Travelling to New Zealand’s West Coast

A bit more off the beaten path than most holiday destinations within New Zealand, the West Coast region is best reserved for those whose boots have seen a few miles, or those souls searching for an adventure beyond their hotel room.  Nestled between the massive peaks of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea, the West Coast region of the South Island is a rugged landscape that hearkens back to the simple country life. Hearty meals in front of a roaring fire, a thick beer to wet the throat while conversing with comrades, a natural landscape that is simply indescribable … these are just a few of the things which best describe the area.

Greymouth is the most sensible hub for any adventuring done in this region. It is nearly a four hour drive from Christchurch through the mountains, a scenic route which any traveller should undertake simply for the breathtaking views. But once you have arrived you can enjoy anything from luxury lodgings at the Lake Brunner Lodge, to a more local experience in Greymouth itself. Hotel accommodation is plentiful, as are car rental agencies, and there are plenty of scenic flights and train routes available.

But the most exhilarating scenes to be found within this region of New Zealand are those you can find by hiking. The West Coast is home to some of the only temperate zone glaciers in the world, and if you are brave enough you can take a climb with an expert guide. Or you can hike up to Denniston, an old mining village now abandoned to the encroaching rain forest. You can also visit the Pancake Rocks along the coast, where high tides and stormy weather create massive geysers of sea water that will have you remembering them in awe for months to come.