Westland South Island's West Coast

Between the Towering peaks of the Southern Alps and the Wild Waters of the Tasman Sea, lies one of the most remote regions in New Zealand; the West Coast or Westland as otherwise known.

- Jack Austin

It’s an area truly dominated by nature and its many forms, from Nikau palm rainforests of the North, to the glaciated valleys and fortress-like peaks of the South.

It’s an astounding fact that this stretch of Coast is over 600km long and home to only 1% of the Country’s population, leaving a lot of space to roam and explore. While much can be seen not too far from the State Highway, you will need adequate gear and potentially helicopters to go off and explore some of the otherwise unexplorable inner realms. The West Coast is often well-known for its less-than-favourable weather patterns, with heavy storms often rolling in from the Tasman Sea.

The ‘Coasters’ are a friendly and independent community who will no doubt, add to your amazing experience following this rugged coastline. I’ve been lucky enough to travel the length of the West Coast on multiple occasions, only to find myself captivated yet astounded by its remoteness and startling change in ecosystems each time.

Choosing the top 5 places to visit along this 600km stretch of rugged coast is difficult, but I am certain nonetheless that these natural features and gems, will be fantastic additions to any travel experience you find yourself on and I’m sure you will enjoy them just as much as I did.

The Heaphy Track

To be named one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks immediately sets the tone for what is an incredible journey through nature. I can’t think of a walk I have done that covers more different ecosystems than the Heaphy Track. Being the Longest of the Great walks done on foot at 78km, the journey takes you from the rugged coastline and Nikau Rainforest of the West Coast, right through the baron plains of the Gouland downs, passing through the mountain-scapes of Perry Saddle before finishing on the shores of the roaring Brown River.