A traveller’s guide to the West Coast of the New Zealand’s South Island. Answers to common questions like what’s the best time to go, what are the best walks and activities, what’s the weather like and where should I stay?
The West Coast of the South Island is a remote wilderness of untouched natural beauty. Famed for its stunning glaciers, wild coastline and lush native forest, the West Coast is also home to a rich and rugged history as well as a friendly – albeit a little quirky – local population.
Kia Ora, we’re MoaTrek and we’ve been travelling to the West Coast on our New Zealand small group tours since 1971. Over the years we have enjoyed lots of great days on the Coast with our travellers, we hope you enjoy this guide and please get in touch if you have any questions about visiting New Zealand.
Contents
- Where is the West Coast and how to get there?
- Why visit the West Coast?
- What’s the best time to visit the West Coast?
- Where to stay on the West Coast?
- How long do I need to travel the West Coast?
- Recommended West Coast itinerary
- What to do on the West Coast?
- Where is the best place to visit the Glaciers?
- Best short walks on the West Coast
- What are roads like on the West Coast?
Where is the West Coast and how to get there?
Let’s start with the basics, New Zealand has two main islands, but you’ll often hear people talk about travelling the “West Coast”, so you would be forgiven if you wondered which part of the country we’re talking about.
Especially if you’re visiting from overseas, when you hear people talk about the “West Coast” they’re usually referring to the West Coast of the South Island.
Specifically, the route of State Highway 6 between Haast, through Glacier Country, up to Punakaiki and on to Westport.
How to get to the West Coast?
There’s only one road (State Highway 6) on the West Coast and only three ways you can get there:
- From Wanaka and Queenstown: The Southern access point, over the Haast Pass. A stunning route past Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea and through Mount Aspiring National Park.
- From Christchurch and Arthur’s Pass: The central access point, follow State Highway 73 from Christchurch and cross the Southern Alps at Arthur’s Pass. This is the alpine route to the West Coast.
- From Nelson and Tasman: The northern access point, from Nelson, travel through the Buller Gorge to Westport to the Paparoa National Park area at the Northern part of the West Coast.
Can I fly to the West Coast?
Yes. Air New Zealand has flights from Christchurch to Hokitika and Origin Air flies from Wellington to Westport. However, these are limited services and once you arrive you need to organise a rental car or other transport.
Most people choose to drive or take a tour to travel the West Coast.
Why visit the West Coast?
The West Coast isn’t just a destination; it is a journey in itself. Each destination along the coast offers something a little bit different, with so much to see and do.
Wild, windswept beaches with not a soul in sight; rich, native rainforest filled with the trill of birds found nowhere else on earth; enormous icy glaciers; welcoming little towns, home to larger-than-life characters…
With so many different environments close by, you can experience things on the West Coast not possible anywhere else in the world.
MoaTrek Travel Tip – Unique experiences only possible on the West Coast
- Visit a glacier, a beach and a rainforest in the same day – a unique New Zealand experience.
- Immerse yourself in the West Coast’s fascinating history, from Maori settlement to the arrival of European gold prospectors and beyond.
- Uncover the locations written about in New Zealand’s two Man Booker Prize-winning novels: The Luminaries and The Bone People – both set on the West Coast.
- Discover the beauty, history and spiritual significance of pounamu (greenstone or jade). See craftspeople forging it into beautiful jewellery and get your own piece to take home.
- View the beautiful white heron (kotuku) at New Zealand’s only white heron breeding ground in remote Okarito.
- Be awed by the stunning geographic landforms along the Great Coast Road – one of the top 10 coastal drives in the world according to Lonely Planet.
- Enjoy the tranquil beech forests and abundant waterfalls along the beautiful Haast Pass – part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Get off the beaten track to meet the quirky locals and their unique businesses like the Possum Fur Trading Centre in Hokitika.
Some of our favourite West Coast pictures from our tours
What’s the best time to visit the West Coast?
