Things to Do on the West Coast

Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast — Credit: RoadyNZ

Things to Do on the West Coast: this untamed strip of the South Island is a wilderness of rainforest, glaciers and geological treasures. Franz Josef and Fox glaciers descend from the Southern Alps to rainforest only about 300 metres above sea level, so you can walk to the ice or fly over it by helicopter. Visit the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, carve your own piece of pounamu (Māori jade) in Hokitika, ride a Great Ride cycle trail and explore the coast’s gold-mining history.

Experience the West Coast

Franz Josef and Fox glaciers
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes
Pounamu (greenstone) carving in Hokitika
Wild Great Rides and rainforest trails
Gold-mining history and untamed beaches

You´ll ❤️ these great things to see & do…

Take a heli-hike or guided walk on Franz Josef or Fox Glacier
See both glaciers from the air on a scenic flight
Watch the sea burst through the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes
Carve your own piece of pounamu in Hokitika
Walk among the treetops on the West Coast Tree Top Walk
Cycle the West Coast Wilderness Trail, or tackle the Old Ghost Road

Where to Experience It on the West Coast

Pancake Rocks, West Coast, 14 Day South Island Adventure Tour — Photo by Nimmo Photography

The West Coast stretches the length of the South Island’s western side, so the easiest way to plan your things to do on the West Coast is by area and theme. Where we have a matching activity, the name links to it.

Glacier Country (Franz Josef and Fox): two of the most accessible glaciers in the world. Join a guided walk to the Franz Josef Glacier terminus, see both from above with a scenic flight, or hike on the ice by helicopter. See Scenic Flights and Walking & Hiking.
Punakaiki and Paparoa National Park: the Pancake Rocks are limestone stacks formed more than 30 million years ago, and the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast. Visit at high tide, when spray shoots through the blowholes. See Nature.
Hokitika and pounamu: pounamu is found in many places on the West Coast and is prized for its strength, durability and beauty. In Hokitika you can carve your own piece. Don’t miss Hokitika Gorge. See Māori Culture.
Rainforest and lakes: the West Coast Tree Top Walk, Lake Brunner and Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier.
Cycling: the West Coast Wilderness Trail, with local history and wilderness, and the Old Ghost Road, the most remote and challenging of New Zealand’s Great Rides, which follows an old gold miners’ route between Lyell in the Buller Gorge and Seddonville. See Cycling & Mountain Biking.
Gold-mining history: explore towns such as Ross, where one of the deepest mining projects in the Southern Hemisphere once operated. See Heritage & Art.

Events on the West Coast

Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, Saturday 13 March 2027. A celebration of wild food and West Coast character at Cass Square in Hokitika, confirmed by Westland District Council. The festival began in 1990.
Wild West Backyard Ultra, 26–28 March 2027. An ultramarathon on Hokitika Beach, starting on Good Friday.

For national dates such as Waitangi Day, Matariki and Great Walks season, see New Zealand Festivals.

Good to Know Before You Go

Distances are long: the main towns are far apart, so plan driving time between Franz Josef, Hokitika, Punakaiki and Westport.
Glacier trips: book guided glacier walks and heli-hikes in advance, because they depend on weather.
Hokitika Gorge: see the official West Coast Tourism guide, and transport operators such as Hokitika Scenic Tours and West Coast Encounters.

Driving times

Nelson to Westport: about 3 hours
Franz Josef to Fox Glacier: about 30 minutes

Combine the West Coast With

The West Coast connects to the rest of the South Island through the Alps, so it pairs well with these regions:

Nelson Tasman – through Murchison to Westport, about three hours
Christchurch & Canterbury – across the Southern Alps
Wanaka – over Haast Pass from Fox Glacier
Queenstown – the usual onward stop to the south

All South Island Regions

Christchurch – Canterbury Dunedin & Otago Fiordland Kaikoura & Hanmer Springs Marlborough Nelson Tasman Southland Stewart Island Mount Cook & Mackenzie Queenstown New Zealand Wanaka West Coast

Find Your Perfect Activity

Hiking the Pack Track

Pack Track, West Coast Active & Adventure Walking & Hiking

4-6 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover a Hidden Gem: The Legendary Pack Track New Zealand First, are you searching for an unforgettable hiking experience tucked away from the crowded tourist hotspots? If so, you must explore the lush rainforests and rugged coastline of the West Coast. Specifically, deep within Paparoa National Park lies a route steeped in rich history and

