10 Boat Tours & Water Sports in West Coast Region That You Shouldn't Miss

Waiatoto River Safari. New Zealand's only jet boat tour from the ocean to the Alps. You will experience a minimum of 2 hours of extraordinary nature and exceptional beauty only seen on this trip. Experience the history of Gondwana land, smell the rainforest as you walk softly through the dripping ferns with the sparkling clear light shimmering, with the snowy peaks as your backdrop. Your experienced local guide will lead you through the ancient river, still untouched as it was thousands years ago when the Maori first roamed the land, the great Moa bird and Haast eagle still ruled the ancient forests. You will experience the magical, breathtaking beauty of the Te Wahipounamu, the Māori name for the South West New Zealand World Heritage area and take home memories that will have you yearning to return once more.

A unique lake adventure across Lake Mapourika, created by the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. We experience amazing panoramic views of the glaciers and southern alps, mirror like water and also explore a Kiwi Conservation area amongst some of Westland's oldest untouched rainforest. Free photos are included with each tour!

Booking booth located at the Fox and Franz Heli services building on the main road in Franz Josef Glacier, as well as the isite in Hokitika

Enjoy the exhilaration of jet boating on the beautiful Hokitika River. All tours depart from the boat ramp on the corner of Tancred Street and Gibson Quay in central Hokitika. Book your tour today.

Kayaking on Okarito Lagoon, New Zealand's largest unmodified coastal wetland. Guided tours and freedom rental. Excellent birdwatching and amazing mountain views. Paddle through the Okarito River Delta that leads deep into the rainforest.Our kayaks are safe, stable sea kayaks. Prior experience is not necessary and full instruction is given.Okarito is a quaint coastal village backdropped by the Southern Alps, only 20 minutes drive from Franz Josef Glacier, and has the best coffee in town!

At Inland Adventures we offer stunning full day and multi day wilderness raft tours as well as a fun half day family trip. The rivers we raft range from friendly grade 2 to exhilerating grade 4 so there is something for everyone. Our day trip on the Upper Grey River/Māwheranui is our most popular tour. The grade 3 rapids keep you entertained all day and the towering mountains, steep walled gorges and lush green native forest mean this trip is jam packed with amazing scenery. If you are really wanting to spend some time in the New Zealand wilderness then a multi day trip is for you. Choose between a longer stretch of the Upper Grey River or the Waiau River near Hanmer Springs. We supply the camping gear as well as delicious meals and snacks. Evenings spent beside the river with a cozy fire are pretty special.

West Coast surf has been established at Tauranga Bay on the West Coast of the south island for the past 18 years. Mark and Leeann Perana are the owners and Mark is the head coach of this business. Mark has been coaching surfing and snowboarding for the past 25+ years and holds the highest qualifications in both industries. Mark is a previous NZ team coach and national title holder and a NZ snowboard examiner. He knows all there is to know on how to progress you safely in the surf weather you are a complete beginner, all ready surfing and want to improve or in need of some contest strategy. Mark is your man.

Scenic Cruises and Fishing Charters on Lake Mapourika. Locally owned and operated in Franz Josef Glacier. (now: Franz Josef Wilderness Tours)

We are located just 4 kms south of Hokitika on the State Highway 6. Drive straight past Adair road on your left heading south and we are the first left turn after you cross the Mahinapua Creek with the Historic Railway Bridge located on your left. Enjoy freedom 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 Aoraki/Mt.Cook and the Southern Alps and outstanding West Coast wetlands flora, fauna and native rain forest. Come and see the rare and graceful White Heron and Australasian Bittern.

Come and explore our hidden gem on The West Coast. In one of the largest unmodified caves in New Zealand, we have two very special tours to offer. The cave adventure itself includes indulging yourself in an abundance of underworld treasures such as stalactites and stalagmites and learning the history of the cave until the most spectacular part of the adventure. The glow worms. When choosing your tour you can choose the Underworld Rafting option, here you float under the Worlds best display of glow worms and float down the river, or you can go on the scenic tour and visit the largest opening on the cave and discover the beautiful galaxies of glow worms on a drier part of the cave. But if your not looking to go caving... Come and join us on our Nile River Rain Forest Train ride that takes you in and out of the Karst Valley with an interpretive description of the history of Charleston