Top Things to do in West Coast Region
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10 Nature & Parks 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, Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk, Hokitika Gorge Walk, Truman Track, West Coast Wilderness Trail, Cape Foulwind Walkway, Fox Glacier Hiking Trails.
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. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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!
8. 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.
9. Cape Foulwind Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 707 reviews
Reviewed By GaryandLesleyTravel - Auckland Central, New Zealand
From the “Light house” car park the walk along this wonderful stretch of NZ coastline to the Fur Seal colony took us 45 mins each way allowing us multiple stops for photos. If you have the time it’s well worth it. On a clear day from the point you can see up to Karamea and down to Mt Cook. NZ for free at its best. #nzforfree
10. Fox Glacier Hiking Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 396 reviews
Reviewed By Explore33983631731 - North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
We drove through the main township of Fox Glacier towards the glacier access road, where there is a huge car park. We had a camper van and there was ample parking in the car park.There was some toilets at the end of the car park, they were clean and maintained. There are lots of different walks around the area with choice of distances clearly marked. The walk to the main glacier was well maintained considering how many people walk on these tracks on a daily basis. We walked for about 15/20 mins and took photos on the way. We were greeted by the most wonderful sight that im sure we will never see again as the glacier is slowly retracting. But to see such an untamed natural wonder was a memory to cherish. The information stated that due to a lot of rainwater recently the lookout point had been pulled back a bit, due to the water making the paths a little unstable. Certainly well worth going
