West Coast- 5 TOP Road Trips

You’ll feel as though you have fallen into another realm with rainforests, coastline, glaciers, rivers, lakes, and wildlife. The West Coast’s wild and rugged landscapes convey the feeling of a land that time forgot, untouched by mankind.

1. Westport to Karamea via SH 67 & Karamea Hwy 1hr 29min, 95.7km (side trips to Buller Gorge Swingbridge & Oparara Basin)

2. Westport to Greymouth via SH 6 1hr 26min, 101km (side trips to Moana/Lake Brunner & Reefton)

3. Greymouth to Hokitika via SH 6 32min, 39.4km (side trip to Kumara & then Jacksons)

4. Hokitika to Fox Glacier via SH 6, 2hr 6min, 157km

5. Fox Glacier to Haast to Wanaka via SH 6 & Haast Pass, 3hr 22min, 263km (side trip to Jackson Bay)

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.

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 Māori pounamu collectors criss-crossed the region.

West Coast beach sunrise © Adobe Stock

NEW to do

• Fox Glacier Valley Tour – Hop on your e-bike and sail through ancient rainforest. Then on to hiking a secret track, the perfect chance to grab stunning photos of the Fox Glacier. These guided tours share the local natural history and fascinating stories of past explorers.

• Mt Fox Day Hike – One for the fit, the 1100m climb over steep and rugged terrain will have you summiting Mt Fox for amazing 360° views.

• Early Morning Charters at Ōkārito – Catch the earliest chink of sunlight as it bursts through the horizon to fill the morning sky with just you and your boat buddies. Perfect for photography enthusiasts or those wishing to soak up the tranquil, untouched atmosphere of this unique and inspiring landscape.

• Ross to Rainforest Rumble Cycle Tour – After a short shuttle ride to Ross, explore the gold-mining history before climbing on the bike for a peaceful ride to West Coast Treetop Walk & Café for lunch. The afternoon takes you through wetlands, native forest, and an old mill site with cracking views of Lake Mahinapua.

• Dual Zipline at West Coast Treetop Walk & Café – Soar through giant rimu trees as you race your mate on the exhilarating 500m dual zipline. Opening summer 2022.

Ōkārito Lagoon © Adobe Stock

Paparoa Track © Adobe Stock

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