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West Coast

WELCOME TO THE

Te Tai Poutini

TRAVEL TIPS & HIGHLIGHTS -------- Best Time To Travel -------- Spring (Sept-Nov): Ideal for blooming landscapes and hikes. Summer (Dec-Feb): Great for glacier walks and beach days​. -------- How to Get Here -------- Fly into Christchurch & drive via Arthur’s Pass. North Island: Fly into Auckland/Wellington, rent a car, and take the ferry. -------- Key Highlights -------- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks: Iconic rock formations. Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers: Glacier hikes and helicopter tours. Hokitika Gorge: Stunning blue waters​. -------- Things To Do -------- Day tours: Explore Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Greymouth, and Hokitika. Adventures: Hike glaciers, skydive, or cave tour​. Learn more and book activities below - we can't wait to see you!

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THE WILD BEAUTY OF NEW ZEALAND'S WEST COAST

The West Coast of New Zealand is renowned for its rugged beauty, with highlights like the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, lush rainforests, and the striking Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. This natural wonder, with its unique rock formations and blowholes, is a must-see stop for travelers exploring the coast. Known for its wild landscapes, the West Coast is perfect for adventure seekers, offering activities such as glacier hikes, jet boating, and wildlife encounters. The largest town, Greymouth, offers a glimpse into the region's rich gold-mining history and serves as a great base for exploring the area​. 
 

When planning where to stop on the West Coast, don't miss Hokitika, famed for its greenstone (pounamu) carvings and the stunning blue waters of Hokitika Gorge, as well as the tranquil Lake Matheson for breathtaking reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Punakaiki is another essential stop, with its fascinating Pancake Rocks and blowholes. 

 

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Punakaiki Blow Holes & Pancake Rocks Tour

Punakaiki Blow Holes & Pancake Rocks Tour

This 45 minute drive will take you to the small coastal township of Punakaiki where you will get to view the famous blow holes and pancake rock natural formations, a West Coast must do!

From $129.00

Best of the West Day Tour with Lunch

Best of the West Day Tour with Lunch

Spend a day with your knowledgeable tour guide and explore Hokitika Gorge and Tree Top Walkway then enjoy lunch at Monteiths Brewery before heading to Punakaiki to visit the blow holes and pancake rocks.

From $289.00

Kayak & Walk (4hr)

Kayak & Walk (4hr)

Paddle effortlessly across Lake Mapourika's mirror-like water, taking in the spectacular views of the Southern Alps and glaciers.

From $169.00

Heart of the West Coast Tour

Heart of the West Coast Tour

Visit the Historic Brunner Mine Site, one of the country’s earliest industrial sites where coal was mined and coke, firebricks and other products manufactured from the 1860’s until the 1940s.

From $119.00

Explore Lake Brunner and Brunner Mine Site Tour

Explore Lake Brunner and Brunner Mine Site Tour

Visit the Brunner Mine Site, a heritage site. The Brunner suspension footbridge spans the Grey River, linking both sides of the mine site.

From $159.00

Earnslaw Burn Picnic Helicopter Tour

Earnslaw Burn Picnic Helicopter Tour

A picnic like no other: Mt Earnslaw Glacier towers above you, the air tastes crisp and fresh, the sun sparkles off the white snow with the flow of waterfalls around you.

From $940.00

Scenic Cruise

Scenic Cruise

Take a cruise on Lake Mapourika, the largest lake in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. The Hannah-K is purpose-built for the West Coast with a covered cabin area as well as outdoor viewing platforms.

From $125.00

Westcoast Treetop Walk & Cafe

Westcoast Treetop Walk & Cafe

An exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with the birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy.

From $36.00

Arthurs Pass to Moana Tour

Arthurs Pass to Moana Tour

Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich history of New Zealand’s South Island with Explore Arthur’s Pass to Moana Tour. Our guided tour offers an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and vibrant local culture.

From $225.00

Explore Northern West Coast

Explore Northern West Coast

Explore West Coast will pick you up from your accommodation. Travel to see the famous Punakaiki Blow Holes track. Then Westport into Charleston Bay. Enjoy lunch then off to Denniston Coal Mining historical landmark to Greymouth Seal Colony.

From $279.00

Greymouth: Glacier, Heritage & Wildlife Centre Guided Tour

Greymouth: Glacier, Heritage & Wildlife Centre Guided Tour

Climb the tower at Tree Tops, visit peaceful settlement Okarito, trek the popular Franz Josef Glacier valley walk. Marvel at the native New Zealand bird, the Kiwi and explore Franz Josef township.

From $299.00

Private - West Coast Photography Tour (3 days)

Private - West Coast Photography Tour (3 days)

Journey to the West Coast through some of New Zealand's most untouched wilderness and into the heart of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area.

From $2,900.00

Zipline & Walkway Combo

Zipline & Walkway Combo

The zipline challenge then begins from the take-off platform with a step of 47m or 15 storeys above the ground into the sky, which will sure to take your breath.

From $105.00

Kayak Classic (3hr)

Kayak Classic (3hr)

Enjoy 3 hours of gentle exercise and an unbeatable panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

From $149.00

Explore Hokitika Gorge & Tree Top Walkway

Explore Hokitika Gorge & Tree Top Walkway

Hokitika Gorge and swing bridge, famous for its vivid turquoise waters and lush native bush.Then to the Tree Top Walkway for an exhilarating adventure high among the temperate rainforest giants.

From $195.00

Off-Road Adventure Tour

Off-Road Adventure Tour

Let us take you on an amazing, guided off-roading adventure!

From $220.00

Cruise & Nature Walk

Cruise & Nature Walk

Embark on a journey across the Lake and into the sheltered bays of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.

From $149.00

Hokitika: The National Kiwi Centre Tickets

Hokitika: The National Kiwi Centre Tickets

Get up close and interact with living icons of the West Coast at The National Kiwi Centre in Hokitika. Throughout your experience you will see Kiwi, Tuatara, Giant Eels, Crayfish and Whitebait.

From $36.00

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TRANSPORT & TOUR OPTIONS

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Christchurch to Franz Josef via Hokitika (One Way) inc TranzAlpine Train

Christchurch to Franz Josef via Hokitika (One Way) inc TranzAlpine Train

The West Coast of New Zealand offers a unique holiday experience, featuring scenic roads, breathtaking landscapes, and picturesque spots.

From $489.00

Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka Small Group Tour (One Way)

Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka Small Group Tour (One Way)

Experience the ultimate adventure from Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka.

From $290.00

Franz Josef to Queenstown via Wānaka Small Group Tour (One Way)

Franz Josef to Queenstown via Wanaka Small Group Tour (One Way)

Franz Joseph to Queenstown via Wānaka

From $290.00

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TIPS & GUIDES

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YOUR BAGS!

We have our very own online store at Plango with hand-selected products to ensure you are prepared for your travels. From clothing and equipment to planners and car organisers.

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