Outdoors & Adventure

From heli-hiking in glacier country, to adventure caving, white water rafting and wildlife spotting, the wild West Coast is THE place for stepping off the beaten track and exploring the greatest of the outdoors.

For those who enjoy a gentler approach to wildlife spotting, an eco-tour such as paddle boarding up the Pororari River, or kayaking the beautiful Lake Mathieson or Okarito Lagoon is an absolute must-do.

And from multi-day hiking and bike trails to simple day walks and shorter rides, the West Coast is brimming with opportunities to explore the region’s natural beauty and history.

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

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Paparoa Track

The Paparoa Track is New Zealand’s 10th Great Walk. It travels through the spectacular limestone landscapes and luxuriant forests of Paparoa National Park, ideal for mountain biking and hiking. If you don’t have two-three days to do the whole track, check out the Pike 29 Memorial Track or the Pororari River Track for day excursions.

Paparoa Track

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West Coast Wilderness Trail

The West Coast Wilderness Trail is part of the Nga Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand. Stretching approximately 140 kilometres from Ross to Greymouth, you'll wind your way through ancient rainforests, along glacial rivers, around moody lakes and across some downright cracking wetlands. You can do it all at once - across four days - or just nab the odd day-trip.

West Coast Wilderness Trail

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Carew Falls

Pack a picnic and your camera for a short walk to the stunning waterfall at Carew Creek. The track starts beside the Lake Brunner-Kumara Road about 300m east of Lake Brunner Eco Lodge. Immense water-shaped granite boulders are perfect seats for enjoying a view out over the western end of Lake Brunner from a height of more than 100m.

Carew Falls

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Hokitika beach

No trip to the Coast is complete without a stroll along Hokitika Beach. This wild and wonderful surf beach has amazing mountain views, magical sunsets and is ideal for stargazing. Pack a picnic and fossick for pounamu (jade), check out the driftwood sculptures and keep your eyes open for Little Blue Penguins.

Hokitika Beach

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Kawatiri Coastal Trail

The Kawatiri Coastal Trail is a family friendly cycling and walking heritage trail connecting the towns of Westport and Charleston. This extraordinary West Coast adventure journeys between the mountains to the east and the coastline to the west, with views towards the majestic Paparoa Mountain Range.

Kawatiri Coastal Trail

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Ross Historic Goldfields Walks

Discover old gold mining relics, unearth some local history and enjoy stunning 360 degree views on a number of walks that lead from Ross. Three tracks start from here: Ross Water Race Walkway - 1 hour, 1.6km loop; Ross Historic Cemetery - 20 minutes, 600m return; and Mount Greenland - a challenging 7 hours, 18km climb.

Ross Historic Goldfields Walks

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West Coast Scenic Waterways

Enjoy kayaking or a cruise aboard the Eco Adventurer. Capture the picturesque beauty of the Mahinapua waterways along the original route used by pioneers, gold diggers and early explorers. Experience majestic views of Mt.Cook and the Southern Alps and outstanding West Coast flora, fauna and native rain forests.

West Coast Scenic Waterways

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Learn more about West Coast

at the official tourism website

Visit West Coast

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Explore more of the Top of the South

Hurunui

From the rolling hills and wineries of Waiparato the rugged limestone cliffs along the east coast, the incredible vistas, relaxed vibe and warm Kiwi hospitality in Hurunui offers an opportunity to slowdown and make the most of your visit.

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Kaikoura

From the thrill of whale spotting by plane, trekking with llamas and visiting with seals, there are so many exciting opportunities to explore this unique area by land, sea or air. The waters in this part of the world are home to a vast array of marine mammals and birdlife which can be viewed from above and below the waves.

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Marlborough

Dreamy sunsets, calm reflections and star-filled nights - you couldn’t ask for a more inspiring backdrop to create un-filled holiday memories with your loved ones. Explore the four valleys that create Marlborough, meet the passionate people who live, work and play there and learn about their connection with the land.

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Nelson Tasman

Nelson Tasman has an incredible arts and events scene, an exciting and diverse range of food and beverage producers and an indelible connection with the outdoors. Along with a vibrant array of fresh produce and artisan products, boutique wineries, craft breweries and award winning cider makers can all be found in this part of the world.

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