West Coast Region is a region that stretches along the west coast of New Zealand's South Island, boasting a unique natural environment where lush rainforests, glaciers, beaches, and the Southern Alps harmonize. This area is known for its vast expanse and rich natural resources, particularly its history of gold and coal mining. The West Coast is well-preserved in nature, allowing for a variety of outdoor activities and ecological explorations, attracting many tourists with its majestic glaciers, waterfalls, and mountainous terrain.

1. Diverse Landscapes Shaped by Nature

   The West Coast is located between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea, featuring a variety of natural environments such as dense primeval forests, glaciers, beaches, lakes, and rivers. This area retains its natural beauty, allowing visitors to enjoy various outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, and kayaking.

2. The Meeting of Glaciers and Rainforests

   The West Coast is one of the rare places in the world where glaciers and rainforests are located close to each other. The Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier are situated in low-altitude rainforests, creating a unique ecosystem. Visitors can walk on the glaciers directly or admire them up close through helicopter tours.

3. Mining Industry and Historical Heritage

   The West Coast experienced a gold rush in the 19th century, leaving behind many relics and museums related to gold mining history. In particular, the mining towns in this region prospered through gold and coal mining, and traces of this history can still be seen today.

4. Rich Ecosystem and Wildlife

   The West Coast region is home to many rare wild animals, offering numerous opportunities to observe endemic bird species and marine life. Along the coastline and forests of this area, you can encounter seals, penguins, and various birds.

1. Greymouth

   The largest city and main economic center in the West Coast. Greymouth is a historic mining town that prospered in the past through gold mining and the coal industry. Currently, tourism and fishing are well developed, and you can glimpse its past history through various museums and gold mining sites.

2. Hokitika

   A small town with beautiful beaches and a unique artistic atmosphere, it was once a region of a gold rush. Hokitika is famous for crafts made from New Zealand nephrite jade, and the annual ‘Hokitika Wildfoods Festival’ is also well known. With many artists and artisans, you can find a variety of artworks and souvenirs.

3. Westport

   A port town famous for coal mining and fishing, located in the northern part of the West Coast region. Westport preserves the heritage of the mining industry, and the surrounding natural environment is well maintained, making it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities. Especially, you can see seals and seabirds up close.

1. Franz Josef Glacier

   One of the representative attractions of the West Coast region, this unique glacier is located in a rainforest. You can admire the majestic glacier up close through hiking or helicopter tours, and experience walking on the glacier itself. There are also hot springs around the glacier, making it a great place to relax after hiking.

2. Fox Glacier

   Together with Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier is a major glacier tourist spot in the West Coast region where you can admire the glacier up close or enjoy glacier trekking. Nearby Fox Glacier is the beautiful Lake Matheson, where you can see stunning reflections of Mount Ruapehu on the lake.

3. Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

   Located about 45 minutes north of Greymouth, this unique terrain is famous for its pancake-like layered rocks. These coastal rocks were formed by waves and wind, and during high tide, you can see the blowhole phenomenon where water spurts through the rock crevices.

4. Hokitika Gorge

   A beautiful gorge with emerald-colored river water and lush forests spread above it. You can enjoy nature by crossing the bridge over the gorge, and the well-maintained walking trails make it great for hiking. The primitive forest and the unique color of the river around the gorge make it a popular spot for photography.

5. Lake Brunner

   The largest freshwater lake in the West Coast, it is a place where fishing, boating, and kayaking activities are actively carried out. The area around the lake is a natural retreat where you can enjoy hiking and camping in a peaceful atmosphere, with various trekking courses and opportunities to encounter wildlife.

6. Shantytown Heritage Park

   A historical park themed on an old mining town located near Greymouth, it recreates the lifestyle during the 19th-century gold rush era. Visitors can ride a steam train, experience gold mining, and explore buildings and equipment from that time, feeling the atmosphere of the old western frontier days.

7. Okarito Lagoon

   The largest lagoon in New Zealand, famous as a birdwatching site with various bird species inhabiting it. It is especially known for observing the endangered kotuku (New Zealand white heron). You can explore the lagoon by kayak or boat and appreciate its unique ecosystem.