West Coast, South Island

Riding the TranzAlpine – New Zealand’s Most Scenic Train Journey

The TranzAlpine Train is one of the great journeys of New Zealand and a must-do for anyone visiting the South Island. Running between Christchurch on the east coast and Greymouth on the wild West Coast, this trip takes you through a landscape of rolling plains, soaring mountains and thriving rainforest. Whether you start in Christchurch […]

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Best Places to Eat on the West Coast – From Pub Classics to Fresh Seafood

The West Coast isn’t just about glaciers and rugged landscapes — it’s also packed with down-to-earth eateries and hidden food gems that reflect the Coast’s character. You’ll find seafood shacks serving the catch of the day, cafés where locals gather over coffee and bakeries turning out pies that rival the scenery for star status. In

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Best Places to Stay on the West Coast – Top Spots for Every Traveller

In our campgrounds blog, we shared the best spots for freedom campers and those travelling by van. But not everyone is exploring in a camper, and sometimes a comfortable bed is exactly what you need after a day of adventures. The West Coast may be wild, but it also offers a great mix of motels,

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Best Hikes on the West Coast – Rainforests, Glaciers & Coastal Trails

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

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Best Things to Do in Te Tai Poutini – The West Coast – Glaciers, Gorges & Wild Beauty

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

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Franz Josef Glacier – A Natural Wonder of the West Coast

Deep in the heart of Te Tai Poutini – the West Coast, Franz Josef Glacier is one of Aotearoa – New Zealand’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes. Few places on earth bring such striking contrasts together — ancient ice flowing down from the Southern Alps, stopping just short of lush rainforest and wild coastline. This

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Punakaiki Rocks – The Famous Pancake Rocks & Blowholes

On Aotearoa – New Zealand’s wild West Coast, Punakaiki Rocks are a natural wonder that captures both the power and mystery of the land. Known as the Pancake Rocks, these unique limestone formations look like giant stacks of breakfast pancakes, carved over millions of years by wind, water and salt spray. Add in the booming

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Best Motorhome Stops – West Coast South Island – Rainforests, Glaciers & Coastlines

From Hokitika up to Franz Josef and Punakaiki, this rugged coastal route is a camper’s dream—rainforest meets glacier, with dramatic cliffs, wild beaches, and mountain solitude. Here’s your go-to list of campsites and stops along the way. 🏨 Paid Holiday Parks with Full Facilities Punakaiki Beach Camp – Punakaiki Lake Brunner Holiday Park – Moana

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Exploring Te Tai Poutini – The Wild West Coast of Aotearoa – New Zealand

Te Tai Poutini – the West Coast – is one of Aotearoa – New Zealand’s most rugged and awe-inspiring regions, where wild coastlines collide with ancient rainforest and glaciers descend from the Southern Alps into mist-filled valleys. Stretching from Karamea in the north to Jackson Bay in the far south, this coastline carries Māori legends,

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