The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Tours in West Coast Region, South Island

Waiatoto River Safari. New Zealand's only jet boat tour from the ocean to the Alps. You will experience a minimum of 2 hours of extraordinary nature and exceptional beauty only seen on this trip. Experience the history of Gondwana land, smell the rainforest as you walk softly through the dripping ferns with the sparkling clear light shimmering, with the snowy peaks as your backdrop. Your experienced local guide will lead you through the ancient river, still untouched as it was thousands years ago when the Maori first roamed the land, the great Moa bird and Haast eagle still ruled the ancient forests. You will experience the magical, breathtaking beauty of the Te Wahipounamu, the Māori name for the South West New Zealand World Heritage area and take home memories that will have you yearning to return once more.

Kayaking on Okarito Lagoon, New Zealand's largest unmodified coastal wetland. Guided tours and freedom rental. Excellent birdwatching and amazing mountain views. Paddle through the Okarito River Delta that leads deep into the rainforest.Our kayaks are safe, stable sea kayaks. Prior experience is not necessary and full instruction is given.Okarito is a quaint coastal village backdropped by the Southern Alps, only 20 minutes drive from Franz Josef Glacier, and has the best coffee in town!

Guided tours to the worlds only breeding grounds of the Westland Petrel (Procellaria westlandica), the largest mainland burrow-nesting petrel. Close views can be obtained from our walkway and viewing shelter located 5 km south of Punakaiki, West Coast NZ. Viewing from 1 April to 20 December.

Hokitika Scenic Tours ... offer a personal transport service, right here, in the heart of the West Coast, South Island, NZ. We invite visitors to discover our local hidden treasures where time stands still in all its natural glory. Giving you the opportunity to view the magnificent scenery & attractions that lie between the Tasman Sea and Southern Alps.

Kia ora koutou, nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai. We are a family business based near the sacred Arahura River, home of the treasured pounamu (greenstone). Experience the spectacular beauty of the West Coast through the unique perspective of our local Māori guides. Sample traditional Maori cuisine. Discover the wild and tranquil moods of Te Tai Poutini.

Allow 3 hours for this tour to Greymouth's Glow-worm Cave to see Gary the glow-worm Step into his galaxy world of glittering glow-worms like stunning stars in the night sky. Get right up close and learn about Gary’s amazing lifestyle and his romantic side. (glow-worms don't glow for nothing On the 35 minute shuttle to Gary's cave located deep into gold hunting country you'll be entertained by stories of the goldfields rogues and rascals along the way. And.... you'll find some gold too or.... I'll eat my hat! You're going to get the help of our gold prospectors lifetime of knowledge all in just a few minutes. Tour is suitable for all romantic people who are not scared of the dark. It's a 5 minute easy walk to Gary's Cave and you'll be inside for about 50 minutes. We will provide you with cave boots, helmets, a jacket and gold catching gear. Tours depart: 9am and 2pm from 8 Whall Street, Greymouth.

Glacier Hot Pools is a wholly New Zealand owned business. A true New Zealand experience from Ngāi Tahu Tourism. The pools are conveniently located in the heart of Franz Josef township at Glacier Base on Cron Street.

Arahura Greenstone Tours is a special Maori cultural experience. Your guides share legends on guided walks on the sacred Arahura River near Hokitika. We will help you find coveted treasure, POUNAMU (Greenstone), an internationally recognized symbol of New Zealand culture. Greenstone Tour options 2 hour tour 4 hour tour