West Coast Travel Guide

Whether you decide to tackle the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, you’re in for a treat. Things have changed a bit over the past few years. Due to the movement at the bottom of the glacier, all hikes that take you up onto the ice begin with a helicopter trip which is pretty cool if you ask us. This will take you higher up onto the ice where you are much more likely to see the stunning blue ice and discover new ice caves. Both glaciers offer a different experience – Franz is probably the most popular but Fox is still a cool place to explore. Find out more about Franz Josef in our blog. Franz Josef Glacier Guides are a GO Play partner so you can save 10% when you book with GO.

Show Less

The Buller Gorge is an awesome place to explore. For those looking for high adrenalin action you can give Buller Gorge Cometline swing a whirl or maybe a jet boat ride. For those looking for something a bit more relaxing, take a stroll to New Zealand’s longest swingbridge or go for a nice walk. However you choose to explore the Buller Gorge, you’re in for a treat. It’s a truly stunning destination with some beautiful flora and fauna to enjoy. Cameras will need to be at the ready on a trip to the Buller Gorge.

Show Less

The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks are pretty famous, and not just on the West Coast. This unique rock formation was formed 30 million years ago from fragments of dead marine creatures and plants and over time, the pressure has caused the fragments to solidify into these amazing and bizarre shapes that look a lot like stacks of pancakes! This place is also famous for the blowholes which spurt water high into the air at high tide. There is a cool 20 minute loop walk when you get here and it’s another place for the camera.

Show Less

You can’t beat a good brewery tour…unless you don’t like beer of course in which case you should probably pick one of the other activities! Monteith’s is one of New Zealand’s most popular breweries and you will find their beer in bars from Northland to the deep south. The West Coast however is where they brew their delicious beers and this is the best place to come and sample some of their tasty drops from the light and fruity summer ale to the dark and heavy Doppel Bock. The brewery is located in Greymouth so add this to your list if you are passing through.

Show Less

Shantytown Heritage Park is another great attraction located just 10kms south of Greymouth. Opened in the early 1970s, Shantytown consists of 30 re-created historic buildings making up a 19^th century gold-mining town. Surrounded by native forest, you get a real sense of stepping back in time on a visit to Shantytown. Within the town, you will find the railway station, church, post office, bank, fire station and more. You can also pan for your own gold which is pretty cool. This is a great one for adults and kids alike and as a GO Play partner, you can save 5% on your entry fee.

Show Less

This place is a must visit on your trip to the West Coast. The Hokitika Gorge is truly stunning. From the vivid turquoise water to the surrounding native bush, this place looks every bit as good as it does on the postcards. Highlights when you are exploring include a tramp on the Hokitika Gorge Track, a trip to Dorothy Falls and if you are looking for something a bit more adventurous, maybe try your hand at kayaking and get up close with the stunning clear water. There are some stunning suspension bridges that really frame the gorge so get your cameras at the ready!

Show Less

The TranzAlpine is probably New Zealand’s most scenic railway journey. Running from Christchurch to Greymouth, the route takes you over the stunning Arthur’s Pass as well as crossing the Canterbury Plains. The route takes around 4.5 hours and even if you are road tripping around New Zealand, then it’s worth taking a day out of your itinerary to take the trip whether you are on the West Coast or you fancy taking a trip over to the West Coast. This one is extremely popular with our GO Explorers and you can find out more in our recent blog.

Show Less

OK. So technically this one is located just outside of the West Coast region, however we wanted to add this to our list as it’s definitely on your way. Located in the Kahurangi National Park, the Heaphy Track is one of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’. It’s a 78.4km tramp which will take you between 4-6 days depending on your pace and will leave your quite breathless. With the roaring seas of the West Coast, the tussock downs and the lush forest, this track is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful. You can find out more about all of the Great Walks in our blog.

Show Less

If you don’t get the chance to go to Shantytown then Reefton also provides another opportunity to try your hand at gold panning. There are a couple of options in the town – the self-guided Slab Hut Creek or you can head down to the Bearded Miners where flakes of gold are ‘guaranteed’ to be found. We love the self-guided option and gold pans can be hired from the Reefton i-Site Visitor Centre. Whilst there is no guarantee you will discover gold, it’s a lot of fun trying and you never know!

Show Less