11 best things to do in West Coast New Zealand – South Island road trip itinerary
If you’re looking for the best things to do in West Coast New Zealand, I’m here to share my West Coast South Island road trip itinerary. From the best stops and West Coast attractions to tips for making the most of your time exploring this stunning region – I’ve got you covered!
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I made the journey towards West Coast New Zealand during my South Island road trip, but I sure was excited. NZ locals had frequently told me it was one of their favourite regions of New Zealand, one of the most beautiful and rugged and wild. Oh gosh, I could not WAIT to see it for myself!
If you’re planning a trip to South Island West Coast, there’s much to look forward to. Here, you’ll find some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery, from endless coastlines and lush rainforest to snow-capped mountains and two of NZ’s most famous glacious.
There genuinely are endless things to do on the West Coast, and I’m sure you’ll have an incredible trip.
Best things to do in West Coast New Zealand
Read on for my suggested West coast NZ road trip itinerary, including my picks for amazing things to do on the West Coast.
This list goes from NORTH TO SOUTH down the South Island. So you can easily pick which stops you want to add to your itinerary or pin them to your map.
1. Kahurangi National Park
Kahurangi National Park is a stunning wilderness area in the Northwest corner of the West Coast South Island. The region is known for its rugged landscapes, native plants and animals, exciting cave systems, and gorgeous walks.
It’s an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering various exciting activities in a beautiful and wild setting.
Things to do in Kahurangi National Park NZ include:
Hike the Heaphy Track
One of the most famous things to do on the upper West Coast of New Zealand is to hike the Heaphy Track. Dubbed one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the well-maintained 78.4km track winds through lush forests, suspension bridges, and alpine tussocks. It’s by no means the hardest of NZ’s Great Walks, but it is the longest.
Explore the cave trails.
Kahurangi National Park has an extensive cave network, including the fascinating Honeycomb Hill Cave, usually explored on a guided tour. In addition, Oparara, an official West Coast of New Zealand tour company, offers guided bush walks and cave tours throughout the park.
The Oparara River has carved tunnels and arches through the limestone, creating the Operara Basic Arches, which are well worth exploring while on the West Coast of the South Island.
Karamea and Denniston
While in the area, you can also visit the historic mining towns of Karamea and Denniston, where you can learn about the regional history of gold and coal mining and see the remains of the mining operations.
Karamea is the most Northern settlement on the West Coast, with the first European and Chinese gold miners settling here in the 1870s.
2. Paparoa National Park
I’m so glad I visited Paparoa National Park on my South Island West Coast road trip!
Seeing the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in West Coast New Zealand, and I’m still dreaming of the impressive rock formations I saw there.
The rock formations formed after decades of waves and weather eroding the limestone and sandstone into the layered sculptures you can see today.
Oh, and the walkway itself is GORGEOUS! The stone paths reminded me more of a medieval castle in Britain (where I’m from!) than New Zealand. But the rock formations are so distinctive!
Other things to do in Paparoa National Park include:
- Stop at Punakaiki Cavern – the cavern is just across the road from Pancake Rocks and is free to enter. Just duck your head!
- Hiking the Pororari River Track for stunning rainforest and waterfall views.
- Exploring the caves on a guided tour
- Drive up the Punakaiki Coastal Road for breathtaking coastal and mountain views.
The coastal road is absolutely stunning, so take some time to enjoy the lookouts along the drive.
The photo below is from the lookout at the Strongman Mine Memorial. It was beautiful, despite the gloomy weather.
3. Greymouth
This coastal city is one of New Zealand’s most prominent historic mining towns. You can still visit the Brunner Mine heritage site, where New Zealand’s worst workplace accident occurred after 65 miners lost their lives in 1896.
Nearby, the historic Blackvall Mine transformed New Zealand worker conditions following a three-month strike in 1908.
For a more interactive historical experience, the Shantytown Heritage Park is one of the most fun things to do on the West Coast with kids. The site is a replica of a gold rush town that allows visitors to step back in time and get a glimpse into what life was like for the miners and their families.
Shantytown Heritage Park has original artefacts on display, including a steam train, and you can check out the blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and church. Costumed actors and guides are on hand to bring it all to life.
Spend an evening in Greymouth tasting some local seafood, or visit Monteith’s Brewery, one of NZ’s most popular craft beers.
4. Lewis Pass and Mariua Hot Springs
If you’re up for a detour, the Maruia Hot Springs is one of my favourite places on the South Island!
It’s almost a two-hour drive from Greymouth and usually explored when looping back to the East Coast, as the springs on the stunning Lewis Path, an elevated mountain road that cuts across the South Island from Greymouth to Kaikoura.
