About West Coast

The West Coast, or 'the Coast' as locals call it, is never more than 50 kilometres wide, along the whole stretch down the West Coast of the South Island. Greymouth is the largest town and is home to only 31,000 people. This is the wildest side of New Zealand, a place of mountains, glaciers and surreal coastal formations. The region is well known for its rich coal mining history in addition to its unique natural attractions and famous ‘West Coast Hospitality’.

The Great Coast Road stretching from Westport to Greymouth was recently voted one of the top 10 coastal drives in the world by Lonely Planet.

Within the Region:

• Kahurangi National Park. Incorporating limestone arches, caves, whiskey coloured river, lake, rainforest and moa bones.
• Pancake Rocks and Blow Holes in Punakaiki are the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast.
• Lake Brunner. Enjoy via jet boating and yachting or swimming and kayaking. Birdwatchers can enjoy the multitude of bird species that feed, roost and breed on the lakes edges. The lake is also a mecca for trout anglers, with fishing available year-round. 
• Hokitika Gorge. Vivid turquoise water surrounded by lush native bush is well worth a visit.
• Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Both glaciers are the most accessible glaciers in the world.
• Haast Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage area. Famous for its dramatic landscapes. Situated alongside Mount Aspiring National Park, in the heart of a world heritage area, UNESCO has compared it to the Grand Canyon and Great Barrier Reef as a significant natural treasure.
• Old Ghost Road. Traverses beautiful native forest, open tussock hilltops, river flats and forgotten valleys.
• Hokitika Wild Food Festival. An annual celebration of all things wild from the West Coast,