Outdoors & Adventure

From heli-hiking in glacier country, to adventure caving, white water rafting and wildlife spotting, the wild West Coast is THE place for stepping off the beaten track and exploring the greatest of the outdoors.

For those who enjoy a gentler approach to wildlife spotting, an eco-tour such as paddle boarding up the Pororari River, or kayaking the beautiful Lake Mathieson or Okarito Lagoon is an absolute must-do.

And from multi-day hiking and bike trails to simple day walks and shorter rides, the West Coast is brimming with opportunities to explore the region’s natural beauty and history.

Monteith’s Brewery

Located in Greymouth, the iconic Monteith’s Brewery is the original home of craft brewing in New Zealand. Take the guided 45-mintue brewery experience tour to learn about craft beer and the brewing process. Pour your own beer from the tap and relax in their lively restaurant and enjoy something from their locally inspired menu.

Monteith’s Brewery

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Ross Historic Goldfields Walks

Discover old gold mining relics, unearth some local history and enjoy stunning 360 degree views on a number of walks that lead from Ross. Three tracks start from here: Ross Water Race Walkway - 1 hour, 1.6km loop; Ross Historic Cemetery - 20 minutes, 600m return; and Mount Greenland - a challenging 7 hours, 18km climb.

Ross Historic Goldfields Walks

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Hokitika beach

No trip to the Coast is complete without a stroll along Hokitika Beach. This wild and wonderful surf beach has amazing mountain views, magical sunsets and is ideal for stargazing. Pack a picnic and fossick for pounamu (jade), check out the driftwood sculptures and keep your eyes open for Little Blue Penguins.

Hokitika Beach

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Pancake Rocks

Be sure to stop in at the Pancake Rocks and blowholes in Punakaiki, for a closer look at these natural wonders, created by the forces of nature. This easy walk with interpretive panels is the ideal place to stretch the legs with incredible views over the Tasman Sea.

Pancake Rocks

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Lake Brunner Eco Lodge

Hidden on the southern shore of Lake Brunner on the West Coast of the South Island, surrounded by some of the oldest protected podocarp rainforest in the world, Lake Brunner Eco Lodge is a classic wilderness retreat. This is a great spot to base yourself when out enjoying the outdoors in this magnificent area.

Lake Brunner Eco Lodge

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Hokitika Scenic Tours

For Small, intimate and private tours of all the best spots on the West Coast, including Hokitika Gorge, Dorothy Falls and Hokitika Beach get in touch with Hokitika Scenic Tours. Their knowledgeable, local guides can create custom experiences, based on your interests, fitness level and availability.

Hokitika Scenic Tours

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Paparoa Track

The Paparoa Track is New Zealand’s 10th Great Walk. It travels through the spectacular limestone landscapes and luxuriant forests of Paparoa National Park, ideal for mountain biking and hiking. If you don’t have two-three days to do the whole track, check out the Pike 29 Memorial Track or the Pororari River Track for day excursions.

Paparoa Track

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Carew Falls

Pack a picnic and your camera for a short walk to the stunning waterfall at Carew Creek. The track starts beside the Lake Brunner-Kumara Road about 300m east of Lake Brunner Lodge. Immense water-shaped granite boulders are perfect seats for enjoying a view out over the western end of Lake Brunner from a height of more than 100m.

Carew Falls

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Learn more about West Coast

at the official tourism website

Visit West Coast

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Explore more of the Top of the South

Hurunui

From the rolling hills and wineries of Waiparato the rugged limestone cliffs along the east coast, the incredible vistas, relaxed vibe and warm Kiwi hospitality in Hurunui offers an opportunity to slowdown and make the most of your visit.

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Kaikoura

From the thrill of whale spotting by plane, trekking with llamas and visiting with seals, there are so many exciting opportunities to explore this unique area by land, sea or air. The waters in this part of the world are home to a vast array of marine mammals and birdlife which can be viewed from above and below the waves.

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Marlborough

Dreamy sunsets, calm reflections and star-filled nights - you couldn’t ask for a more inspiring backdrop to create un-filled holiday memories with your loved ones. Explore the four valleys that create Marlborough, meet the passionate people who live, work and play there and learn about their connection with the land.

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Nelson Tasman

Nelson Tasman has an incredible arts and events scene, an exciting and diverse range of food and beverage producers and an indelible connection with the outdoors. Along with a vibrant array of fresh produce and artisan products, boutique wineries, craft breweries and award winning cider makers can all be found in this part of the world.

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