With a riverside campground (or cozy hotel rooms), misty mountain views, and a wellness retreat aesthetic (without the crazy price tag), the Mariua Hot Springs are undoubtedly among the best hot springs on the South Island and undoubtedly one of the most unique activities that West Coast South Island NZ offers.
5. Hokitika Gorge
From the dazzling blue waters, winding pathways, and stunning suspension bridges, there’s no doubt that Hokitika Gorge is a must-do on any West Coast New Zealand itinerary.
Set within the 260-acre Hokitika Scenic Reserve, the beautiful Hokitika Gorge Walk is a 2km (1.3 miles) circular track. Following boardwalks through dense native bush, paddling in the phenomenally blue water and all with frankly insane views of the Hokitika Gorge and River with the Southern Alps in the background, this was one of my favourite West Coast destinations.
Other NZ West Coast attractions in Hokitika:
West Coast Treetop Walk
Hokitika is a small and laid-back town, so it’s a great place to relax on the beach, go kayaking, or hike.
But one of the most memorable walks – among the best West Coast things to do for families – must be the West Coast Treetop Walk! You’ll explore the treetops from 20m high as you walk along 450m of elevated platforms.
Hokitika Arts and Crafts
Hokitika is home to a thriving arts and crafts scene, and it’s fun to meander through the town’s shops and galleries to find what local artists and artisans have on display. Handcrafted items like jewellery, woodwork, ceramics, and tiles make great souvenirs for your West Coast road trip.
Hokitika Museum
For history lovers, learning about Hokitika’s gold mining past is another of the best things to do on the West Coast NZ. The town was founded during the 1860s gold rush, and some heritage buildings remain. Visit the Hoktiika Museum or take a guided tour of the mining sites.
Glow-worm dell
You’ll probably spot the signs for the glow-worm dell for the road (I know I did)! The signs will take you to a 50-metre track, from where you can see glistening glow worms if you visit at night.
6. Franz Josef Glacier
With two of New Zealand’s largest glaciers on display in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, it goes without saying that visiting one of these sparkling frozen rivers is a West Coast must-do.
If you have time, taking the Franz Josef Glacier Walk is the best way to see the glacier, aside from taking a tour. The 5.4km takes hikers over a rocky riverbed and has a steep climb at the end to the viewing platform.
The track is sometimes closed – as it was during my Winter visit – due to the unpredictable and potentially hazardous ice falls. (The glacier is constantly moving!)
Alternatively, drive to the Franz Josef Glacier car park and walk just 900 meters to the first viewing platform along the Sentinel Rock Walk (usually open all year around). From here, you can enjoy the glacier views from a distance. And it’s still spectacular (as much as I’d LOVE to get up close to the glaciers one day!)
For a true frozen adventure, you can also visit the glacier on a helicopter tour or scenic flight.
7. Waiho Hot Pools
Taking a dip in the Waiho Hot Pools is a great way to rejuvenate during a busy New Zealand West Coast road trip itinerary! They’re a perfect way to rejuvenate and ease sore muscles after a day hiking through the glacial valleys of Franz Josef.
The Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools are also just across the road and are meant to be totally stunning. Unfortunately, they’re actually closed at the time of writing, so I’m keeping my eye on when they make a reappearance!
Both hot pool sites have a stunning rainforest setting and offer perfect relaxation in their wood-fired hot tubs.
8. Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier is a breathtaking glacier on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, known for its stunning ice formations and unique geology.
The glacier is 13km long, making it the longest in New Zealand, and falls 2500 metres from its starting point below Mount Cook and Mount Tasman before finishing at 250 metres above sea level in a temperate rainforest. Scientists estimate it has a depth of 100m.
How to see Fox Glacier:
- Guided hike: Get up close and personal with Fox Glacier with a guided walk. Visitors can choose from various tour options, including half-day and full-day hikes. A guided hike is a great way to explore the glacier’s crevasses, ice caves, and waterfalls.
- Helicopter tours: Glacier views don’t get more magnificent than from an aerial vantage point – this is a fantastic way to understand its vast scale and beauty. Tour options include scenic flights or glacier landings, where you can see the glacier up close.
- Skiing or snowboarding: Fox Glacier offers skiing or snowboarding to visitors with the appropriate skill level.
- Self-guided walk: Visitors can walk along the river valley to see the glacier from a distance while learning about this mesmerising landscape’s geology, history, and wildlife. The 6.8km Fox Glacier South Side Walk takes about two hours to complete, with multiple overlooks and a gradual climb.
- Roadside views: There is a free view of the glacier along Cook Flat Road (on the way to Lake Matheson). You can also stop at the ‘Peak View lookout and picnic spot’ where you can rest and pick out the peaks of the Southern Alps, including Mount Cook, on a clear day.
