Things to Do in West Coast — New Zealand: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

The gorge’s intensely colored water and swingbridge make it one of the West Coast’s most memorable short scenic excursions. Treat it as a half-day drive from Hokitika, allowing time for the changing views along the road as well as the walk at the end.

1.3h FreeAim for early morning; midday brings the most tour traffic and parking pressure.

Pairs with: Dorothy Falls · Treetop Walk & Zipline · Hokitika Beach Sign

#2Devils Punchbowl WaterfallMust4.7(1,255)

This is the essential walk from Arthur’s Pass village: a proper forest outing with a dramatic waterfall payoff. It works well as a morning or afternoon leg of an Arthur’s Pass crossing, provided weather and track conditions are suitable.

2h FreeStart early, before coaches and road-trip traffic arrive in Arthur’s Pass.

Pairs with: Hokitika Gorge · Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

#3Franz Josef GlacierMust

Franz Josef is one of the defining reasons to come to the West Coast, with a glacier valley walk and access to guided mountain experiences from the village. The public valley viewpoint is worthwhile on its own, but book a heli-hike or scenic flight if getting onto or above the ice is a priority.

2h Book aheadWalk early when cloud and weather are often more manageable; keep a backup day for flights or guided trips.

The valley walk is free, but guided glacier trips and scenic flights should be reserved well ahead in peak season and remain weather-dependent.

Pairs with: Lake Matheson · Fox Glacier

#4Fox GlacierMust

Fox Glacier complements Franz Josef with a quieter village base and access to another extraordinary glacial valley. Use it alongside Lake Matheson and choose guided or flight activities based on weather, rather than expecting reliable close public access to the ice.

1.5h Book aheadSchedule paid glacier activities early in your stay so poor weather does not end the opportunity.

Public viewpoints are free; book guided glacier access or flights in advance, with flexibility for weather cancellations.

Pairs with: Lake Matheson · Franz Josef Glacier

#5Lake MathesonMust

Lake Matheson is the classic reflective-view walk for the glacier country, most compelling when conditions are still and clear. It is a strong counterpoint to the more active glacier experiences and fits naturally around Fox Glacier village.

1.5h FreeGo at dawn or close to sunset for the best chance of reflections and less wind.

Pairs with: Fox Glacier · Franz Josef Glacier

#6Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and BlowholesMust

These sculpted coastal rocks are the signature stop on the northern West Coast and deliver a high-reward walk with very little effort. Time your visit around rougher seas or higher water for the most dramatic blowhole action, then continue along the coast rather than rushing straight through.

1h FreeVisit early or later in the day; conditions around higher water can make the blowholes more active.

Pairs with: Irimahuwhero Lookout · Arnold River Scenic Reserve

#7Treetop Walk & ZiplineShould4.4(1,760)

This is an easy, weather-flexible forest experience near Hokitika, with an elevated walk that gives a different perspective from the region’s waterfalls and beaches. Use it as a short activity on an arrival, departure, or rainy-day window; the zipline is the add-on for people who want more adrenaline.

1.5h Book aheadGo near opening or later in the afternoon, especially during school holidays.

Reserve the zipline and peak-season walk slots ahead; the walk may have same-day availability outside busy periods.

Pairs with: Hokitika Gorge · Hokitika Beach Sign

#8Okarito LagoonShould

Okarito offers the quieter, wilder side of glacier country: a broad lagoon, birdlife, and a small settlement with real sense of place. Use it for kayaking, a boat outing, or an unhurried detour when you want more than the standard glacier circuit.

2.5h Walk upEarly morning is best for calmer water, wildlife, and a more reliable outing before afternoon weather builds.

Self-guided lagoon access is free; reserve guided kayak or boat trips ahead in the busier travel months.

Pairs with: Franz Josef Glacier · Lake Matheson

#9Dorothy FallsIf time4.5(327)

A rewarding roadside waterfall stop in the Lake Kaniere area, best approached as part of a scenic detour from Hokitika rather than a destination in isolation. It is a good low-commitment nature break if you have a car and reasonable conditions.

30m FreeVisit in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter stop and softer light.

Pairs with: Hokitika Gorge · Treetop Walk & Zipline

#10Hokitika Beach SignIf time4.5(2,126)

The driftwood sign is a quick, distinctly Hokitika photo stop rather than a standalone excursion. Combine it with a beach walk, sunset, or a wander around town rather than allocating much of the day to it.

20m FreeCome near sunset, when the beach is at its best and day-trippers have begun to leave.

Pairs with: Hokitika Gorge · Treetop Walk & Zipline

#11Irimahuwhero LookoutIf time4.7(363)

A worthwhile pull-over viewpoint on the coastal route, giving a fast dose of the West Coast’s big landscape without a long walk. Use it as part of a northbound or southbound drive, not as an independent destination.

20m FreeLate afternoon generally gives better light and fewer passing vehicles.

Pairs with: Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes · Arnold River Scenic Reserve

#12Arnold River Scenic ReserveNiche4.8(10)

This is a peaceful river-and-forest stop near Greymouth, useful for breaking up a drive rather than commanding a special trip. Choose it if you want an uncrowded, gentle contrast to the headline stops on the coast.

30m Free

Pairs with: Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes · Irimahuwhero Lookout