Walking Must-Do's of West Coast

• Ōkārito Lagoon is a beautiful body of water perfect for swimming, kayaking and boat trips.

• Lake Brunner is ideal for jet boating, paddling and fishing for brown trout, of which there is an abundant supply.

• Tauranga Bay Seal Colony is one of New Zealand’s most accessible. Watching the hilarious seal antics is highly addictive.

• Walk or zipline across the 100m Buller Gorge Swingbridge, the longest in the country.

• Shantytown Heritage Park is a full replica of an 1860 gold town with over 30 explorable buildings.

• In Hokitika, climb amidst rainforest giants at the West Coast Treetop Walkway. Steel platforms weave through the trees, culminating in a spiral tower.

• Hokitika makes a great base for both the impossibly blue Hokitika Gorge and the twinkly Glow Worm Dell.

• Admire what nature can create over 35 million years at Oparara Basin.

• Explore world-famous Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, as well as Lake Matheson for its perfect reflection of Aoraki Mt Cook.

• Haast region is composed of several townships including historic Reefton with its original 1900s streetlamps.

• Arthur's Pass is hugely impressive.

WALKS

1. OPARARA ARCH WALK

2. CHARMING CREEK WALKWAY

3. CAPE FOULWIND WALKWAY

4. TRUMAN TRACK

5. PAPAROA TRACK & PIKE29 MEMORIAL TRACK

6. HOKITIKA GORGE WALK

7. FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER WALKWAY

8. LAKE MATHESON WALK

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

Main Image: Fox Glacier guided tour © Getty Images