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Franz Josef Glacier

West Coast of South Island Walking & Hiking

2-3 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover the Frozen Wonder: Your Guide to a Franz Josef Glacier Tour The Franz Josef Glacier is a magnificent natural wonder nestled within a lush temperate rainforest. As one of New Zealand’s most accessible glaciers, it offers visitors a truly unique opportunity to witness glacial activity up close. Whether you are an avid hiker or

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Punakaiki Farewell Dinner

Punakaiki, West Coast, New Zealand Food & Wine

2-3 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

A memorable farewell dinner experience in Punakaiki, nestled along New Zealand’s dramatic West Coast. Enjoy exceptional local cuisine while surrounded by the area’s renowned natural wonders, including the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes, making for an unforgettable final gathering. Duration Standard Dinner Service: 2-3 hours Private Event Option: 3-4 hours (includes welcome drinks and extended

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Punakaiki Beach Sunset Cocktail Experience

West Coast, South Island, New Zealand Food & Wine Nature Wildlife & Beaches

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Drinks at Sunset on Punakaiki Beach offer a magical experience on New Zealand’s wild West Coast. As the sun sets over the Tasman Sea, watch the sky transform into hues of orange, pink, and gold while enjoying a refreshing drink. With the dramatic limestone cliffs and famous Pancake Rocks as a backdrop, this is the

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Punakaiki Beach Sunset Cocktail Experience

Ship Creek Coastal Discovery Tour

West Coast, South Island, New Zealand Walking & Hiking

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover the Raw Beauty of Ship Creek on New Zealand’s West Coast First, are you looking for a truly hidden gem on your New Zealand road trip? If so, you absolutely must visit Ship Creek. Located on the spectacular West Coast of the South Island, this destination offers a stunning mix of wild beaches, lush

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Okarito Lagoon Kayaking

1 The Strand, Ōkārito 7886, New Zealand Active & Adventure Boat Cruises & Water Activities

1.5 - 2 hours

Price:Included in your tour package

Paddle Through Paradise: Okarito Lagoon Kayaking Glide through New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland. Here, mirror-like waters reflect snow-capped peaks. Ancient kahikatea forests also meet the sea at this stunning location. Okarito Lagoon sits nestled on the wild West Coast of the South Island. It offers an unforgettable kayaking experience across 3,240 hectares of pristine coastal

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Hokitika Glass Studio: Where Art Meets Fire

9 Weld Street, Hokitika 7810 Heritage & Art

1 hour

Price:Included in your tour package

A Visitor’s Guide to New Zealand’s Premier Glassblowing Experience Nestled in the heart of Hokitika, New Zealand’s historic gold rush town and artistic hub, the Hokitika Glass Studio offers visitors a mesmerizing glimpse into the ancient art of glassblowing. This working studio showcases the transformation of molten glass into stunning pieces of art, making it

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Hokitika Glass Studio: Where Art Meets Fire

West Coast Wildlife Centre

Cnr Cron and, Cowan Street, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886 Wildlife & Beaches

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The West Coast Wildlife Centre is an award-winning conservation and tourism attraction in Franz Josef, offering a fascinating look at some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife. This unique indoor facility is the official hatching and rearing site for the endangered Rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi birds. Perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and eco-conscious travelers, the

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Zipline and Walk Combo

1128 Woodstock-Rimu Road, Hokitika, New Zealand Ziplining

2 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Zipline and Walk Combo combines the adrenaline of soaring through the treetops on a zipline with the serenity of a guided nature walk. This unique experience takes you deep into New Zealand’s lush forests, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views, learn about native flora and fauna, and feel the thrill of zipping through the canopy.

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Skydive Franz Josef Glacier: New Zealand’s Iconic Alpine Scenery

Franz Josef Glacier Active & Adventure

3 Hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Skydive Franz Josef Glacier offers one of the most scenic and exhilarating skydiving experiences in the world. Freefall from heights of up to 20,000 feet above the stunning West Coast, with breathtaking views of Franz Josef Glacier, the Southern Alps, lush rainforests, and the Tasman Sea. Perfect for adventure seekers and bucket-list enthusiasts, this

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