The West Coast, around 400 miles long, plunges from the majestic Southern Alps through luxuriant rain forest to a breathtaking coast. It contains the largest area of protected land in New Zealand, having a special relationship with more than half of New Zealand's 14 national parks. It contains all of two (Westland and Paparoa), parts of three (Kahurangi, Arthur's Pass and Mt Aspiring) and has three more on its borders (Mt Cook, Nelson Lakes and Fiordland).
Other large tracts include the Victoria Conservation Park and the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, a place declared by UNESCO to stand alongside the Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef, Mt Everest and other natural treasures around the world.
Spring on the West Coast
Summer on the West Coast
Autumm on the West Coast
Packed in between the imposing peaks and wild Tasman Sea are awe-inspiring landscapes of limestone, granite and glacial ice, tranquil lakes and rushing rivers, subtropical and temperate rain forests, rare birds and plants and endless recreational opportunities. Only 35,000 people, known by New Zealanders as 'Coasters' - a term synonymous with friendliness and hospitality - live in this region.
The human history of the West Coast is particularly rich. First came the Maori seeking sacred pounamu (nephrite jade or greenstone). Gold fever in the 1860's brought Europeans and Chinese, many of whom stayed on to start farming, forestry, fishing - and tourism. Today you'll find museums and historic buildings, art and craft galleries, fine cuisine, a range of accommodation and knowledgeable local guides who add to a visitor's experience of natural and historic places.
Spring on the West Coast
Spring is a wonderful time to visit, with images of such beauty sharpened by the crisp clear air of this season. You'll find museums and historic buildings, fine food and cuisine, a range of accommodation and first-class local guides who add to your enjoyment of the West Coast's hundreds of natural, historic and adventure experiences you can enjoy in spring.
Summer on the West Coast
Summer is the perfect time of year to explore, hike and walk through some of the most spectacular parks and scenery in New Zealand. There are short or long guided or unguided hikes available through out the West Coast region for all levels of fitness.
Summertime on the West Coast expands the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities of caving into New Zealand's longest underground cave systems, canoeing and kayaking on pristine rivers, enjoy scenic flights in fixed winged aircraft or helicopter.
There are many rivers and streams for fishing from the early morning through to the summer evenings when twilight lingers longer. Professional guides available to share their local knowledge and fishing experience on many well known and not so well known rivers and streams. The wild coastline offers many beaches to walk, and lakes to explore with plenty of places to swim. Finish your day by dining al fresco at a café while enjoying a view of the sun setting in the west.
Being the busier season booking accommodation is a must. If you do not book you may be disappointed.
Autumn on the West Coast
Wildlife in its natural state.
Nature lovers will discover that fascinating wildlife is accessible in abundance on the West Coast of the Southern Alps, with opportunities to view fur seal colonies, kiwi, the white heron or Kotuku, penguins (February - April), dolphins and many other fauna in their natural habitats.
The region is home to the great diversity of "mountains to the sea" type eco-systems: unique alpine flora, vast temperate coastal forests, palms, varied wetlands and more. As autumn approaches the wetland areas change from brilliant lush greens to autumn golds and browns. It is at this time you realise the diversity of wetland areas and the essential role they play in the balance of many eco-systems. Many parts of the region serve as time capsules to reveal what New Zealand looked like before humans arrived.
Enjoy the West Coast's long autumn evenings, clear air and extended twilight. Many visitors enjoy evening walks along unspoiled beaches and rivers.
Experience the world famous Wildfoods Festival held in Hokitika during March, the Buller Marathon in Westport, the Speights Coast to Coast Multisport Event from Greymouth to Christchurch and the Go for Gold Surf Competitions in Greymouth to mention a few.
Autumn is a great time to visit the West Coast. The weather is mostly settled and temperatures remain warm and moderate. With the peak tourism season over autumn means visitors can enjoy the region in a more relaxed fashion as tourism operators have more time to spend with you and accommodation is more readily available.
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