Best Things to Do in Te Tai Poutini – The West Coast

In our full West Coast blog, we share a wide range of amazing things to see and do across Te Tai Poutini. There’s so much more to explore here but this list brings together two of the most popular highlights along with three lesser-known gems that are definitely worth a visit.

Stretching from Kahurangi National Park in the north to Haast Pass in the south, Te Tai Poutini – the West Coast is one of the most dramatic regions in Aotearoa – New Zealand. This is a land where glaciers spill into rainforest, waves crash against rugged limestone cliffs and history lingers in wild, windswept plateaus. The region feels both remote and raw, yet it rewards every traveller who makes the journey with experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the country.

From world-famous icons like Punakaiki Rocks and Franz Josef Glacier to hidden treasures tucked along the coast, here are the best things to do on the West Coast that capture its true spirit.

1. Scenic Flight Over Franz Josef Glacier

Few experiences on the West Coast compare to taking a scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier. Watching the river of ice flow down from the Southern Alps into lush rainforest is awe-inspiring, but stepping out onto the glacier itself is unforgettable.

We were fortunate to have 2.5 clear days out of 4, which on the West Coast feels like striking gold. That window of good weather meant we could take to the skies, and it remains one of our favourite travel moments. Flying between jagged peaks and then landing on the ice, surrounded by a frozen world, felt like Mother Nature at her best — pure perfection.

Flights range from quick scenic loops to longer heli-hikes that let you explore ice caves, crevasses and blue pinnacles. I chose to skip the extended 2–3 hour glacier hike because of my anxiety but even the shorter flight and landing was absolutely breathtaking — proof that you don’t need to go to the extremes to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Good to Know:

• Weather can change fast — book early in your trip to allow backup days.
• Layers are essential: a fleece and rain jacket are usually enough, even in cooler months.
• Morning flights often offer calmer conditions and clearer views.

🚁 Scenic Helicopter Flight to Franz Josef Glacier 👉 Book a guided scenic Heli Ride here

2. Punakaiki Rocks & Blowholes

The Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki are one of the most recognisable sights on the West Coast. Layers of limestone, stacked like a pile of pancakes, line the cliffs while powerful blowholes send spray high into the air when the tide is right. It’s dramatic, beautiful and surprisingly easy to access.

The loop track takes around 20 minutes, with boardwalks winding through coastal bush and out to spectacular viewpoints. However, we spent a good two hours here, soaking in the details — watching the spray, admiring the rock formations and simply enjoying the wild energy of the coastline. Sometimes slowing down is the best way to really feel a place.

For the best show, time your visit around high tide, when the ocean funnels through hidden channels and roars out of the blowholes in bursts of salt spray.

What makes Punakaiki special is that it’s more than just a roadside stop. The surrounding area is full of short walks, hidden beaches and a relaxed coastal vibe. We recommend allowing time to wander — the Truman Track nearby is a short favourite of ours, leading through rainforest to a wild West Coast beach at sunset.

Good to Know:

• The track is wheelchair and stroller-friendly.
• Facilities include a DOC visitor centre, toilets, café and parking.
• Visit early morning or later in the evening to avoid busier times.

🪨 Punakaiki Rocks & Blowholes 👉 Want to see the Pancake Rocks without driving? Join a West Coast day tour to Punakaiki here

3. Gillespies Beach – Wild Coastline & Gold History

A short drive west of Fox Glacier, Gillespies Beach feels like stepping into another world. Once a bustling gold mining settlement in the 1860s, today it’s a windswept coastline where history and nature sit side by side. Rusting mining relics are scattered through the dunes, while seals now bask on the rocks where miners once toiled.

The beach itself is wild and rugged, with driftwood scattered along the sand and waves that crash endlessly against the shore. It’s not a swimming beach but it’s perfect for exploring, picnicking or just soaking in the dramatic atmosphere. If you arrive at sunset, the views over the Tasman Sea are unforgettable, with the Southern Alps glowing pink behind you.

Good to Know:

• About a 30-minute drive from Fox Glacier along a gravel road.
• There’s a DOC campsite at Gillespies Beach, popular with self-contained campers.
• Bring warm layers — the wind can be fierce, even in summer.
• Seals are common on the rocks, so keep your distance and respect wildlife.

4. Ship Creek – Rainforest Meets the Sea

Tucked just north of Haast, Ship Creek is one of those places that surprises travellers who stop. In just a few minutes you can step from a windswept beach scattered with driftwood into a lush swamp forest filled with towering kahikatea trees. Two short boardwalks showcase the contrast — one leads you through coastal rainforest, the other along the dunes to the Tasman Sea.

It’s a simple stop but it captures what makes the West Coast so special: the meeting of wild ocean and ancient forest in a single place. The area is also rich in birdlife, with herons, fernbirds and sometimes even dolphins seen from the beach.

Good to Know:

• Ship Creek is right beside SH6, just north of Haast — easy to access while driving the West Coast highway.
• Both boardwalks are short (10–20 minutes) and suitable for most abilities.
• Interpretive signs share the area’s history, including shipwreck stories.
• A great spot to stretch your legs on the long drive between Haast and the glaciers.

5. Denniston Plateau – History on the Edge

Perched high above Westport, the Denniston Plateau is a place where history and harsh landscapes collide. Once a thriving coal mining settlement in the late 1800s, it was known as one of the bleakest places to live in Aotearoa – New Zealand. The remnants of that past remain today — rusting machinery, stone foundations and the famous Denniston Incline, once called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” for its dramatic steep descent.

Standing on the plateau, you’ll find sweeping views over the West Coast, framed by tussock and rock. Walking the historic trails here feels like stepping back in time, imagining the lives of miners and their families who carved out an existence in this unforgiving environment. It’s a site of both resilience and raw beauty.

Good to Know:

• Located 18 km north of Westport, accessible via a steep but sealed road.
• Interpretive panels bring the mining history to life.
• Several short walks explore relics of the settlement and the incline.
• The weather can be wild and changeable — bring warm, windproof layers.

Final Thought

The West Coast of Aotearoa – New Zealand is a region of extremes — where glaciers carve their way into rainforest, blowholes thunder against limestone cliffs and remote plateaus tell stories of resilience and history. This list combines two of the Coast’s most iconic experiences with three hidden gems that deserve just as much attention.

Whether you’re soaring above Franz Josef Glacier, standing in awe at Punakaiki, or wandering windswept places like Gillespies Beach, Ship Creek and the Denniston Plateau, you’ll find that every stop has its own way of leaving a lasting mark. Te Tai Poutini is wild, raw, and unforgettable — a journey worth taking slowly.

👉 Ready to plan your West Coast adventure? Browse West Coast tours and activities 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.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 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.