New Zealand’s West Coast on the South Island has a wild, rugged and untouched beauty. With crashing waves, remote rain forests, swinging bridges over turquoise water, and massive glaciers. The scenery offers so much diversity in a fairly small region. If you are planning a trip, here are the top spots on New Zealand’s West Coast that you can’t miss starting on the south and heading north.
11 Things to See on New Zealand’s West Coast
Table of Contents
- 1. Haast Pass
- 2. Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier
- 3. Lake Matheson
- 4. Hokitika Gorge
- 5. Pancake Rocks
- 6. Truman Track
- 7. Punakaiki Caverns
- 8. Pororari River Track
- 9. Cave Creek Track
- 10. The Great Coast Road
- 11. Cape Foulwind
1. Haast Pass
If you’re coming from Queenstown, the only way to access New Zealand’s West Coast is through Haast Pass. This is the mountain road that connects Wanaka to Haast. It is a beautiful scenic drive with cascading waterfalls and thick forest.
Since it often rains, this rugged mountain road is susceptible to mud and rock slides. As a result, the road is often closed when there has been heavy rainfall. Be sure to check the road conditions before going.
Must-see locations along Haast Pass:
- Blue Pools: Take a short walk through native beech trees until you come to a swing bridge that overlooks crystal blue glacial water. When the weather is good the pools live up to their name. Unfortunately, if it has been stormy then the water gets churned up and it looks like any other river, which sadly was the case when we visited.
- Thunder Creek Falls: This impressive 300-foot waterfall is easy to access with a short trail off the main road. The waterfall is fed by melting glacier water then flows into the Haast River. It is located about 55 miles north of Wanaka. You will see a sign posted with a small parking lot.
- Fantail Falls: These falls are also located right off the main road. The falls are easy to view but if you want a closer look, take off your shoes and wade in the river. At the base of the falls where you’ll find a track to the left of the falls that allow you to hike up the falls. You can also walk about 100 meters downstream where you’ll find a hidden canyon.
2. Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier
Two incredible glaciers can be found on New Zealand’s West Coast, the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. They reach near sea level, making them some of the most accessible glaciers in the world.
As you’re driving to Fox Glacier, be sure to take a side trip on Glacier View Road. I mean, a jungle road on the way to see a glacier, New Zealand you’ve really outdone yourself this time!
The road is located a little over 2 km south of the Fox Glacier township. Turn right before crossing the Fox River bridge onto Glacier View Road.
The road is narrow and unsealed so drive carefully. After about .8 miles you will find a parking area and a short walk to a viewing platform.
There are many guided hiking and helicopter tours that allow you incredible access to the glacier.
Or, if you’re feeling extra brave try skydiving! This was voted the most scenic skydiving location in the world by the Travel Channel.
There is also a free option to take the self-guided Fox Glacier Valley Walk to the foot of the glacier. You can’t walk on the glacier without a guided tour, but this 1.6-mile round-trip trail takes you right to the base.
The hike is beautiful as you traverse through the valley alongside glacial moraines and the rushing Fox River. You can often see and hear the ice collapse once you reach the base.
The trail is found at the end of Glacier Access Road, located just north of the Glacier View Road after crossing the Fox River Bridge.
If you want to visit the Franz Josef Glacier, it can be reached by the 3.7-mile round trip Franz Josef Glacier Trail. If you only have time to visit one glacier I would recommend the Fox Glacier.
3. Lake Matheson
Chances are, you’ve probably seen the iconic shot of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman reflected in the mirrored water of Lake Matheson. It is picture-perfect.
I was so excited to visit this spot and capture that photo. Unfortunately, the day we went it was raining so there was no calm water to reflect on. But if you happen to go on a clear day, I’m pretty confident you won’t be disappointed.
Even a little wind can cause ripples so try to go early in the morning or in the evening for your best chance at capturing the reflection.
The trail takes about 40 minutes as you make your way across a suspension bridge and through native forest alongside Clearwater River.
The name “Clearwater” is misleading as it varies in shades of brown and even orange rust. The color comes from water leaching through the forest floor that surrounds the lake.
Lake Matheson is located about 5 minutes west of Fox Glacier. Take Cook Flat Road to Lake Matheson Road until you reach the parking lot. Be sure to stop at Matheson Cafe and grab a dessert or savory while you’re there!
4. Hokitika Gorge
Be prepared to be blown away by Hokitika Gorge. It is hard to imagine that water this color appears outside of Photoshop! It is unreal to witness the vibrant blue water in person.
The glacial river changes shade and color depending on the light and the angle which it is viewed.
Take the short 15-minute walk through the trees to a viewing platform. Continue down until you cross a bridge, shortly after you’ll come to the banks of the river.
There are large boulders and cliffs lining the bank that are perfect for cliff-jumping into the frigid water if you dare!
5. Pancake Rocks
The Pancake Rocks are arguably one of the most stunning locations on New Zealand’s West Coast and in all of New Zealand.
Located in Punakaiki, It gets its name from the unique rock formations that look like stacks of pancakes.
This geological wonderland is spectacular anytime, but if you visit during high tide you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular show. The massive blow-hole shoots water up the cliffs, especially when the water is rough.
The Pancake Rocks are located just off the main highway in Punakaiki, there is a 20-minute loop track that offers incredible views along the way.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Punakaki, be sure to check out the charming Woodpecker Bay Cottage right on the ocean.
The Pancake Rocks are one of our favorite stops on a 10-Day South Island Road Trip. Click the link for the full itinerary!
6. Truman Track
A few miles north of the Punakaiki visitor’s center you’ll see the trailhead for the Truman Track.
Follow the track through native bush to a lookout over the Tasman Sea. Continue down the steps to this beautiful remote beach.
Step under the waterfall as it showers down from the towering limestone cliffs above.
Explore the caves and enjoy one of the best spots to witness a west coast sunset.
Just be sure to visit during low tide, high tide can often have dangerous rogue waves.
7. Punakaiki Caverns
A few minutes north of the Pancake Rocks you’ll also find the Punakaiki Caverns.
This cave system is located a short distance off the main road. Just park alongside the ocean then cross the street to reach the caves.
The caves may seem small at first, but bring a flashlight and you’ll be surprised how far back you can explore.
Just wear proper footwear as it can get a little wet and muddy in the back. You may even spot glow worms the farther you go back.
8. Pororari River Track
The Pororari River Track is located just minutes from Punakaiki. This beautiful walking track meanders alongside the Pororari River with steep limestone cliffs and lush forest.
An easy 15-minute walk from the parking lot brings you to a beautiful resting spot with a bench by the river.
You can continue another 1.5 miles, but the track narrows and becomes a little steeper. You can also rent a kayak to explore even further down the river.
9. Cave Creek Track
The Cave Creek Track is located east of Punakaiki and is also a great hike if you have time.
The trail is a little less than 2 miles round trip. You’ll start out in grasslands then are quickly transported to what feels like the heart of a jungle as the track descends into a dry creek bed.
You can scramble over boulders to explore a cave where the river emerges after a storm. If it has been raining do not enter the creek bed.
Tragically, this is also the site of a viewing platform that collapsed in 1995 resulting in the deaths of 13 university students and a teacher.
10. The Great Coast Road
The Great Coast Road is the breathtaking stretch of road that connects Greymouth to Westport. In fact, it was rated as one of the top 10 coastal drives in the entire world by Lonely Planet.
It hugs along the coast lined with the towering ancient limestone cliffs of Paparoa National Park.
Powerful waves crash along the shoreline earning its nickname, “The Wild West Coast”.
It takes about 90 minutes (without stops) to complete the drive, but there are beautiful beaches just begging to be explored.
Take your time admiring the beauty and remember that the joy is in the journey, not just the destination!
11. Cape Foulwind
Cape Foulwind is located about an hour north of Punakaiki. You’ll find it near Westport at the end of the Great Ocean Road.
It is home to a seal colony that can be observed from a viewing deck. The deck can be accessed by a short walk from the Tauranga Bay carpark.
There is also a 2-mile coastal walkway track from the viewpoint to the lighthouse that offers beautiful views over the rocky headland.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the nearby Cave Rafting! Float through the expansive Nile River cave system and discover a magical underworld of glow worms and cave formations.
There is so much beauty to be discovered around every corner on New Zealand’s West Coast. I hope you get a chance to explore these incredible places on your West Coast road trip!
*Be sure to check out our other New Zealand Guides for more travel inspiration!
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