Adventures in West Coast

If you're looking for a serious hit of adrenaline, the West Coast of New Zealand is the place to find it. The beautiful West Coast mountains and coastline offer the ultimate adventure playground.

Planning a trip to the West Coast, NZ? All we can say is lucky you!

This remote part of the South Island is one of the best places to get stuck into activities to make your pulse race. Head into unforgettable mountain landscapes to discover glaciers and snow-capped peaks. Explore alpine lakes, rainforests and underground caves. Or take to the skies to see this spectacular area from above. West Coast accommodation varies from camping grounds to scenic mountain hotels. They all fill up fast in peak season so get booking early.

Wondering what to do in West Coast, NZ? Look no further than our adventurous run-down...

Image: Tourism West Coast

Air Adventures

  • Whatever you want to pack into your West Coast itinerary, adventure will be on the menu. For the ultimate thrill, why not skydive above that stunning scenery?
  • Always wanted to fly in a helicopter? Us too. Take a scenic flight or drop in for a spot of heli-skiing or heli-biking.
  • Kiwis love a good zipline, so buckle up and ride the epic Greymouth Canyon zipline.

Image: Tourism West Coast

Water Adventures

  • Explore the coast and rivers from the water with a day of kayaking. Paparoa National Park has paddling routes for all abilities.
  • Channel your inner Bond with a jet boat tour. The bright turquoise Haast River is one of our fave boating spots.
  • Take in steep gorges and out-of-this-world views with some rafting. Crank things up a notch with black-water rafting in an underground cave.

Image: Tourism West Coast

Land Adventures

  • You don't need to be a pro to experience that must-do West Coast activity: mountaineering. Fox Glacier is one of the most accessible mountaineering glaciers in the world.
  • Canyoning will get you wading through rivers, scrambling up waterfalls and generally having the time of your life. Cross Creek is a ripper canyoning spot.
  • Indulge your need for speed with an off-road quad bike adventure through rainforests - and lots of mud.

Created in partnership with Tourism West Coast