New Zealand West Coast

The West Coast or simply 'The Coast' (as it's most commonly called) is the western coast of Te Wai Pounamu, the south island of New Zealand.

The main towns are Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika. All three of these towns were large bustling cities and ports during the Gold Rush period of the late 19th century.

Karamea
Sub-tropical paradise. Southern end of the Heaphy Track walking track to Golden Bay. .

Kahurangi National Park
D.O.C. Kahurangi National Park

Westport
Westport is the northern most of the three major towns on the west coast. Located at the mouth of the Buller River. .

Punakaiki & Paparoa National Park
Pancake Rocks and blowholes

D.O.C Paparoa National Park .

Greymouth
Greymouth is located in the middle of the West Coast at the mouth of the Grey River. Highlights are the Monteiths brewery and Shanty Town.

Also destination point for the Tranz Alpine train service from Christchurch. .

Hokitika
Hokitika is the southern most of the three main towns on the West Coast.

Gateway to South Westland and last major town if you're travelling south through to Wanaka via Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier and the Haast Pass.

Each year in March the Wild Foods Festival takes place - your chance to partake of all manner of bizarre delicacies. .

Franz Josef Glacier
D.O.C Westland Tai Poutini National Park .

Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier

Lake Matheson

Gillespies Beach

D.O.C Westland Tai Poutini National Park