With a temperate climate, there is no bad time to visit the West Coast.
- Summer (December – February) has the least rain and warmest temperatures so it’s the most popular time to visit.
- Autumn (March – May) is an excellent time to travel on the West Coast. The weather is settled, there’s still plenty of daylight and you get lots of autumn sunshine.
- Spring (September – November) is typically the wettest season.
- Because of its low altitude it rarely snows on the coast and winter (June – August) sees a lot of sun but the days are shorter.
Monthly temperature and rainfall for the West Coast
- January: Temp: 12 – 20°C (54 – 68°F), Rain: 248 mm (9.8 inches)
- February: Temp: 13 – 21°C (55 – 69°F), Rain: 189 mm (7.4 inches)
- March: Temp: 11 – 19°C (53 – 67°F), Rain: 216 mm (8.5 inches)
- April: Temp: 9 – 17°C (48 – 63°F), Rain: 232 mm (9.1 inches)
- May: Temp: 6 – 14°C (43 – 58°F), Rain: 237 mm (9.3 inches)
- June: Temp: 4 – 13°C (39 – 55°F), Rain: 273 mm (10.7 inches)
- July: Temp: 3 – 12°C (38 – 54°F), Rain: 218 mm (8.6 inches)
- August: Temp: 4 – 13°C (40 – 55°F), Rain: 231 mm (9.1 inches)
- September: Temp: 6 – 14°C (43 – 58°F), Rain: 260 mm (10.2 inches)
- October: Temp: 8 – 16°C (46 – 60°F), Rain: 275 mm (10.8 inches)
- November: Temp: 10 – 17°C (49 – 63°F), Rain: 225 mm (8.9 inches)
- December: Temp: 11 – 19°C (52 – 66°F), Rain: 297 mm (11.7 inches)
How much does it rain on the West Coast?
You can’t have rainforest without rain! So, although beautiful year-round, the West Coast is well-known across New Zealand for its rain.
The weather systems come in from the west, and after picking up all the moisture from the ocean when these systems hit the Southern Alps they drop it all as rain, on the Western side of the Alps, right on the West Coast.
Rainfall varies along the whole western side of the South Island and in some places, such as Karamea near the top of the West Coast, the annual rainfall figures (1,868mm / 73.5 inches per year) aren’t much higher than many other parts of New Zealand.
Where is the wettest place on the West Coast? The record for annual rainfall in one year anywhere in New Zealand is at the Cropp River, inland from Hokitika.
Read more about the weather in New Zealand and when to visit.
Where to stay on the West Coast?
Accommodation on the West Coast is clustered around the towns of Greymouth, Hokitika, Westport, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier and Haast. There are some other options here and there, but these are the main places to stay on the West Coast.
Accommodation Options on the West Coast
- Hotels
You’ll find full-service hotels in Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Hokitika, Greymouth, and Punakaiki, many offering onsite restaurants, bars, and warm West Coast hospitality. - Motels
For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying at one of the motels in any of the main towns on the West Coast and in some smaller spots too. Motels are a comfortable and practical choice, especially if you prefer to self-cater or want a quieter stay. - Lodges & Hostels
If you’re traveling with a group or looking for a more social experience, lodges and hostels are a great choice. Budget-conscious travellers and families will find excellent lodge and backpacker options, with everything from private rooms to dorms. - Camping
For the adventurous, Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites in remote areas offer a great off-the-grid experience. These sites are basic, so you’ll need to be self-sufficient – but waking up to the sounds of native birds and the rush of a nearby river is worth it.
MoaTrek Travel Tip – Book your accommodation on the West Coast early
Accommodation on the West Coast is limited and at certain times of year it can be hard to find a bed. Make sure you’ve got all your accommodation booked well in advance, so you don’t miss out.
Let us take care of your accommodation bookings! One of the things our travellers tell us they love is that they don’t have to research and book all the individual hotels and accommodations on their itinerary, it’s all included in your tour.
