Top Things to do in West Coast Region
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in West Coast Region That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in West Coast Region, New Zealand including Oparara Basin, Roberts Point Track, The Old Ghost Road, Franz Josef Glacier, Lake Matheson Walk, Monteith's Brewing Company, Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk, Hokitika Gorge Walk, Truman Track, West Coast Wilderness Trail.
Restaurants in West Coast Region
1. Oparara Basin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By ChimpR
This is one of the best 1/2 day visits I have done. Make sure you see all the free sites to make the journey worthwhile, Oparara arch, mirror tarn, morea arch, crazy paving cave, & box canyon cave & take a torch! The walks are all easy, and the tracks are in excellant conditon. Good story boards provided by DOC. Take your lunch & you find your sharing it with the locals (wekas), they are really cute. The robins are very nosy too, they come right up to your feet. Yes the road is gravel but it's in good condition, suitable for all types of car. Yes its narrow but if everybody drives sensibly its very safe.
2. Roberts Point Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 76 reviews
Starting from the Douglas Bridge, Roberts Point Track winds up the true right of the Waiho (Franz Josef Glacier) Valley, over ice-carved rock and across many side streams to a viewpoint high above the glacial ice. In around an hour the track opens out onto ice smoothed rock outcrops at Hende's Hut. This hut is unsuitable for overnight accommodation, but it does provide a sheltered lunch spot. The track climbs on through open scrubland to a suspension bridge crossing Rope Creek and continues steadily upwards to Roberts Point. The views from here are well worth the effort with the glacier, sheer rock walls, waterfalls and mountain peaks all visible. Time: 5 hr return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; or 5 hr 20 min return from glacier car park Distance: 11 km return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; or 12.3 km return from glacier car park Please contact the Franz Josef Visitor Centre for safety updates before attempting this track.
Reviewed By nzwestie - Hamilton & Waikato Region, New Zealand
Loved this walk. Def recommend it if you have the time. What a surprise to see the glacier when we got to the top. You do have to be careful. We just wore trail shoes, had plenty of water in our camel packs (as that means no carrying of anything) cameral swinging of my neck. We are in our late 50's, took us about 2.15 up and the same down. Sometimes going down is harder than going up. It is a great walk as it has bridges, water crossing, rock climbing etc. We loved it and would def recommend it.
3. The Old Ghost Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 297 reviews
Experience an unforgettable adventure on The Old Ghost Road via our range of exciting new packages. Choose from one of our options and then sit back and let us help connect you with the magic of The Old Ghost Road.
Reviewed By 66kiwitraveller - Dunedin, New Zealand
4 of us walked TOGR over 4 nights, 5 days. It was awesome. We walked south to north, and the first two days it rained, so on Day 3 when we awoke to beautiful blue skies we walked back 2.5klms without our packs first thing in the morning from Ghost Lake hut, so that we could see the views from Heavens Door and the Tombstone. So glad we did, the views were absolutely worth it. The terrain and scenery on this track is ever changing, and always spectacular. Great huts, well equipped and plenty of hand sanitiser available. Thanks to the people who built this track and to those who maintain it. Loved it!
4. Franz Josef Glacier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,579 reviews
Westland Tai Poutini National Park, renowned for its Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and the beautiful walks from 5 minutes to 8 hours that you can do in this area to view these amazing ice features, native forest, wildlife and waterfalls. The track up the Glacier river bed is 5.4 km return via same track Suggested duration 1 hr 30 min •This track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding or landslides – check the latest track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip. •Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. •Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection. •No drones allowed.
Reviewed By greg_wanders - Auckland Central, New Zealand
An enjoyable and picturesque walk through the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. From the car park its a 1.5 to 2 hour walk depending on how long you stop for photographs. Several waterfalls all around as you make your way to the glacier wall. The Glacier wall itself is quite a way away from the view point as it is receding, though it is still awesome to be so close. Maybe a good idea to keep this in mind so as to not be disappointed. Combine the glacier valley walk with two short walks from the car park (Sentinel Rock for Panoramic views and Peters Pool for reflections) and you have great day out on the west coast. A great FREE way to enjoy you time by the glacier, although you have the options of helicopter tours or heli hikes to get further up close. Would highly recommend this walk in good weather. If it is raining and you have spare time, I would save it for when you get a break in the weather.
5. Lake Matheson Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 944 reviews
Lake Matheson is nestled in ancient forest and is famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Its excellent reflecting properties are due to the dark brown colour of the water – the result of organic matter leached from the humus of the forest floor. Dawn and dusk are the best times to enjoy the reflections in the lake. Time: 1 hr 30 min return Getting there: Turn onto Cook Flat Road in the middle of Fox Glacier Weheka township. Travel 5 km along this road then turn right onto the side road to Lake Matheson.
Reviewed By KayM637 - Devonport, New Zealand
Make sure you do this walk on a sunny day, otherwise you will not get the mirrow affect of the Lake for photos. The loop track took us 1 1/2 hrs and has been upgraded and extened since 2005 with board walks and a walk to the island on the lake.
6. Monteith's Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 904 reviews
At Monteith's Brewing Company we love beer. We are also very proud of our newly refurbished brewery. Come and enjoy our locally brewed award winning beers. It doesn't get any fresher than this. Join us on our brewery experience as we guide you through the traditions and heritage of our brewing establishment. You will experience and taste our ever changing and innovative brews; some of which are exclusively produced and sold here by our brewers at Monteith's Brewing Company. We have a tapas style kitchen menu, with beer-match recommendations made by our beer ambassadors to ensure that you get the best Monteith's beer and food experience. HOURS: Summer (Nov-Apr) 11am-9pm Winter (May-Oct) 11am-8pm
Reviewed By 325ianp - Consett, United Kingdom
Restaurant food is wonderful. This chef certainly knows food and how to prepare it, their speciality is creating fantastic flavours that enhance the main ingredients. What fantastic food, Garlic and Chilli Prawns wow, and the vegetarian pizza best I've ever tasted including that prepared in the best places in Naples, Italy. Keep up the fantastic work. Make sure you visit and enjoy the food, brewery tour is a bonus.
7. Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,379 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Donzmarie72
Wow mother nature is amazing the formation of the rocks is mind blowing nice clear day high tide amazing photo opportunities lovely scenic walk to see nature at it's best. Especially the chimney pot.was much enjoyed recomend anyone to see this.
8. Hokitika Gorge Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,475 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Pontes1988 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
The walk through the bush and also in the two bridges in Hokitika Gorge is absolutely stunning and breathtaking.. the walk is super easy and the new bridge is just a spectacular to walk in the middle of the valley.. a must do for any visiting around.
9. Truman Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 313 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By sherrrrry - Flagler Beach, United States
An easy walk through a magical rainforest brings you to a beautiful natural coastal view. Take your time and listen for birds. Bring your camera, too!
10. West Coast Wilderness Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 220 reviews
The West Coast Wilderness Trail is a 132 km Grade 2 easy cycle trail that takes the rider through some of the most stunning and diverse scenery the West Coast of the South Island has to offer. The Trail is part of the Great Rides Nga Haerenga network and can be ridden in entirety over 4 days or there are many options available for one day rides and shorter multi day rides.
