New Zealand West Coast: Tips & Highlights for the South Island’s Wild Side

What you need to know about New Zealand’s West Coast

Along the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island lie many of the highlights every traveler wants to see — from the Franz Josef Glacier to the Pancake Rocks.

Even though there’s so much to see here, tourist infrastructure is seriously thin on the ground. The West Coast is one of the most remote parts of all of New Zealand. For miles and miles you’ll see no people, no towns, and very few cars.

Is New Zealand’s West Coast worth it?

Absolutely! The route along New Zealand’s West Coast is one of the most beautiful roads in the world. You drive through rainforest, past sandy beaches, along the rugged coastline and the ocean, and even past glaciers.

The West Coast also fits perfectly into your New Zealand road trip. Most travelers want to visit Abel Tasman National Park in the north of the island and Queenstown in the south. Highway 6 along the West Coast connects the two directly.

Our route along New Zealand’s West Coast on a map

“Route” isn’t quite the right word for the West Coast of New Zealand — because in reality, there’s only one road: Highway 6.

What we mean by route is the must-see stops along Highway 6.

To help you picture it, here’s a map of our journey along New Zealand’s West Coast.

Westport

Westport is one of the largest towns on the West Coast — though that’s not saying much out here in the middle of nowhere. Still, it has a real town center with some great cafés, restaurants, and a few shops.

Westport is the premier surf town on New Zealand’s West Coast. Around town you’ll find plenty of beautiful beaches and surf spots, including Carters Beach.

Important: Be very careful when swimming — the currents along New Zealand’s West Coast are extremely strong.

A trip to Cape Foulwind is seriously worth your time. From Tauranga Bay there’s a short trail (about one hour) to the lighthouse at the cape. Along the way you’ll pass a seal colony and get an incredible view of the cliffs and the ocean. There are picnic tables at the parking lot if you want to take a break.

Our hotel recommendations for Westport

The Loft Apartments – large studio apartments, modern and stylish décor, right in the center of town

Westport Spa Motel – quiet, small guesthouse, great value for money, and very helpful owners

Punakaiki and Pancake Rocks

Punakaiki is one of the most beautiful spots on New Zealand’s West Coast: right in the middle of the rainforest, along a spectacular rocky coastline, with plenty of gorgeous beaches nearby.

The town itself is pretty sleepy — apart from a few small hotels and campgrounds, there isn’t much going on. But honestly, the nature is the whole point.

Don’t miss the Pancake Rocks — one of the absolute must-sees of the South Island’s West Coast. It’s a rock formation that really does look like stacked pancakes. There’s a free loop trail of about 30 minutes.

We also hiked a section of the Paparoa Track. It’s actually 56 kilometers long, but we just turned back after a while. The trail runs right along the Pororaro River and through the rainforest — definitely worth seeing! In summer you can also rent a SUP and paddle along the river.

Our hotel recommendations for Punakaiki

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki – beautiful, modern hotel complex with ocean views

Punakaiki Beachfront Motels – apartments right on the beach, very stylish and great value for money

Treescapes – treehouse hotel with apartments, set in the middle of the rainforest, four minutes by car from Punakaiki

Hokitika

Hokitika is one of our favorite spots on the West Coast — hip and lively. At Hokitika Beach you can watch some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see.

Hokitika is known throughout New Zealand as the jade capital. Jade holds deep cultural significance here, as it’s traditionally used to make Māori jewelry. At the Jade Factory in Hokitika you can watch workshops where jade is carved and polished. And if you want to buy jade jewelry, you’ll find it in pretty much every souvenir shop in town.

The absolute must-see, though, is Hokitika Gorge. We’ve never seen water as turquoise-blue as in this gorge — it’s stunning. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Hokitika, admission is free, and there’s a lovely trail with a suspension bridge running through the gorge.

Our hotel recommendations for Hokitika

Hokitika Fire Station – stunning boutique hotel in an old fire station, centrally located

Hokitika Beachfront Hotel – modern hotel with a restaurant, right on the beach and in the heart of town

Beachside Apartment – vacation home on the beach, great décor and a lovely garden

Franz Josef Glacier

The Franz Josef Glacier is the standout highlight of the West Coast — full stop. What makes New Zealand’s glaciers so special is that they descend to unusually low elevations, reaching almost all the way down into the rainforest.

