Top Things to do in West Coast Region
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What to do and see in West Coast Region, South Island: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in West Coast Region, New Zealand including Franz Josef Glacier, Brunner Mine Site Walk, St Patrick's Parish, InterSpace Gallery, Mitchells Gully Goldmine, The Bearded Miners, Hokitika Town Clock, Coalmining, Waiuta Gold Mine, Taramakau Road-Rail Bridge.
Restaurants in West Coast Region
1. 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.
2. Brunner Mine Site Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By 202neilb - Auckland, New Zealand
Well preserved remnants of important New Zealand history. Not far out of Greymouth and well worth a visit. Put aside an hour to wander around this well-signed heritage area. Easy walk, lots of information about a once thriving mining settlement. Plenty to see. Sad that a monument to NZ’s worst mining disaster in 1896 has to reference other losses of miners lives, as recent as Pike River in 2010.
3. St Patrick's Parish
4. InterSpace Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Interspace Gallery creates a focus for contemporary visual arts in Westport. Providing a definite white exhibition space originally the dining room of the old Albion Hotel (now the Art Hotel) built 1880. There are artworks throughout the building. Run by a not-for-profit association of friends and artists exploring creative ideas for engaging with the wider community. Open 10am - 2pm every day.
5. Mitchells Gully Goldmine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By Kikki0 - Auckland, New Zealand
Stumbled across this gem driving along the highway. Well worth a stop and an explore. Bring cash ($10 per adult) and a torch - check out the wetas and glowworms when you're down there. Explore the abandoned mines, walk along the cart paths and explore a bit of gold mining history. Fabulous for a driving break.
6. The Bearded Miners
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By Fireflied
My friend and I went there today, we were very impressed with the friendliness, warmth and knowledge of the nice men who brought a part of the history of Reefton to life for us. Thank u guys!
7. Hokitika Town Clock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By klvmar
Located in the city center of Hokitika, the Town Clock is an iconic feature of the community. Complete with a see-through archway, a functional clock, and a bell tower with ornate metal trim, this structure is one of the most photographed in the area.
8. Coalmining
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By 523lync - Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand
Amazing place a must see to visit. We spent hours in the school house, viewing photos lots to take in must have been a thriving township tucked way up therr.
9. Waiuta Gold Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By 202neilb - Auckland, New Zealand
Amazing how a thriving mining town can disappear almost overnight. Spending a couple of hours wandering around the site of the former town of Waiuta is really interesting. Plenty of information boards together with a few surviving buildings (and remnants of) fill in the story. Follow a well sign-posted road off the Greymouth-Reefton highway. The last few kilometres are on a gravel road but it’s in good condition and an easy drive. Worth mixing with visits to the Bruner Mine Historic Area and Reefton to make a good day out if you’re staying on the West Coast.
