The West Coast

Lonely Planet has rated this region as one of the top 10 trips to undertake on your travels.

The West Coast contains the largest area of protected land of any region in New Zealand.  The northern end of the coast is rugged, with beautiful coastlines, rainforests and wild pounding surf.  The natural rock formations of Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki are best seen at full tide with the wind blowing.  Following that, a quick visit to Hokitika will you have you warm again as you shop for the natural, highly-prized Pounamu (greenstone).  This is an area where the best idea is to sit back, feast on local produce like whitebait patties, and chat to the locals over a beer - you won't want to leave.

As you travel through the West Coast you will discover five of the country’s 13 national parks and the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.  The southern region of the West Coast is unforgettable.  Natural unspoiled beauty awaits with these mighty glaciers (so close you can touch them!) hidden amongst natural rain forests.  Do check out some of the off-track paths - Lake Matheson is a picture postcard with the reflections of Aoraki Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.