From the parking lot, a trail leads to just below the glacier tongue. The Franz Josef Glacier Walk takes only about 30 minutes. Note that you’re not allowed to go beyond the barriers.

If you want to see more of the glacier, we really recommend a helicopter flight. It’s not cheap, but the scenery here is absolutely worth the money. The helicopter lands in the snow along the way so you can get out and take photos.

Just a short distance from the glacier is the town of Franz Josef, with some gorgeous retreats and hotels and a few solid restaurants.

Book a helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier

Our hotel recommendations in Franz Josef

Rainforest Retreat – stylish treehouse apartments in the middle of the rainforest, with a spa area

Te Waonui Forest Retreat – modern 5-star hotel, great restaurant with views of the rainforest

Aspen Court Franz Josef – central location and excellent value for money

Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier is essentially the twin of Franz Josef Glacier.

Most visitors gravitate toward Franz Josef — the town is a bit nicer and larger, with more cafés and a better selection of places to stay. That’s why we’d recommend basing yourself in Franz Josef.

In terms of natural scenery, though, Fox Glacier is just as impressive. The Southside Walkway is particularly worth doing — the hike takes only two hours round trip and is manageable even with kids.

Bruce Bay

Bruce Bay is one of the most remote and wildest beaches on New Zealand’s West Coast. It’s an endlessly long sandy beach backed by dense forest, with beautiful driftwood piled up everywhere.

You can reach Bruce Bay from Fox Glacier in 30 minutes by car — a quick stop for a beach walk is absolutely worth it. You’re out here in total isolation: no people, no shops, no restaurants. Just raw, impressive nature — the West Coast at its finest.

There are public restrooms and a picnic table by the roadside.

Continuing on to Wanaka

From Bruce Bay it’s about another three hours by car to Wanaka — and this stretch is one of the most beautiful sections of Highway 6. The road winds through deep rainforest and along the Haast River.

Just before Wanaka you’ll pass Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. Even though you’re almost there, we’d really suggest making one more stop. There are plenty of pullouts with picnic tables and wonderful views of the lakes.

If you’re making good time, you could even head straight out for a hike up the famous Roy’s Peak — just plan on about six hours for that one.

Practical tips for New Zealand’s West Coast

To wrap things up, here are the answers to the most common questions about the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island — plus a few key pointers for your road trip.

How many days should you plan for New Zealand’s West Coast?

We recommend at least three nights. Your itinerary could look something like this:

• Day 1: Sightseeing and overnight stay in Westport (+ day trip to Cape Foulwind)
• Day 2: Continue driving and overnight stay in Hokitika (Hokitika Gorge, Jade Factory, sunset on the beach)
• Day 3: Continue driving and overnight stay in Franz Josef with glacier visit
• Day 4: Continue on to Wanaka

When is the best time to visit New Zealand’s West Coast?

The West Coast is known for harsh and unpredictable weather. Storms, rain, and thunderstorms can roll in at any time of year — and especially in the mountains, conditions can change in an instant.

Always pack a change of clothes and waterproof gear, no matter the season.

For more details, check out our guide to the best time to visit New Zealand.

What are the road conditions like on New Zealand’s West Coast?

There’s only one road along the West Coast — Highway 6 — and it’s generally in good condition.

That said, flooding and rockslides can occur depending on the season. Check regularly for road closures on the NZ Transport Agency website.

There are also some winding sections where you’ll want to slow right down. And along the entire route, keep an eye out for animals on the road.

What is the infrastructure like on New Zealand’s West Coast?

Pretty sparse, honestly. The West Coast is one of the least populated parts of New Zealand. Some towns are several hours apart by car, and even in the towns you’ll often find just a small supermarket and very few restaurants and hotels.

Make sure to always fill up on gas and stock up on groceries in good time. It’s also smart to book your accommodation well in advance — places fill up fast, especially during the New Zealand summer.

Do you have cell service on New Zealand’s West Coast?

In towns you’ll usually have cell service and WiFi at your accommodation. But that can change quickly once you’re out in the open. You may go hours without any reception or internet access.

Download your maps and any important information while you’re still at your accommodation, so you can access everything offline.

Can you swim on New Zealand’s West Coast?

It’s complicated. There are many beautiful beaches along the West Coast, but the currents here are extremely strong. We’d advise against swimming in the ocean.