New Zealand consists of two islands: the North and South Islands. You can fly from, for example, Auckland to Christchurch, but there’s also a ferry from Wellington to Picton. This is especially convenient if you’re planning a road trip through New Zealand. The weather is often bad on the west coast of New Zealand, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to experience. This area is known for its wilderness with rivers, rainforests, glaciers, and other remarkable geological phenomena. In this article, you’ll find everything you can do on the west coast of the South Island in New Zealand. The attractions are listed from north to south.
1. Visit the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki
So, you think they’re actually stones shaped like pancakes? Well, you’re right! There’s a path along the sea where you’ll find the stacks of pancakes. The best time to go is when it’s high tide. That’s when the water splashes up between the rocks, especially at the blowholes. At the entrance, you’ll find the information center, and there’s a board indicating the best times to visit. Feeling hungry? You can also have pancakes there.
2. Beer tasting in Greymouth
Greymouth is the largest city on the west coast of New Zealand. During my trip, I met a Kiwi family, and they live in Greymouth. That was the main reason for me to go there. That led me to explore what else Greymouth has to offer. The best tip I found is a visit to Monteith’s. This is a modern brewery where you can enjoy a tasting or just have a beer. The Summer Ale comes highly recommended! You’ll also find some galleries, or you could go rafting or explore caves, known as caving. In terms of accommodation, Greymouth offers the largest selection. Check out accommodations in Greymouth.
3. Hokitika
Hokitika is a small seaside village. Here, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. Well, it has to be sunny, of course. It used to be an important port because of the gold mine, but nowadays, you’ll find many homemade jewelry and other art. If you’re still looking for special socks, they also have Sock World. No joke, you can find all kinds of socks there. About a 30-minute drive from Hokitika is Hokitika Gorge. It looks like someone poured a bucket of paint into the river. The water is so blue! It’s a fifteen-minute walk to the farthest viewpoint. Definitely worth the half-hour drive.
4. Franz Josef
This is my favorite place along the west coast. However, the weather needs to be good. You can take a helicopter to fly to the Franz Josef Glacier here. Then you’ll hike for two hours, and finally, you’ll be picked up by helicopter and flown back to the village. Absolutely an amazing experience. Truly a bucket list item. Although it’s about the glaciers, there’s more to do. For example, you can spend a relaxing afternoon at the Glacier Hot Pools. A great place to stay is Glow Worm Accommodation. Young and old meet in the cozy, homely communal areas. Of course, you can also retreat to your own room if you feel like it.
5. Lake Matheson, beautiful lake on the west coast of New Zealand
About a half-hour drive from Franz Josef, you’ll find Lake Matheson. Don’t be discouraged if the weather is bad in Franz Josef, for example, because it can be very different here right away. Strange but true. Some 14,000 years ago, Fox Glacier retreated from the direction of the sea here, creating the lake. Now, that’s not the reason why it’s so special. That’s the view. On calm, clear days, Mount Cook (the highest mountain in New Zealand) and Mount Tasman are reflected in the lake surrounded by forests. Truly a magnificent sight. Like a painting. The walk from the parking lot takes about 1.5 hours in total. Including photo stops. That’s convenient.
6. Haast Pass
Get ready for a day in the car. Haast Pass is a beautiful area and part of State Highway 6, the longest highway in New Zealand. Make a pit stop in the Makaroa area. One of the first valuable stops if you’re driving from Wanaka to Franz Josef. There are short walks of 15 minutes where you get a good impression of the beautiful area. And believe me, it’s different from what you see from the car. Furthermore, The Blue Pools Track is definitely recommended. The trail is 1.5 kilometers one way and 1.5 kilometers back. Manageable. As the name suggests, the water is aqua blue, which simply creates a beautiful picture.
When you see a sign along the road indicating Thunder Creek Falls, you should also stop. This 28-meter high waterfall is worth it and only 100 meters from the road. Just keep in mind that there are a lot of sandflies in the summer. So, apply insect repellent. One last point worth mentioning is The Gates of Haast. Just after the bridge, you can park your car and just enjoy the clear blue water cascading beneath you and the imposing mountains in the area.
7. Milford Sound
Tucked away in the southwestern corner of New Zealand’s South Island lies Milford Sound, a place of breathtaking natural beauty that captivates visitors from around the world. Carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age, Milford Sound is a fjord characterized by towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine emerald waters, making it one of the most stunning natural attractions in the country.
As you approach Milford Sound, the sheer scale of the landscape leaves you in awe. Majestic peaks rise thousands of feet into the air, their rugged slopes adorned with lush rainforests that seem to cling precariously to the cliffsides. The sound’s most iconic landmark is Mitre Peak, a towering pinnacle that soars over 5,500 feet above sea level, casting a dramatic reflection in the still waters below.
One of the best ways to experience Milford Sound is by taking a scenic cruise along its tranquil waters. Drifting past sheer rock faces veiled in mist, you’ll encounter an array of wildlife, including playful dolphins, fur seals basking on sun-drenched rocks, and rare Fiordland crested penguins frolicking in the surf. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive black coral, a deep-sea treasure that thrives in these nutrient-rich waters.
For the more adventurous traveler, there are plenty of opportunities to explore Milford Sound on foot. The Milford Track, often dubbed “the finest walk in the world,” takes hikers on a four-day journey through some of New Zealand’s most pristine wilderness. Along the way, you’ll traverse ancient rainforests, cross cascading rivers via swinging bridges, and marvel at panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks.
Another must-see attraction in Milford Sound is the iconic Bowen Falls, a spectacular waterfall that plummets 160 meters from a hanging valley into the sound below. During heavy rainfall, the falls transform into a thundering cascade, sending up a misty spray that catches the sunlight in a dazzling display of rainbows.
Milford Sound is also a haven for adrenaline junkies, offering a range of thrilling activities such as kayaking, scenic flights, and even underwater diving expeditions. Imagine paddling through narrow sea caves, exploring hidden coves, or soaring above the fjord in a helicopter, taking in panoramic views of this natural wonder from above.
But perhaps the most magical time to experience Milford Sound is at sunrise or sunset when the landscape is bathed in golden light, casting long shadows across the water and painting the sky with hues of pink and orange. It’s a time when the sound takes on an ethereal quality, a moment of pure serenity amidst the grandeur of nature.
From the breathtaking landscapes of Milford Sound to the rich cultural heritage of the Maori people, this country has left an indelible mark on my heart. Every step of the way, I have been met with warmth and hospitality, whether from fellow travelers or locals eager to share their stories.
I carry with me memories that will last a lifetime. And while my time here may be over for now, I know that New Zealand will always hold a special place in my soul.
