The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in West Coast Region, South Island

March 7, 2022 Oliva Fomby

Discover the best top things to do in West Coast Region, New Zealand including Roberts Point Track, The Old Ghost Road, Franz Josef Glacier, Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk, Truman Track, West Coast Wilderness Trail, Cape Foulwind Walkway, Fox Glacier Hiking Trails, Woods Creek Track, Monro Beach.
Restaurants in West Coast Region

1. Roberts Point Track

Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/4e55aa3e2b3c4ed7bcc216328065e48d.aspx
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 76 reviews

Roberts Point Track

Starting from the Douglas Bridge, Roberts Point Track winds up the true right of the Waiho (Franz Josef Glacier) Valley, over ice-carved rock and across many side streams to a viewpoint high above the glacial ice. In around an hour the track opens out onto ice smoothed rock outcrops at Hende's Hut. This hut is unsuitable for overnight accommodation, but it does provide a sheltered lunch spot. The track climbs on through open scrubland to a suspension bridge crossing Rope Creek and continues steadily upwards to Roberts Point. The views from here are well worth the effort with the glacier, sheer rock walls, waterfalls and mountain peaks all visible. Time: 5 hr return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; or 5 hr 20 min return from glacier car park Distance: 11 km return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; or 12.3 km return from glacier car park Please contact the Franz Josef Visitor Centre for safety updates before attempting this track.

Reviewed By nzwestie - Hamilton & Waikato Region, New Zealand

Loved this walk. Def recommend it if you have the time. What a surprise to see the glacier when we got to the top. You do have to be careful. We just wore trail shoes, had plenty of water in our camel packs (as that means no carrying of anything) cameral swinging of my neck. We are in our late 50's, took us about 2.15 up and the same down. Sometimes going down is harder than going up. It is a great walk as it has bridges, water crossing, rock climbing etc. We loved it and would def recommend it.

2. The Old Ghost Road

Lyell Upper Buller Gorge, Westport 7825 New Zealand +64 3-280 8920 [email protected] http://www.oldghostroad.org.nz/adventures/
Excellent
99%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 297 reviews

The Old Ghost Road

Experience an unforgettable adventure on The Old Ghost Road via our range of exciting new packages. Choose from one of our options and then sit back and let us help connect you with the magic of The Old Ghost Road.

Reviewed By 66kiwitraveller - Dunedin, New Zealand

4 of us walked TOGR over 4 nights, 5 days. It was awesome. We walked south to north, and the first two days it rained, so on Day 3 when we awoke to beautiful blue skies we walked back 2.5klms without our packs first thing in the morning from Ghost Lake hut, so that we could see the views from Heavens Door and the Tombstone. So glad we did, the views were absolutely worth it. The terrain and scenery on this track is ever changing, and always spectacular. Great huts, well equipped and plenty of hand sanitiser available. Thanks to the people who built this track and to those who maintain it. Loved it!

3. Franz Josef Glacier

Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/c02d801031244638bce00a807bfe071d.aspx
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,579 reviews

Franz Josef Glacier

Westland Tai Poutini National Park, renowned for its Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and the beautiful walks from 5 minutes to 8 hours that you can do in this area to view these amazing ice features, native forest, wildlife and waterfalls. The track up the Glacier river bed is 5.4 km return via same track Suggested duration 1 hr 30 min •This track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding or landslides – check the latest track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip. •Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. •Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection. •No drones allowed.

Reviewed By greg_wanders - Auckland Central, New Zealand

An enjoyable and picturesque walk through the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. From the car park its a 1.5 to 2 hour walk depending on how long you stop for photographs. Several waterfalls all around as you make your way to the glacier wall. The Glacier wall itself is quite a way away from the view point as it is receding, though it is still awesome to be so close. Maybe a good idea to keep this in mind so as to not be disappointed. Combine the glacier valley walk with two short walks from the car park (Sentinel Rock for Panoramic views and Peters Pool for reflections) and you have great day out on the west coast. A great FREE way to enjoy you time by the glacier, although you have the options of helicopter tours or heli hikes to get further up close. Would highly recommend this walk in good weather. If it is raining and you have spare time, I would save it for when you get a break in the weather.

4. Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk

State Highway 6, Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki 7873 New Zealand +64 3-731 1895 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/1c49372bd3584510a6689690e8a88d47.aspx
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,379 reviews

Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By Donzmarie72

Wow mother nature is amazing the formation of the rocks is mind blowing nice clear day high tide amazing photo opportunities lovely scenic walk to see nature at it's best. Especially the chimney pot.was much enjoyed recomend anyone to see this.

