enjoy stunning views from the top of ragged peaks.

Tramping near Haast © West Coast Tourism

The past is never far away from daily life on the Coast. The ribbon of intriguing SH 6, which runs the length of the region, has been the main coast route from the time Māoripounamu collectors criss-crossed the region.

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• Waiatoto River Safari – New Zealand’s only jet-boat tour spends two hours exploring the wild rivers and rainforests just outside of Haast.

• Cape Foulwind, Westport – explore the coastline and safely watch a large fur seal colony.

• Maruia Hot Springs – located in the Lewis Pass national reserve, relax in natural mineral hot springs. Sit outdoors and absorb the mountain scenery.

• West Coast Treetops Walk, Hokitika – stroll amongst ancient rainforest trees on a 20m-high steel platform.

The Bearded Miners hut, Reefton © West Coast Tourism

Main Image: Maruia Hot Springs © West Coast Tourism

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz