Things to do on the West Coast
A Travel Guide by RaD Car Hire
At RaD Car Hire, we’re all about the journey and making sure our customers get the best possible experience during their time here in New Zealand. Whether you’re a local exploring a new area or you’re visiting from overseas, who wouldn’t benefit from a little insider information, right?
With branches in 22 locations around New Zealand, our team of staff are all passionate about their own “home” towns. Whether they’re born and bred or new to the area, our team are your local guides when it comes to exploring new destinations throughout the country. We also like to lean on our wonderful customers to find out what they have loved about New Zealand so we can add their top tips to all our travel guides.
In this guide, we are going to take you on a journey along the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. This popular travel route is known as one of the most rugged coastlines in New Zealand and is packed full of amazing activities, things to see, and new experiences to try. The West Coast is home to stunning beaches, breathtaking glaciers, unique rock formations, tranquil lakes, and so much more. Whilst many people opt to take a route to the east or down the middle of the South Island, those who venture across to the West Coast get to experience New Zealand at its best – raw nature and stunning landscapes, not to mention the awesome locals who call the West Coast home.
As one of New Zealand’s best-known car rental companies, we’ve got some great deals available on car hire on the West Coast in both Greymouth and Hokitika, so make sure you check out our latest deals and great prices. Greymouth and Hokitika sit at the northern end of the West Coast and are considered to be the gateway to this stunning region. Whether you're catching the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch or flying into Hokitika, we’ve got you covered at RaD with great car hire deals available, no matter where you start your journey.
West Coast Activities
Unlike some of our other guides, which focus on a specific town, this guide is going to attempt to give you the best tips for an entire region – no mean feat! There is so much to see and do on the West Coast that it would be impossible for us to cover every single activity, but hopefully we can give you a taste for what you can expect and add some pretty cool activities to your to-do list when you visit this spectacular region. Our team in Hokitika and Greymouth has got their heads together to pull together some off-the-beaten-track tips for you, so hopefully there will be some things in this guide that you haven’t come across elsewhere.
In this guide, we’re going to try and fit in the best activities from Greymouth to Haast so strap in for the ride. Oh, and we also forgot to mention that the drive itself is one of the most spectacular in New Zealand so that’s all part of this wonderful journey of exploration on the West Coast. So, without further ado, let’s kick off this guide with five of the best activities on the West Coast:
Explore Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
OK. So this one is something you will definitely find in other guides, but it would be remiss of us to leave it off our own list and it’s definitely a highlight of the region. Located near Greymouth, Punakaiki is famous for its unique limestone formations and active blowholes. The scenic coastal walk offers stunning views of the Tasman Sea and the surrounding landscape. The team in Greymouth say this is one of the activities that they hear a lot of customers talking about when they drop their car back off, so make sure you check it out at the beginning or end of your trip.
Visit Hokitika Gorge
New Zealand seems to have a lot of gorges and to be honest, they are all pretty spectacular. The Hokitika Gorge is no exception. Located a short drive from Hokitika itself, this gorge offers a stunning walk through native bush and across a suspension bridge, with breathtaking views of the turquoise Hokitika River. The view from the bridge really is something special and well worth the walk to get there. There are a number of walks in and around the gorge so it’s easy to turn this into a full day out so make sure you pack a picnic.
Experience Franz Josef Glacier
This is another “must-do” on the West Coast, and whilst everyone will be talking about it, you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to walk on a glacier. In days gone by, you could walk up onto the glacier from the base, however, safety measures now mean you have to take a helicopter ride to get up and onto the glacier, which is no hardship! The area offers stunning views of the glacier descending into temperate rainforest.
Discover Reefton's Gold Mining History
Perhaps an unexpected activity on the West Coast is the opportunity to go panning for gold and make your fortune (note: that probably won’t happen, but it’s a fun thing to do anyway). Explore Reefton's historical sites, including the School of Mines and typical workers' cottages, which is fascinating to see. The highlight, however, is definitely the panning for gold, which is so cool.
Visit the Glow Worm Dell in Hokitika
New Zealand is not shy when it comes to glowworms, and you will find them in destinations throughout the country. If you have not yet had the opportunity to see them, then Hokitika is a great place to break your duck. This natural attraction offers an enchanting display of glowworms in a serene dell, accessible via a short uphill walk. Best visited after sunset with a torch.
West Coast Places to Eat
If we thought picking the top five activities along the entire West Coast was challenging, picking out the best places to eat on the West Coast was even harder! We leaned on the team in Greymouth and Hokitika, and they came up trumps with some great local recommendations; however, we also had to go out to our customers to discover some great places to eat further down the coast, but they have come up with some real nuggets.
Here are five of the best places to eat on the West Coast:
Jimmy Cook's Restaurant
· Location: Greymouth
· Cuisine: New Zealand, International
· Budget: Mid-range ($$-$$$)
· Features: Located in the Copthorne Hotel in Greymouth, this restaurant offers a cosy atmosphere with excellent service and a wide range of dining options, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The team reckon this place gets really busy, especially during the summer season, so bookings are essential. Favourites amongst the team include the lamb shoulder, seafood chowder and sticky carrot and date dessert. They apparently serve a pretty mean cocktail, too.
Monteith's Brewery
· Location: Greymouth
· Cuisine: Pub Food, New Zealand
· Budget: Mid-range ($$-$$$)
· Features: Could we really write a guide to the West Coast without mentioning one of their favourite exports? Monteith's is one of New Zealand’s favourite beers, and it is brewed right here in Greymouth. Situated at 60 Herbert Street, this historic brewery offers a casual dining experience with a variety of meals, including tapas and late-night food. It's known for its live music and cosy atmosphere. It’s a great place to spend a Saturday night when the atmosphere is lively and the beers are flowing.
Fat Pipi Pizzas
· Location: Hokitika
· Cuisine: Gourmet Pizza
· Budget: Mid-range ($$-$$$)
· Features: Who doesn’t love a good pizza, right? Well, at Fat Pipis, you might get a little more than you bargained for with some flavours you have never even heard of before. Famous for its unique whitebait pizza, Fat Pipi Pizzas offers a variety of gourmet treats. It's a must-visit in Hokitika, recognised by the Lonely Planet for its innovative pizza combinations and generous seafood toppings. It’s a favourite eating spot for the team down here on the West Coast so give it a try the next time you’re in town.
Stations Inn Restaurant
· Location: Hokitika
· Cuisine: New Zealand, Fine Dining
· Budget: Mid-range to High-end ($$-$$$$)
· Features: If you’re looking for something a bit more flash in Hokitika, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Located at 11 Blue Spur Road, this restaurant is known for its high-quality, well-presented dishes. It's a great spot for celebrating special occasions. The food here is awesome and the portion sizes generous, which always goes down well after a busy day exploring the West Coast. The views are also pretty spectacular, so all in all, this is definitely somewhere you should add to your list.
The Craypot
· Location: Jackson Bay, Haast
· Cuisine: Seafood, Local Cuisine
· Features: The Craypot is an epic little seaside destination eatery serving up delicious fresh seafood dishes, sourced locally wherever possible. It’s a bit of a hidden gem and can easily be missed as it actually sits south of SH6, which connects the West Coast with the road to Wanaka and Queenstown. The Craypot is a cart that has an interesting history. Originally built as a pie cart, it was located in Cromwell for a while before eventually making its way to the stunning Jackson Bay in Haast. This is a hidden gem of a place and if you love seafood, you have to give it a try.
West Coast Accommodation
For most people exploring the West Coast, there are usually at least one or two different stop-offs on the drive north or south. Whilst you can drive the entire section in a day, it’s a long old drive and we highly recommend breaking it up so you can really enjoy everything the spectacular West Coast has to offer. Greymouth and Hokitika tend to be popular stop-off points due to their location at the far north end of the West Coast, with lots of people also stopping in Franz Josef of Fox townships so they can explore the glaciers. We’ve pulled together a list of potential options for you to stay on your journey up or down the West Coast below, so hopefully these help you to plan your adventure.
Here are five great places to stay on the West Coast:
Paramata Lodge
· Location: Near Hokitika (30 minutes south)
· Budget: Luxury ($$$$)
· Features: Kicking this guide off is one for the “splurge” bucket. This sophisticated eco-lodge offers handcrafted contemporary design, stunning mountain-to-sea views, and spacious guest rooms. Guests can enjoy guided nature tours, delicious cuisine, and a tranquil setting surrounded by ancient forest. Perfect for travellers seeking relaxation and with an eye on sustainability.
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
· Location: Franz Josef
· Budget: Luxury ($$$$)
· Features: If you are looking for a luxurious stay on the West Coast, then this place is hard to beat. The Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a 5-star retreat nestled within native rainforest, offering an exclusive and sustainable accommodation experience. The property features luxurious rooms, fine dining, and unparalleled privacy, making it ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying premium comfort.
Bella Vista Motel
· Location: Fox Glacier
· Budget: Mid-range ($$-$$$)
· Features: You will find Bella Vista Motels located throughout New Zealand and they offer a reliable accommodation option for those on a mid-range budget. This one is centrally located in Fox Glacier village, and is a Qualmark-rated 4-star motel that offers studios and one-bedroom units with double glazing for a quiet stay. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, BBQ facilities, and proximity to glacier guiding tours and Lake Matheson.
Beachfront Hotel Hokitika
· Location: Hokitika
· Budget: Mid-range ($$-$$$)
· Features: If you are planning on staying in Hokitika, then this is a great option for those looking for something a bit less flash than the Paramata Lodge. Situated right on the beach, this hotel offers modern ocean view rooms with private balconies overlooking the Tasman Sea. Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and bar, as well as easy access to Hokitika's shops and galleries.
Rainforest Motel
· Location: Fox Glacier
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: This family-owned motel features 12 ground-floor units set in spacious gardens. It offers SKY TV, free fibre broadband, and fully equipped kitchens. Located close to restaurants and attractions like Fox Glacier and Lake Matheson, it’s perfect for exploring the area.
West Coast Sights
Whilst we have already covered some of the best activities on the West Coast, we also wanted to add in some of the best sights to see. These are not activities as such – just things that we think you need to see along the way, many of which are free. The West Coast is truly one of the most spectacular and rugged regions in New Zealand, and it covers such a diverse landscape that there is always something to see and do here. We got the team down on the West Coast to pull together their list of “must-see” attractions, and they have not let you down.
Here are five of the best sights on the West Coast:
Lake Matheson
· Location: Near Fox Glacier
· Features: Renowned for its stunning reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, Lake Matheson is a must-visit for its serene beauty and mirror-like reflections on calm days. The lake's unique conditions create perfect mirror images of the surrounding mountains.
Buller Gorge
· Location: Between Murchison and Westport
· Features: This deep canyon is carved by the Buller River and offers breathtaking views of rugged landscapes. It's also home to New Zealand's longest swing bridge and offers opportunities for hiking and adventure activities.
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
· Location: Glacier Country
· Features: These iconic glaciers are among the most accessible in the world. Visitors can witness the dynamic forces of nature at work through guided walks, helicopter tours, or heli-hikes.
Cape Foulwind Lighthouse
· Location: Near Westport
· Features: Situated on a rugged coastline, this lighthouse offers stunning views of the Tasman Sea and the surrounding landscape. It's part of the Cape Foulwind Walkway, which provides access to scenic coastal views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Aoraki/Mt Cook from the West Coast
· Location: Visible from various points along the West Coast
· Features: While Aoraki/Mt Cook is typically associated with the Southern Alps, it can be seen from the West Coast, particularly from Lake Matheson and other vantage points. This offers a unique perspective on New Zealand's highest peak.
Renting a Car on the West Coast
If you’re looking to rent a car on the West Coast, look no further than RaD Car Hire. With options to pick up a car in both Greymouth (at the train station) and Hokitika (at the airport), we’ve got you covered for your West Coast adventure. With super competitive prices, a great selection of cars from compact to 4x4, and a promise of great customer service, then RaD is a great choice for all travellers.
For those already located on the West Coast looking for a rental car to take them on an exciting adventure somewhere on the South Island, make sure you check out our cheap car rental deals from our Greymouth branch.