5. Truman Track

State Highway 6 Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki New Zealand +64 3-731 1895 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/473f7641cdbe4a559e945c4a87b97c4f.aspx
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 313 reviews

Truman Track

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By sherrrrry - Flagler Beach, United States

An easy walk through a magical rainforest brings you to a beautiful natural coastal view. Take your time and listen for birds. Bring your camera, too!

6. West Coast Wilderness Trail

80 Tainui Street, Hokitika 7805 New Zealand +64 3-755 6166 [email protected] http://www.westcoastwildernesstrail.co.nz.
Excellent
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Satisfactory
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 220 reviews

West Coast Wilderness Trail

The West Coast Wilderness Trail is a 132 km Grade 2 easy cycle trail that takes the rider through some of the most stunning and diverse scenery the West Coast of the South Island has to offer. The Trail is part of the Great Rides Nga Haerenga network and can be ridden in entirety over 4 days or there are many options available for one day rides and shorter multi day rides.

7. Cape Foulwind Walkway

Coast Road, Cape Foulwind, Westport New Zealand +64 3-731 1895 http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/west-coast/places/cape-foulwind-area/things-to-do/tracks/cape-foulwind-walkway/
Excellent
60%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
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Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 707 reviews

Cape Foulwind Walkway

Reviewed By GaryandLesleyTravel - Auckland Central, New Zealand

From the “Light house” car park the walk along this wonderful stretch of NZ coastline to the Fur Seal colony took us 45 mins each way allowing us multiple stops for photos. If you have the time it’s well worth it. On a clear day from the point you can see up to Karamea and down to Mt Cook. NZ for free at its best. #nzforfree

8. Fox Glacier Hiking Trails

Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand http://www.glaciercountry.co.nz/dailyupdate.pdf
Excellent
50%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 396 reviews

Fox Glacier Hiking Trails

Reviewed By Explore33983631731 - North Yorkshire, United Kingdom

We drove through the main township of Fox Glacier towards the glacier access road, where there is a huge car park. We had a camper van and there was ample parking in the car park.There was some toilets at the end of the car park, they were clean and maintained. There are lots of different walks around the area with choice of distances clearly marked. The walk to the main glacier was well maintained considering how many people walk on these tracks on a daily basis. We walked for about 15/20 mins and took photos on the way. We were greeted by the most wonderful sight that im sure we will never see again as the glacier is slowly retracting. But to see such an untamed natural wonder was a memory to cherish. The information stated that due to a lot of rainwater recently the lookout point had been pulled back a bit, due to the water making the paths a little unstable. Certainly well worth going

9. Woods Creek Track

Off Maori Creek Road, Greymouth New Zealand +64 3-768 0427 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/13dfc66f6d19401d9694fd5c7af8e37f.aspx
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 75 reviews

Woods Creek Track

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By Mcmooo - Napier, New Zealand

Great walk through an old mining site set deep in native bush. Walk past old water races and dig sites and even walk deep into (safe) old tunnels.

10. Monro Beach

West Coast 7886, Lake Moeraki, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7844 New Zealand
Excellent
49%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
5%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 43 reviews

Monro Beach

Monro Beach 1hr 20 mins return walk- 4.7km return. An easy walk through coastal forest to the remote Monro Beach. In Spring you may see Fiordland Crested Penguin/ Tawaki crossing the beach to their nesting sites, do not approach or follow these shy birds keeping a distance of at least 30 metres. Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Department of Conservation, Haast Visitor Centre before starting your trip. •Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. •Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times.

Reviewed By buckeyetravel - Ohio, United States

If you are traveling to or from Franz Josef and Wanaka or Queenstown you can stop on the west coast and do the Monro Beach hike. It takes about 1.5 hours round trip and the hike is mostly flat with some elevation changes. The path is well maintained and it goes through a coastal forest for most of the walk which is really nice. At the end of the hike you end up at Monro Beach where there are sometime penguins to be seen but outside of the nesting season it is hit or miss. We went in November and the nesting was pretty much done so although the people on the beach when we arrived said they had seen penguins they were now off in the ocean. The beach is a little hard to walk on as there are streams of water to make sure you have hiking shoes or water proof shoes (or don't mind getting wet) if you want to explore the beach. The parking lot for this hike is very small so if you get there late morning to early afternoon the lot may be pretty full and hard to find a spot. I think we arrived around 10 and when we came back it was full. Good hike to do and nice way to break up the long drive.

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