Read more about the accommodation on our small group tours here.
How long do I need to travel the West Coast?
If you have approximately three weeks in New Zealand, we recommend spending three nights on the West Coast.
This allows you to visit all the places you want to go, drive the stunning coast road without hurrying and continue easily on to your next New Zealand destination.
How long do I need to visit New Zealand? Read our handy travel guide here.
Which direction should I travel on the West Coast?
The West Coast can be explored in either direction, but we like travelling from south to north, starting in beautiful Wanaka.
This means you can drive the spectacular Haast Pass as a gentle introduction to the wonder of the wild West Coast.
From there, you have numerous options for your first overnight, depending how far you wish to travel, and can then continue north to Nelson, or take the scenic Arthur’s Pass route (by car or train) across to the east coast city of Christchurch.
What is the best itinerary for the West Coast?
There are many ways to experience the West Coast depending on your timeframe and interests.
However, over decades of visits, we believe we’ve honed the perfect itinerary for travellers who want a true West Coast experience.
Our recommended West Coast Itinerary
Day 1: Wanaka – Haast Pass – Franz Josef Glacier
Distance: 285km/177miles
Driving time: 4-5 hours
Stay: Franz Josef Glacier
Starting in Wanaka allows you to experience the lakeside beauty of Wanaka but also gives you a head start on your journey, allowing more time to soak in the wonder of the stunning Haast Pass enroute to the spectacular glacier and rainforest of Franz Josef.
Day 2: Franz Josef Glacier – Hokitika – Punakaiki
Distance: 217km/134miles
Driving time: 3-4 hours
Stay: Punakaiki
Spend some time enjoying the natural wonders and walking trails of Franz Josef Glacier before continuing to the busy little town of Hokitika. The greenstone capital of New Zealand is home to an abundance of craftspeople whom you can watch work, and pick up some unique gifts for people back home. Finish your day on the beach at Punakaiki.
MoaTrek Travel Tip: Make a side trip to experience a guided eco tour of Okarito Lagoon.
Day 3: Punakaiki and Paparoa National Park
Distance: Local driving only
Driving time: Minimal
Stay: Punakaiki
Stay put for a day to really enjoy the subtropical rainforest, limestone cliffs and unbelievable rock formations of the Punakaiki area.
Walking tracks abound, through bush or along the coast. Enjoy a second night in Punakaiki.
MoaTrek Travel Tip: Watch the sun set from the beach at Punakaiki, an unforgettable West Coast experience.
Day 4: Punakaiki – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch
Distance: 287.5km/179miles
Driving time: 4-4.5 hours
Stay: Christchurch
Leaving the West Coast, you’ll head to Greymouth where you can choose to take the TranzAlpine train journey across the main divide to Christchurch, or continue by road, through Arthur’s Pass National Park and over the phenomenal Otira Gorge.
MoaTrek Travel Tip: If driving, stop off at Castle Hill to explore the huge limestone rock formations.
How do we travel the West Coast at MoaTrek?
Our 21 day Kakapo New Zealand tour and our 17 day Kaka New Zealand tour both spend 3 nights on the West Coast, following the above route, before crossing the Southern Alps to Christchurch.
If you’ve got a few more days, we recommend travelling north from Punakaiki, through the beautiful Buller Gorge to Nelson to continue your West Coast adventure and visit Abel Tasman National Park as well.
Our 12-day Kiwi South Island tour follows this route, with 3 nights on the West Coast, then up to Nelson for 2 nights.
What are the best things to do on the West Coast?
