The West Coast is memorable for its mountain peaks, massive glaciers, bizarre limestone landscapes, mysterious lakes and raging rivers, lush rainforest and a magnificent, wild coastline. It`s also memorable for its people—interesting, humorous, outdoorsy types who can tell you an interesting story or two if you have time to listen.

It is highly likely that glorious image of New Zealand you see in a book, calendar, magazine or poster is from the South Island `s West Coast. It contains the largest area of protected land of any region in New Zealand and provides access to five of New Zealand `s 13 national parks. The southern West Coast area has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its uniqueness and recognition as a `special place` in the world.

To this amazing natural landscape you can add good accommodation, fine foods, festivals and first class local guides. You can raft an underground cave, hike over a glacier, kayak a stunning lake, pan for gold and taste the traditional West Coast delicacy, whitebait. The local brew`s fine too.

In the townships of Westport , Greymouth and Hokitika , you can learn about the West Coast`s colourful past and shop for pounamu (greenstone or jade)—the local treasure that`s only significant source within New Zealand is from the West Coast`s raging mountain rivers. The Coast is one area of New Zealand you must never miss.

- Westport - the main town in Northern West Coast with nearby fur seal colony at Cape Foulwind
- Greymouth - the major town on the West Coast and the terminus for the TranzAlpine rail journey from Christchurch
- Hokitika - the other main centre in this area, the hub of the early gold rush
- Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier - base camp for trips onto the glaciers
- Haast - offers a range of local sights to break the journey when travelling from Queenstown or Wanaka

Franz Josef
The hospitable town of Franz Josef serves the glacier of the same name. Stay here while you explore this spectacular World Heritage Area.

Greymouth
Greymouth is a town with a history of jade hunting, gold mining and dramatic river floods. Sample the beer and listen to wild west coast stories.

Haast
Haast is situated in the heart of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. There are national parks to the north, south and east.

Hokitika
Historic Hokitika is a place to appreciate the fascinating history of the west coast. Hear about the ship wrecks, gold miners and pounamu hunters.

Punakaiki
The small settlement of Punakaiki provides accommodation and refreshment for visitors who come to see the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes.

Fox Glacier
Tucked into the forested foothills of the Southern Alps, the cosy township of Fox Glacier is geared up for glacier walks, hikes and flights.

Karamea
The splendid isolation of Karamea is part of its appeal. All kinds of adventure activities can be organised here, including caving and kayaking.

Moana
They say that ‘trout die of old age’ at Lake Brunner. Moana is the lake’s only settlement; it’s also a train stop for the TranzAlpine.

Reefton
Reefton has a glittering past that you can still appreciate today. Find out about gold mining and walk the heritage trail around the town.