Summer on the West Coast is the best of times. With 600 extraordinary kilometres of coastline, mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, glaciers — you name it, it’s here — there are endless opportunities to get active or just take it slow.

From majestic mountain highs to vast underground caverns, via splendid mirror lakes, blue pools and turquoise gorges, ancient native forest and wetland havens to spectacular coastal landforms, it’s no wonder that photographers — and all who visit — love the West Coast!

Touring routes for your visit to the West Coast, South Island, New Zealand. A mix of Self-drive, train and cycling tours around the West Coast.

Explore the wild West Coast in all its awe-inspiring grandeur — stopping at the region’s most famous natural wonders.

If you’re a first-time visitor to the West Coast, planning your visit and navigating our big, enormously varied region may appear a little overwhelming. Once you’re here, you may be looking for some friendly local knowledge and over-the-counter assistance.

Keep up to date with the latest business news for the West Coast of New Zealand.

A true photogenic gem — brilliant turquoise water fringed with stark white limestone cliffs and lush green rainforest — Hokitika Gorge is one of the West Coast’s most instantly recognisable scenes.

Feb 5, 2025 · True West Adventure Race. True West is an adventure challenge in some of New Zealand’s most remote and wild terrain. Learn more

Pounamu is a stone renowned for its strength and beauty. It was a highly valued commodity for Māori who travelled from throughout Aotearoa to the West Coast in search of pounamu to use for adornments and weapons. Pounamu is only found on the …

Take your time, explore the West Coast — a region full of hidden gems and natural wonders, each one more breathtaking than the last.