West Coast

Families

From bonfires on the beach to visiting the iconic Pancake Rocks, exploring Hokitika Gorge, traversing the West Coast Treetop Walk, spotting wildlife on an eco scenic boat cruise and panning for gold in Ross - a holiday on the West Coast is sure to be a hit with the whole family!

Explore the beautiful lakes and rivers of the West Coast by paddle board or kayak, or immerse yourselves in its history and untamed beauty along its myriad of well maintained walking and cycling tracks; from an easy stroll to see the Oparara Arches to the multi-day hiking or biking experience on the Paparoa Track.

And from campsites to waterside hotels, there are accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes.

Hokitika Scenic Tours

For Small, intimate and private tours of all the best spots on the West Coast, including Hokitika Gorge, Dorothy Falls and Hokitika Beach get in touch with Hokitika Scenic Tours. Their knowledgeable, local guides can create custom experiences, based on your interests, fitness level and availability.

Hokitika Scenic Tours

Cape Foulwind​ Seal Colony

Enjoy a close encounter with New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat at Cape Foulwind. From the car park at Tauranga Bay, a 10-minute track leads to viewing platforms over the seal colony. Or enjoy the 1.5 hour coastal walk from Cape Foulwind south to Tauranga Bay, via the Cape Foulwind lighthouse.

Gold panning in Ross

Discover gold rush relics and try your luck panning for gold in the old gold mining town of Ross. Hire or buy a gold pan at the Ross Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre and head to the DOC fossicking area at Jones Creek, where gold was first discovered in 1865.

Gold panning in Ross

West Coast Treetop Walk and Zipline

Experience life with the birds and an exhilarating adventure high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy at the West Coast Treetop Walk and Cafe. The amazing 450-metre platform set 20 metres above ground among these ancient trees has been designed for easy access for all and is even pushchair friendly

West Coast Treetop Walk

ShantyTown Heritage Park

Fill your boots with true West Coast heritage stories and experiences at ShantyTown Heritage Park. Explore the shops and heritage buildings in ShantyTown village, ride the heritage train, pan for gold, visit the museum and Chinatown and learn all about the early period of colonisation in this part of New Zealand.

ShantyTown Heritage Park

Outwest Tours

Step back in time with Outwest Tours for an evocative journey into the life of the Denniston coal miners and their families. Learn about the Coast’s rich coal mining history through the amazing relics left behind by miners and enjoy the outstanding scenery on a half day tour of the coal plateau high above the coastal flats.

Outwest Tours

Ross Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

Affordable, easy access, great facilities and ideally located - there’s no better place to stay for families than the Ross Beach Top 10 Holiday Park. Whether you’re travelling in a campervan, or want to stay in a basic cabin, unit or motel room, there is an option for everyone.

Ross Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

West Coast Surf

For authentic surf lessons with an New Zealand surf legend in a stunning natural environment, book a lesson with Mark Perana at West Coast Surf. Whether you’re a beginner, or wanting to level-up your surf skills, West Coast Surf has the skills and local break knowledge to keep you safe while having fun!View the amazing relics from the mining era and enjoy the outstanding scenery.

West Coast Surf

Pancake Rocks

Be sure to stop in at the Pancake Rocks and blowholes in Punakaiki, for a closer look at these natural wonders, created by the forces of nature. This easy walk with interpretive panels is the ideal place to stretch the legs with incredible views over the Tasman Sea.

Pancake Rocks

Underworld Adventures

Float beneath surreal galaxies of glowworms and explore the hidden subterranean wilderness deep in the Paparoa National Park, with Underworld Adventures on the West Coast. Choose from a range of adventures including cave rafting, rainforest train, glowworm cave tour and adventure caving, all designed by experienced cavers to amaze and educate.

Underworld Adventures

Learn more about West Coast

at the official tourism website
Visit West Coast
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