History where it happened: West Coast
Discover big stories, up close with the Tohu Whenua guide to the West Coast. Treasure seeker towns, snowcapped views and an ancient lagoon are just some of the must-dos you’ll find in this Te Tai Poutini West Coast itinerary. All aboard! Te Kopikopiko o Te Waka Starting in the south, discover the celestial […]
West Coast on wheels
Amidst a glowing 27 percent increase in January visitor numbers, The West Coast Te Tai Poutini stepped into 2026 with economic optimism. If you want a taste of those high vibes, we suggest you head west on wheels. By two or by four, the region’s untamed natural wilderness, natural treasures and rich landscapes […]
The great West Coast road trip
Between Haast in the south and Karamea in the north, the West Coast is one adventure after another. From ancient forests to gigantic glaciers, watch the oceanic performance at Punakaiki’s blow holes, shop for greenstone in Greymouth and Hokitika, explore old gold workings and hike over one of the massive glaciers. Duration: 7 […]
Your guide to what’s on in the West Coast
26 & 28 DECEMBER: WESTPORT TROTTING CLUB CHRISTMAS MEETING Gather all your family and friends to watch some horse racing. With ten different trotting and pace races each day, there will be plenty of high-speed equines to admire. 30 DECEMBER: REEFTON TROTS Get ready for Reefton’s largest annual race event. Pack a picnic […]
Lover’s retreat
Romance in the West Coast is right at your fingertips. Bursting with creative finesse, painted from a palette of emerald tree canopies and sapphire coastline, Hokitika is the small town that captures people’s hearts. Stay For a cosy, romantic séjour, stay by the sea at the Beachfront Hotel Hokitika. Choose from modern ocean […]
Cycle the wild – West Coast
Why ride the West Coast Wilderness Trail? Why not. Tumbling rivers, fresh rainforest, unspoiled open waters backdropped by the Southern Alps – the Wilderness Trail offers the best of New Zealand bundled up into one great experience. Divided into sections, it’s one of New Zealand’s most accessible trails with the option to tackle […]
Wild Food Fest – Hokitika
Celebrate all things wild, weird and wonderful when Hokitika comes alive on Saturday 14 March, 2026, with the legendary Wildfoods Festival. This iconic West Coast event continues to draw thousands of adventurous foodies, music lovers, and partygoers from across Aotearoa and beyond. Whether you’re brave enough to try a huhu grub or mountain […]
Destination West Coast
The West Coast’s slogan is ‘untamed natural wilderness’, and for good reason. It’s a playground of coastal landscapes, spectacular views, iconic landforms and curious wildlife – and a region which enjoyed record temperatures last summer. Stay a while this season and soak up the sun. Start with your own two feet and make […]
Destination West Coast: Golden Days on the Coast
Winter is a great time of year for a visit to the West Coast, and what would a trip to the Coast be without digging into the history of the gold fields? Six hundred kilometres top to toe, and barely eighty across at the widest bits, the Coast’s dramatic landscape holds a large […]
Destination West Coast: Making the most of your West Coast Adventure
Sunrise to sunset, cooler days on the West Coast are laden with golden promise. Here are three ways to enjoy the Coast: 1. Family holiday getaway: Got bikes, must ride? Westport is the start of the Coast’s newest adventure, known as the family-friendly Kawatiri Coastal Trail. Between the wild Tasman Sea coastline and […]