With so much on offer, it’s tricky to narrow down the top activities and attractions on the West Coast. Here are our favourites:
- Glacier Walks and Heli-Hiking
Few places on earth let you get so close to a glacier. Heli-hiking on Fox or Franz Josef Glacier combines a thrilling helicopter ride with the unforgettable experience of walking on ancient ice. Prefer to stay on the ground? The valley walks at Franz Josef offer stunning views and bring you close to the glacier face. - Lake Matheson
If you want to soak up the natural beauty of the West Coast, Lake Matheson is a must-see. Just 5km from Fox Glacier, this small lake is famous for its stunning mirror reflections of the forest and Southern Alps. A short loop track takes you around the lake, with plenty of great photo spots along the way. - Punakaiki and Paparoa National Park
This part of the West Coast is best known for the Pancake Rocks, a series of weird and wonderful rock formations that really do look like stacked pancakes. But there’s more to explore – the surrounding national park is full of easy walking tracks. You’ll find short trails to quiet beaches, loops through lush rainforest, and limestone cliffs echoing with native bird calls. - Nature Cruise on Okarito Lagoon
A cruise on Ōkārito Lagoon is a must for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. It’s New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland and home to an incredible variety of birdlife. Depending on the season, you might spot Okarito’s most famous resident, the white heron/kōtuku, or godwits, spoonbills, bitterns, stilts, and dotterels. A nature-cruise here with a local guide is a great way to learn about the lagoon’s unique ecology and history. - Nile River Glow Worm Caves
Explore the incredible Nile River Caves in Paparoa National Park on this must-do adventure. With an experienced local guide, you’ll journey through rainforest to a hidden underground world of limestone formations, glow worms, and ancient rock structures. Departing from Charleston, the trip takes about 3.5 hours and is a real West Coast highlight. - Hokitika
The lively beach town of Hokitika is a must-visit, known for its gold and pounamu (greenstone) history and its vibrant arts scene. A great place to explore on foot – browse local galleries, watch artists at work with stone, wood, and glass, visit spots from The Luminaries, and wander the wild beach or nearby rainforest tracks.
See all the fun travellers on our tours have on our West Coast activities
Where is the best place to visit the Glaciers on the West Coast?
One of the big drawcards of the West Coast is ‘Glacier Country’. Many visitors come here to see, walk to or even walk on one of the two famous West Coast glaciers: Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier.
Franz Josef Glacier
Take the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk (more info below) for excellent views of the entire glacier valley, and a close-up of the glacier itself.
The other option here is to book a helicopter flight which will take you up onto the glacier for one of many experiences, from a scenic flight to a short glacier hike or an ice climbing experience.
Fox Glacier
As of August 2019, access to the Fox Glacier Valley has been closed indefinitely. It’s no longer possible to drive or walk up the valley to the glacier face.
Despite limited road access, Fox Glacier can still be reached by air, whether for a scenic flight, a short heli-hike or an all-day heli-trek.
There are a few great viewpoints where it’s still possible to view Fox Glacier, like the short Chalet Lookout Track.
If you’ve got a little more time, another viewing spot is from Gillespies Beach, just out of Fox Glacier township. Where else in the world can you stand on a wild beach and stare across the rainforest to the towering alps and glaciers beyond?
Where to see the glaciers in New Zealand?
Visiting New Zealand’s glaciers is a highlight for many travellers; our glaciers are lower altitude than other parts of the world which makes them easy to get to. The two places to see the glaciers are on the West Coast or on the other side of the Southern Alps, in Mount Cook.
Read more about visiting New Zealand’s glaciers on your trip here.
What are the best short walks on the West Coast?
With such a stunning backdrop of lush rainforest, wild coastline and awe-inspiring glaciers, short walks on the West Coast are always something special. Here are our top picks:
Blue Pools Track
Located at the bottom of the West Coast on the Haast Highway, the Blue Pools Track is well worth a stop. This easy 45 minute-return track will take you through mature native forest, along boardwalks and over a swing bridge to reach the stunning clear Blue Pools.
- Distance: 3km / 1.8 miles return
- Time: Under 1 hour
- Grade: Easy
Ship Creek
Just north of Haast, Ship Creek offers two great short walks that show off the area’s natural variety. The Kahikatea Swamp Forest Walk is a 20-minute stroll through ancient forest, while the Dune Lake Walk takes about 30 minutes and features sand dunes, boardwalks, coastal bush, and a scenic dune lake.