Both glaciers belong to rapidly changing natural environments, which means the conditions of the ice change rapidly and are potentially hazardous. Therefore, always check walks are open and follow all safety guidelines when taking tours.
Personally, I opted to see the glacier from afar, and I was so happy when the clouds disrupting the view dispersed, and I got to see it!
9. Lake Matheson
This breathtaking reflective lake is assuredly one of the most beautiful South Island places to visit on the West Coast for photographers. In good weather, the lake pristinely reflects the Southern Alps in its waters.
Once you arrive, take one of the walking tracks – the most popular being the 45-minute Lake Matheson loop walk. You’ll wind around the beautiful rainforest with stunning views of the reflective lake and the surrounding mountains.
Visit at sunrise or at sunset for the most vivid reflections of the Southern Alps – especially if you want to take some once-in-a-lifetime photos!
If the conditions are right, visiting Lake Matheson is undoubtedly one of the most sublime things to do in the West Coast NZ. However, although it was cloudy when I visited, I still enjoyed my relaxing stroll around the lake and the picturesque views.
10. Bruce Bay & Knights Point Lookout
Stopping at Bruce Bay to watch a relaxing sunset is a great way to make the most of your time on the West Coast. Slightly further south, just before you reach Haast Pass, you’ll also reach the stunning Poor Knights Lookout.
Firstly, Bruce Bay is a small coastal town (it has just 6 permanent residents!) with a breathtaking windswept beach. It has a beautiful untamed feeling that you wouldn’t find in busier coastal towns. Spend some time embracing solitude and take a thoughtful stroll along the beach.
Meanwhile, Knights Point Lookout is a roadside viewpoint looking over the rugged coastal rainforest and azure Tasman Sea.
11. Haast Pass
Driving along the Haast Pass – a winding scenic road that travels from Haast to Wanaka – is an incredible way to finish your NZ West Coast road trip and conveniently will take you to Wanaka.
From Wanaka, you can quickly return to Queenstown to fly out of New Zealand or continue an extended road trip around the South Island.
But best of all, you’ll experience the fantastic alpine views along the Haast Pass. The 139km road reaches an elevation of 569 meters (1866 feet) above sea level! Unfortunately, no towns are along the route, so visit a gas station before you begin the ascent.
And be careful, as there are a few one-lane bridges and steep drops. Take your time and enjoy the rainforests, lakes, and mountain peaks along the way.
So to round up your unique NZ itinerary, why not consider these amazing West Coast things to do along the Haast Pass:
- Haast Pass Visitor Centre: Before beginning the 139km, fill up your gas as this is the last town until the other end! Suppose you want to be prepared for what’s up ahead. In that case, the visitor centre has a small museum has an information centre with comprehensive displays about the history, wildlife and geology ahead.
- Thunder Creek Falls: At 96 meters tall and fed by glacial water, this gorgeous waterfall is a high contender for being one of the absolute best things to do in the West Coast. Thunder Creek Falls are just a 5-minute return walk from the car park (200m return), so there’s no excuse for missing this gorgeous spot – a surprising highlight of my trip!
- Fantail Falls: This smaller cascading 23-meter waterfall is just as dreamy and an easy 10-minute return track from the car park. The falls are located on the other side of the river, and you can easily view the falls from the rocks at the end of the short bush walk.
- Haast Pass Lookout: The views along the route are unrivalled, but stopping at a Haast Pass Lookout is a good idea to soak it all up. The 1.5km return gravel track ascends 150m in elevation before arriving at the viewing platform. You’ll have amazing views over Mount Brewster and the Southern Alps.
- Blue Pools Track: The Blue Pools Track is one of the more famous West Coast activities along the Haast Pass. You’ll hike around beautiful beech woodland and cross the Makarora River via a swing bridge and boardwalk to reach the series of Blue Pools. As the name suggests, the pools are a dazzlingly bright blue. Cross the bridge for more fantastic views up the river gorge.
- The Neck: Before arriving at Wanaka, take a moment to enjoy the views at ‘The Neck,’ a narrow slice of land with views of Lake Wanaka on one side and Lake Hawea on the other. There are a few places to pull over and enjoy a picnic or take photos.
- Lake Hawea: I’m paying extra attention to Lake Hawea, the lesser-visited twin to Lake Wanaka. The lake is equally gorgeous (if indecently underrated), and you could choose to finish off your NZ West Coast road trip staying at its shores if you prefer a more tranquil destination to the busier Wanaka township around the corner.
Like Hokitika Gorge, these breathtaking waters are another of the memorable West Coast South Island things to do.
New Zealand West Coast itinerary FAQ:
How many days do you need for a West Coast New Zealand road trip?
