What to do and see in West Coast Region, South Island: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

Helicopter scenic flights over NZ’s southern Alps & Glaciers. Snow landings and scenic overflights. Best value flights in Glacier Country. Highly recommended by lonely planet and NZ frenzy. Fly further, best value, see more.

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

Hokitika Scenic Tours ... offer a personal transport service, right here, in the heart of the West Coast, South Island, NZ. We invite visitors to discover our local hidden treasures where time stands still in all its natural glory. Giving you the opportunity to view the magnificent scenery & attractions that lie between the Tasman Sea and Southern Alps.

At the Wilderness Gallery award winning wildlife and landscape photographer Juergen Schacke's stunning photography is complemented by a variety of unique handcrafted giftware by handpicked New Zealand artists - jewellery, woodware, pottery, sculptures, bronze, stone all 100% New Zealand made. Artwork can be packed and shipped worldwide. Lately the Gallery has introduced new artwork from some of New Zealand finest artists: Marc Zuckerman MZ design contemporary woodware, Chris Weaver pottery, Jay Lloyd bronze artist, Mark Dimock wood carver /sculpturer. Aden Hoglund and Peter Bishop- jade carvers.

Stunning scenic horse riding in the Punakaiki valley and within the Paparoa National Park. Our 2.5 hour rides crosses the Punakaiki river and the route winds along to a bush hut for a stop for refreshments. Explore this beautiful valley on horseback and finish along the Punakaiki Lagoon and the beach. We can cater to all abilities and give a short tuition at the start of each ride. Morning and afternoon rides, with a group ride and the option of a private ride. Stables located 600m south of the Pancake Rocks. Call us to discuss times and ride options.

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!

On the road to Shantytown, just 600 metres from the main road, you will find Garth Wilson's Jade studio and gallery. With a large parking and turning area you can come in and see Garth carving New Zealand pounamu (jade). Garth is a descendant of the Ngati Mahaki and Ngati Waewae tribes who were the original pounamu traders in New Zealand. This allows Garth and his family customary rights to go onto West Coast mountain sides and rivers to collect the pounamu (jade) themselves. Garth hand draws the designs and carves all sculptures, pendants and jewellery from New Zealand stone. Come in and handle some of the best New Zealand pounamu, find out about Garth's family history with the Pounamu, see some of our artefacts and discover the meanings and stories behind the Maori designs. Garth Wilson Jade - for that special piece!

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company in Franz Josef. Husband and wife team Gus & Poppy started the company in January 2014 and are both experienced pilots themselves. We offer both scenic helicopter flights over the glaciers in the Southern Alps with snow landings and private charters. We have a small fleet of fantastic helicopters including AS350B2 Squirrels & a MD520N. All aircraft are maintained to high standards. We use modern technology including equipping all our aircraft with V2Track systems that use satellite tracking so ground staff are in contact with pilots at all times. Our team of highly skilled pilots have extensive experience flying in the unique mountain environment we operate in and we have been awarded the Qualmark Silver Sustainable Tourism Business Award. Our company and pilots all have outstanding safety records and we are certified under the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) so you know you'll be in good hands flying with us!

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.

Our distillery is located in Reefton, in the untamed natural wilderness of the South Island's West Coast. From a history rich in adventure, gold and innovation, we draw inspiration for our premium range of gins, liqueurs and whisky, using locally sourced native botanicals. We offer a range of Distillery tours and escape packages.