- Distance: Under 2km / 1.2 miles return
- Time: Under 1 hour
- Grade: Easy
Lake Matheson
The Lake Matheson track near Fox Glacier is a flat loop that takes about 1.5 hours. Formed by retreating glacier ice, the lake is famous for its stunning mirror-like reflections of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman – so don’t forget your camera!
- Distance: 2.6km / 1.6 miles return
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Grade: Moderate
Franz Josef Glacier Valley
A must-do on the West Coast is the 1.5-hour return walk into the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. With Fox Glacier Valley access closed, this is your only chance to see a glacier up close, by foot. The track winds through rainforest and along the valley to a glacier viewpoint. It’s a moderate walk with some uneven ground and stream crossings – but well worth it!
- Distance: 5.5km / 3 miles return
- Time: Under 2 hours
- Grade: Moderate
Pororari River Track
After visiting the Pancake Rocks, make time for this 1.5 to 2-hour walk in Paparoa National Park. The well maintained trail winds through a lush limestone gorge and classic West Coast rainforest. Take in the views from the lookout and swingbridge before heading back.
- Distance: 7km / 4.3 miles return
- Time: 2 hours
- Grade: Moderate
Cape Foulwind Walkway
Just 16 km from Westport, this coastal track is one of the country’s best short walks. It leads to a viewpoint overlooking a busy fur seal breeding colony, with chances to spot seabirds and blue penguins too. Carry on to the Cape Foulwind lighthouse and enjoy ocean views and historic information panels along the way. Allow about 1 hour 15 mins each way.
- Distance: 3.5km / 2 miles return
- Time: 2–3 hours
- Grade: Moderate
Pictures from our favourite short walks on the West Coast
MoaTrek Travel Tips for walking in New Zealand
Travellers on our tours always tell us how much they love all the short walks we do, from Abel Tasman, Mt Cook and Franz Josef Glacier. Getting out and walking in New Zealand’s amazing landscapes will be one of the best experiences of your trip.
Read more about our favourite short walks in New Zealand here.
What are the roads like on the West Coast?
Like much of New Zealand, the roads on the West Coast are narrow, winding and surrounded by unbelievably beautiful scenery!
As such, it’s often a good idea to add an hour or more on to your expected travel time to allow for unexpected photo stops, or to navigate a particularly windy section of road.
With its high rainfall, West Coast roads can be subject to hazardous conditions caused by extreme weather events such as flooding and landslides.
Extreme caution and a good knowledge of New Zealand’s road rules is required if navigating these roads by car as the scenery, weather and unfamiliar rules can all become distracting.
If you’re uncertain about driving the West Coast yourself, let us do it for you with one of our small group tours.
Our experienced Kiwi Guides have driven these roads for decades and know all the best places to stop, meaning you can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride (not to mention all the amazing scenery you would otherwise miss!)
Discover the West Coast with MoaTrek
The West Coast of New Zealand really is like nowhere else on earth. At MoaTrek we have been bringing visitors to the West Coast for decades, sharing the secret spots, unforgettable adventures and special scenery that we grew up with.
If the West Coast is on your must-visit list, we can get you there. All our New Zealand small group tours include a comprehensive visit to the West Coast. We wouldn’t want any of our travellers to miss that experience!
Our expert Kiwi Guides will take you to all the key destinations on the West Coast in a small, friendly group of like-minded travellers.
You’ll travel in comfort at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to discover and explore the glaciers, beaches, rainforest and towns of the spectacular West Coast on a journey of a lifetime.
Plan Your Dream Trip to New Zealand with MoaTrek
We hope you enjoyed this article, and it helps you get ready for your trip to New Zealand.
At MoaTrek, our New Zealand small group tours are carefully crafted to show you the best of New Zealand without any hassle, so you can relax and enjoy every moment.
Get in touch today to start planning your New Zealand adventure.