You need at least two days to explore the West Coast. Allowing for driving times, you need 3 or 4 days on a West Coast road trip to avoid feeling rushed and get a real chance to experience the extraordinary scenery.
To make the most of a New Zealand West Coast drive, you could spend a week here, especially if you’re interested in hiking or other outdoor activities.
What does a West Coast New Zealand Road trip cost?
The cost of a West Coast road trip on New Zealand’s South Island can vary depending on several factors, such as the length of your trip, the type of accommodation you choose, and the activities you plan to do. However, here are a few things to consider when budgeting for a West Coast road trip:
- Transportation: The cost of renting a car or campervan (and gas, even if you own the car) will likely be one of the biggest expenses on your trip.
- Accommodation: Ranging from budget-friendly camping sites and campervans parks to cosy hotels and luxury lodges. this is another big chunk of your budget. If you’re camping, look on the CamperMate app to find free DOC campsites, legal free camping areas (you’re strictly not allowed just to park anyway), or powered sites with warm showers and good reviews.
- Activities such as guided hikes, helicopter tours, and museums can add up quickly. From memory, I only did free activities in West Coast NZ, but that’s partly because I’d already spent my activities budget in Milford Sound and trying to see all my fav LOTR locations on the North Island. (Oops… but it was worth it!)
- Food and drink: Choose self-catering options such as campervans or holiday parks and hostels with shared kitchens to cut down on food costs if you’re on a budget. For cheap hot food, we often picked up sausage rolls and pies from the gas stations (they even had vegan options for me!)
A rough estimate for a 7-day West Coast road trip with a rented campervan, budget accommodation, and some activities would be around $1000 to NZD 1500 per person. Still, it can vary depending on your travel style and spending habits.
I usually travel solo, but because I can’t drive (dyspraxia woohoo), I had to wait to do this trip with a friend… after waiting for a couple of years for the borders to open, of course. Thankfully, that meant cutting a lot of costs in half, such as accommodation, gas, and car costs. I totally appreciate how difficult it can be travelling in countries like NZ and Australia alone!
It’s a good idea to have a rough budget before you start planning your trip, so you can make sure you have enough money to do everything you want. And also, it’s a good idea to have some extra cash for unexpected expenses or emergencies. (Or if you’re an ADHD traveller like me and are terrible at tracking your money…)
What is the best time of year to visit West Coast New Zealand?
The shoulder season is the best time of year to experience the West Coast when you have temperature weather without the busy Summer crowds.
West Coast New Zealand weather can be rainy all year round, so bring some comfy waterproof hiking boots if you plan on walking, and don’t forget your raincoat.
I visited the West Coast during Winter, and while I did experience some rain, as expected, there were plenty of clear afternoons to see the surrounding scenery.
What is the West Coast New Zealand known for?
- ‘Glacier country’ in the Westland National Park, where you can view or hike to the amazing Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
- Exploring the caves, beaches and waterfalls of the Paparoa National Park, home to the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
- The scenic drive along the West Coast, is an adventure in itself, with breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains.
- Visiting the historic gold-mining towns of Hokitika and Greymouth.
- Outdoor activities like whitewater rafting, glacier hikes, and helicopter tours.
- Untouched scenery with a tiny population to match, with only 32,700 permanent residents living along the West Coast!
West Coast road trip essentials
- Sunscreen protects your gorgeous face and body from those pesky sunrays, which are known for being particularly powerful in New Zealand, even in Winter. Use reef-safe sunscreen if you plan on swimming.
- Mosquito repellent. I got eaten alive at Hokitika Gorge, so I definitely recommend this!
- A raincoat all year around, a cap or sun hat in Summer, and warm layers in Winter.
- Hiking boots, walking sandals, or sneakers, depending on how many outdoorsy things you plan on doing.
- Snacks! I had plenty of chips, fruit, nuts, biscuits, and healthy drinks like smoothies on hand to keep my stomach happy on those long drives.
Is the West Coast South Island New Zealand worth visiting?
Yes, the West Coast of New Zealand is definitely worth visiting! The scenery has a wild and untouched quality which reminded me of my Catlins road trip (along NZ’s East Coast).
However, this side of the South Island was even bigger and better, with stunning coastal, rainforest, and mountain scenery all rolled into one epic road trip!
So many amazing destinations! New Zealand is so gorgeous! I definitely need to go back so I can visit the South Island, since I only did the North Island the first time.
Incredible tips and photos! I hope I get to visit NZ once 🙂
Fantastic itinerary! Pinned it to my travel bucket list board.
I truly enjoyed reading your blog. Having visited NZ on a number of occasions and sharing many trips with a friend, who’s a local brought back wonderful memories. Thank you.
The landscape is incredible. I’ve always wanted to try a hot spring. It seems like such a great experience! Saving this for later!