Title: Visit West Coast: Best of West Coast Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.ca [West Coast Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Destinations-In-West-Coast.d6047985.Hotel-Destinations)[Vacation Rentals in West Coast](https://expedia.ca/Destinations-In-West-Coast.d6047985.Vacation-Rental-Destinations)[West Coast Flights](https://expedia.ca/Destinations-In-West-Coast.d6047985.Flight-Destinations)[Things to do in West Coast](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-West-Coast.d6047985.Travel-Guide-Activities)[West Coast Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Destinations-In-West-Coast.d6047985.Car-Rental-Destinations)[West Coast Vacations](https://expedia.ca/West-Coast.d6047985.Destination-Travel-Guides) # West Coast ## New Zealand ![Punakaiki showing a sunset, a bay or harbour and rugged coastline](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/180000/180720-South-Island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Fox Glacier which includes mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/180000/180723-South-Island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Fox Glacier which includes forest scenes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/180000/180938-West-Coast-New-Zealand.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Fox Glacier showing a lake or waterhole, forests and a sunset](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/180000/180724-South-Island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![West Coast](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/180000/180902-West-Coast-New-Zealand.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) #### Wonderfully wild and rugged, this stunning region of New Zealand is dotted with rivers, forests, glaciers and gold mining towns. West Coast New Zealand encompasses the whole stretch of the west coast of the South Island. Discover the natural wonders and wildlife of this sparsely populated region. Due to its elongated shape, it also provides scores of scenic driving and train journey opportunities along the coast. Join a guided tour of Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier to walk across the ice and marvel at the impressive surrounding mountain peaks. Drive to the nearby “mirror lake” of Lake Matheson, where the surrounding mountain scenery is reflected perfectly onto the water. Visit the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, a series of unique rock formations and blowholes from which water spurts high into the air. Wildlife watching is one of the biggest draws to this region. Walk the coastal path to Cape Foulwind, where a colony of fur seals can be seen from specially marked viewing platforms. Take a jet boat ride up the Waitangi Taona River to see the white heron birds who reside in the rainforest. Hike through Jackson Bay fishing village and try to catch a glimpse of the area’s pods of female dolphins with their calves. Head to the historic town of Hokitika, which was first settled in the 19th century after the discovery of gold in the area. Wander around the town’s craft galleries, selling everything from gold nugget jewelry to New Zealand jade. Pan for gold in Shantytown, a replica pioneering town where you can explore gold miners’ tunnels and ride a historic train. Visit the region’s largest city, Greymouth. Here you can take a tour around Monteith’s Brewery and sample their popular local beer. Fly into Christchurch Airport and take the train to Greymouth. The region is large so rent a car to explore the coast at your own pace. Visit during fall to enjoy the popular Wildfoods Festival in Hokitika, where unique local foods are served. If you are looking for outdoor adventure and a glimpse into the country’s pioneering past, look no further than West Coast New Zealand. ### Popular cities in West Coast [Westland Tai Poutini National ParkKnown for Glaciers, Hiking and Nature](https://expedia.ca/Westland-Tai-Poutini-National-Park.dx6351337) ## Reasons to visit - Franz Josef Glacier - Fox Glacier - Fox Glacier [Explore city](https://expedia.ca/Westland-Tai-Poutini-National-Park.dx6351337)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/Westland-Tai-Poutini-National-Park-Hotels.d6351337.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Mount Aspiring National ParkKnown for Rain forests, Jungles and Waterfalls](https://expedia.ca/Mount-Aspiring-National-Park.dx6344369) This South Island dreamland of pristine forests, soaring mountains, meandering rivers and spectacular glaciers is a paradise for outdoor adventures. ## Reasons to visit - Routeburn Track - Fantail Falls [Explore city](https://expedia.ca/Mount-Aspiring-National-Park.dx6344369)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/Mount-Aspiring-National-Park-Hotels.d6344369.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [GreymouthKnown for Beaches, Tours and Beer](https://expedia.ca/Greymouth.dx6135276) Hear tales of gold fever, try local tipple at Monteith’s Brewery Co., and explore beaches and old mining sites when visiting this coastal town. ## Reasons to visit - Rapahoe Beach [Explore city](https://expedia.ca/Greymouth.dx6135276)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/Greymouth-Hotels.d6135276.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [HokitikaKnown for Friendly people, Beaches and Sea](https://expedia.ca/Hokitika.dx1474) ## Reasons to visit - Sunset Point [Explore city](https://expedia.ca/Hokitika.dx1474)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/Hokitika-Hotels.d1474.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Franz Josef GlacierKnown for Dining, Glaciers and Mountains](https://expedia.ca/Franz-Josef-Glacier.dx10398) ## Reasons to visit - Glacier Hot Pools [Explore city](https://expedia.ca/Franz-Josef-Glacier.dx10398)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/Franz-Josef-Glacier-Hotels.d10398.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [HaastKnown for Bars, Excursions and Glaciers](https://expedia.ca/Haast.dx6126598) [Explore city](https://expedia.ca/Haast.dx6126598)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/Haast-Hotels.d6126598.Travel-Guide-Hotels) ## Cities in West Coast ![Punakaiki which includes general coastal views and a sunset](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/180000/180913-West-Coast-New-Zealand.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Greymouth Hear tales of gold fever, try local tipple at Monteith’s Brewery Co., and explore beaches and old mining sites when visiting this coastal town. [](https://expedia.ca/Greymouth.dx6135276) ![Fox Glacier which includes a river or creek](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/180000/180727-South-Island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Fox Glacier Fly over a glacier in a helicopter, clamber over and through its ice mass, climb its walls of ice and see glow worms in one of New Zealand’s prime destinations. [](https://expedia.ca/Fox-Glacier.dx181325) ![Pancake Rocks which includes rugged coastline](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/180000/180903-West-Coast-New-Zealand.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Punakaiki Overlooking the South Island’s remote West Coast, this friendly town is the ideal base for exploring the beaches, rivers and limestone formations of the area. [](https://expedia.ca/Punakaiki.dx6034172) ![Tauranga Bay Seal Colony which includes general coastal views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/180000/180874-West-Coast-New-Zealand.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Westport Hike or bike The Old Ghost Road, watch seals play in the waves and go whitewater rafting on the mighty Buller River in this coastal town of the South Island. [](https://expedia.ca/Westport.dx3825) ![Cape Foulwind which includes rugged coastline and general coastal views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/181000/181963-Cape-Foulwind.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Cape Foulwind Spend a day getting up close with New Zealand fur seals, visiting a century-old lighthouse and enjoying panoramic views of the South Island’s untamed coastline. 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Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app ![QR code to download the app](data:image/png;base64,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)