Best Hikes on the West Coast – From North to South

In our full West Coast blog, we dive into a range of hiking adventures, including some of the longer tramps for those who want a serious challenge. But not every traveller has the time or the stamina for multi-day hikes, so we’ve gathered a list of the Best Hikes on the West Coast South Island New Zealand. These walks are varied, rewarding and give you a real taste of Te Tai Poutini’s wild beauty without needing a week in hiking boots.

1. Oparara Arches Walk – Karamea

• Distance/Time: 2 km return, about 1 hour
• Highlights: Towering limestone arches, moss-covered rainforest, dramatic scenery
• Tohu Tip: Go early or late for the best light filtering through the arches

Hidden in the far north of the West Coast, the Oparara Arches are one of the most extraordinary natural features in Aotearoa – NZ. This gentle walk takes you through lush rainforest to a limestone arch so huge it feels like stepping into a natural cathedral. Covered in moss, ferns and ancient trees, the area is alive with birdsong and has an almost otherworldly feel. It’s a short walk with a big payoff.

2. Pororari River Track – Punakaiki

• Distance/Time: 7 km one way (3 hours), shorter return option available
• Highlights: Limestone gorge, turquoise river, nikau palms
• Tohu Tip: Combine with the Inland Pack Track for a loop if you want a longer tramp

The Pororari River Track is a stunning walk that follows a deep limestone gorge through Paparoa National Park. With sheer cliffs on either side and a turquoise river winding below, it’s one of the most scenic valley walks on the Coast. Nikau palms line the trail, adding a tropical touch to the rainforest setting. It’s flexible too — do a shorter return for a quick outing or link it with the Inland Pack Track for a longer adventure.

3. Hokitika Gorge Walk – Hokitika

• Distance/Time: 2 km loop, about 45 minutes
• Highlights: Swing bridges, turquoise glacial river, rainforest setting
• Tohu Tip: Visit in the morning when the water glows brightest

Few walks are as photogenic as the Hokitika Gorge. This short loop takes you across swing bridges that overlook dazzling turquoise water, framed by lush West Coast rainforest. The colour of the water comes from glacial melt and it’s even more vivid on a sunny day. It’s an easy walk suitable for all ages, but one that feels truly magical — a must-see when passing through Hokitika.

4. Roberts Point Track – Franz Josef

• Distance/Time: 11 km return, around 5 hours
• Highlights: Suspension bridges, rainforest, the closest viewpoint of Franz Josef Glacier
• Tohu Tip: Only attempt in good weather — the track can be slippery and rough

For those who want a challenge, the Roberts Point Track offers one of the best glacier viewpoints in Franz Josef. The hike is demanding, with steep climbs, rocky sections, and several swing bridges, but the reward is the closest vantage point you can reach on foot. Along the way you’ll pass waterfalls and dense rainforest before emerging to breathtaking glacier views. It’s a proper day tramp — tough but incredibly rewarding.

5. Copland Track to Welcome Flat Hot Pools – Near Fox Glacier

• Distance/Time: 18 km one way, 7 hours each way (usually overnight)
• Highlights: Mountain scenery, alpine rivers, natural hot pools with glacier views
• Tohu Tip: Book your hut with DOC in advance — this is one of the most popular backcountry experiences on the Coast

The Copland Track is a legendary West Coast hike that leads deep into the Southern Alps. Most hikers take two days to complete the trek to Welcome Flat Hut, but the reward at the end makes every step worthwhile: natural hot pools tucked into the valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glacier views. Sitting in steaming water while gazing up at the mountains is one of those experiences that defines Te Tai Poutini.

Before you hit the trail, it’s always a good idea to check the DOC (Department of Conservation) website. You’ll find important updates on track conditions, weather alerts and any closures or hazards. It’s also where you can book huts or campsites on popular multi-day hikes. Checking in first helps you stay safe, pack what you need and enjoy your adventure with confidence especially in Aotearoa’s wild and changeable backcountry.

Final Thought

These five hikes are just a taste of what the West Coast has to offer. From short, family-friendly walks like Hokitika Gorge to demanding day hikes like Roberts Point, each one highlights a different side of Te Tai Poutini’s wild beauty. Whether you’re wandering beneath limestone arches, tracing rivers through rainforest or soaking in hot pools with glacier views, these tracks prove that the West Coast is a hiker’s dream.

👉 Want more hiking inspiration? Check out our full West Coast travel guide here

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
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• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
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🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.