West Coast New Zealand

Stretching 600 kilometres along the western edge of the South Island, the West Coast is a rugged, primeval region of contrasting features - high snow-capped mountains, towering rainforests, lowland river valleys, dramatic coastlines, bizarre limestone landscapes, grinding glaciers, surging rivers and brooding lakes. The scenery is just amazing and some of the most spectacular in New Zealand. Life is relaxed on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, and it's the perfect place to unwind and explore a special place of beauty and history. There are a lot of scenic attractions and adventures in this unique region.
Travel guides for West Coast: guide, westcoast.co.nz

Recent photos from West Coast (click to enlarge):

Map Sections: Climate Activities Events Campervan

West Coast Climate and Weather

What to do in West Coast

Milford Sound - Wanaka - Queenstown NZ	0.8 KM Aringa
Scenic Flight in the the New Zealand Wilderness-4hrs of adventure in two World Heritage National Parks. View glaciers, waterfalls, mountain lakes, native forest, rivers, valleys and wild untouched wilderness amongst the Southern Alps during your spectacular flight to Milford Sound then enjoy a 2 hour Scenic Boat Cruise on the Fiord before a 45 minute flight back to Wanaka Add

Hiking on Mount Aspiring	4.2 KM Aringa
Mount Aspirin is the 3rd highest mountain of New Zealand. 1 hour away from Wanaka, the national park is beautiful. Add

Fox and Franz Josef Heliservices	2.6 KM Franz Josef
Scenic helicopter flights with snow landings. Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman glaciers. Mount Cook, Mount Tasman. From 20 minute, 30 minute and 40 minute options. We are the only 100% locally owned and operated helicopter company licensed to land at all designated landing sites within the Westland National Park. Also transport for skiers, climbers, hunters, film crew, photographers. Add

Franz Joseph glacier	2.7 KM Franz Josef
Walk the Franz Joseph glacier. This is a unique and incredible experience. The guides are nice and the atmosphere very relaxed. You can choose the 1/2 or full day, or visit by helicopter. You probably need to book in advance. Add

Skydive the glaciers with Skydive Fox Glacier	17.6 KM Franz Josef
Skydive from 16,000ft above the West Coast glaciers with Skydive Fox Glacier. Surrounded by rainforests, glaciers, Mount Cook & Mount Tasman and the Tasman Sea, Fox Glacier is one of New Zealand's most beautiful places to skydive. Email [email protected] or call 0800 751 0080 to skydive with us! Add

Scenic tours for Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers	18 KM Franz Josef
A range of scenic tours by bus connect Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Wanaka and Queenstown. The tours are an excellent way to see the wild coastlines, ancient glaciers, mountain ranges and native rainforest of the west coast region in luxury coaches. The various tour options are especially useful for connecting towns in travel itineraries for the region. Add

Franz Josef Glacier - Heli Hike	2.7 KM Franz Josef
Combine an awesome scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier with a unique guided walk amongst the ice caves, pinnacles and seracs of this pristine alpine environment. You'll see the extraordinary colours of the ice-flow from above, and then up close, on an unforgettable guided hike amongst the glacial ice formations with the professional and experienced Franz Josef Glac Add

The Gold Room - Gold Nuggets & Jewellery	0.4 KM Hokitika
At The Gold Room Westland's rich gold mining story comes to life, as beautiful jewellery crafted from the locally found natural gold nuggets and flakes. Watch our jeweller working with the natural gold, creating the exclusive piece of unique nugget jewellery. Our philosophy when creating jewellery with the natural gold is to leave the nuggets in their original state. Open 7 da Add

The Pancakes Rocks	1 KM Punakaiki
Stop in Punakaiki to have a look at the Pancake Rocks. Don't blink, you might miss it. The waves are impressive and so is the landscape. Add

BlackWater Rafting, Adventure Caving, Gloworm Tour	21.8 KM Westport
Take the narrow gauge 'Rain Forest Train' and try 'Underworld Rafting' & 'The Charleston Gloworm Tour'. Combine fun and discovery with amazing Glow Worm displays and formations in the awes inspiring Nile River Caves at Westport on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Trips: daily, $105 & $55. $220 for the 'full on' Adventure Caving. Phone: 03 789 6686. Add

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Current and upcoming events in West Coast

Thomas Loefke - North Atlantic Soundscapes	0.6 KM Hokitika
Thomas Loefke - celtic harp concert with slideshow: Nort Atlantic Soundscapes Islands in the North Atlantic, like Tory Island - the Irish island of legend and myth, the Hebridean Islands in the Northwest of Scotland or the wild archipelago of the ... Start Date: 27 June 2025 End Date: 27 June 2025 Venue: Old Lodge Theatre - Hokitika, Westland Distance: 0.6 KM from Hokitika Add

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Camping and overnight campervan parking in West Coast

Westport Holiday Park	0.5 KM Westport
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Water, Toilets, Showers, Power, Laundry, Wi-Fi (Fees Apply) Add

Cafe And Camping Area	0.7 KM Aringa
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Toilets, Shopping (Fees Apply) Add

Ocean Beach Cobden	2.2 KM Greymouth
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Water, Toilets, Showers Free Add

Seal Colony Camp Ground Top 10 Westport	4.2 KM Westport
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Water, Toilets, Showers, Power, Laundry, Wi-Fi, Shopping (Fees Apply) Add

Greymouth KIWI Holiday Park and Motels	4.9 KM Greymouth
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Water, Toilets, Showers, Power, Laundry, Wi-Fi (Fees Apply) Add

Lake Mahinapua Hokitika	10 KM Hokitika
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Water, Toilets, Showers, Power, Laundry (Fees Apply) Add

Lake Wanaka Top End	10.3 KM Aringa
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Water, Toilets, Showers Free Add

Slab Hut Creek Road	14.6 KM Reefton
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Water, Toilets, Showers, Power (Fees Apply) Add

Okarito Camp Ground	16.2 KM Franz Josef
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Water, Showers (Fees Apply) Add

Fox Glacier Camp Ground	18 KM Franz Josef
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Water, Toilets, Showers, Power, Laundry, Wi-Fi, Shopping (Fees Apply) Add

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Lake Kaniere Lake Front	18.1 KM Hokitika
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Water, Toilets, Showers (Fees Apply) Add

Haast Roaring Billy Waterall	22.5 KM Haast
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Water, Toilets, Showers Free Add

Lake Hawera Conservation Park Kidds Bush	23.5 KM Aringa
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Water, Toilets, Showers (Fees Apply) Add

Lake Brunner Motor Camp	24.4 KM Kumara
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Water, Toilets, Showers, Power, Laundry, Wi-Fi, Shopping (Fees Apply) Add

Ngakawau Tavern Car Park Free	27.7 KM Westport
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Water, Showers Free Add

Pleasant Flat Clutha Valley	30.7 KM Aringa
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Water, Toilets, Showers (Fees Apply) Add

Lake Paringa Basic Camping	34.6 KM Haast
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Water, Showers (Fees Apply) Add

Kakapotahi Waitaha River	36.1 KM Hokitika
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Toilets Free Add

Harihari Wanganui River	42.3 KM Franz Josef
Overnight campervan parking - Facilities: Water, Toilets, Showers Free Add

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