Top 5 West Coast activities
While enjoying the West Coast Wilderness Trail Great Ride, take time out to explore along the way. Feel Free in NZ and check out our top five things to do in spring.
Photo credit: Charles Brunning
Pancake Rocks
Just 45 minutes north of Greymouth are the Pancake Rocks, limestone formations that look like stacks of pancakes. Over time, the sea has eroded the rocks into these fascinating shapes. The area is also known for its blowholes, where seawater is forced through gaps in the rocks, creating impressive sprays, especially during high tide.
The Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Walk is a popular and accessible track that lets visitors experience these unique geological formations and the dynamic coastal environment of the Punakaiki area. The walk provides close-up views of the Pancake Rocks and their blowholes. It’s a great all-weather walk - the wilder the weather, the more dramatic the blowholes.
Photo credit: Clint Trahan
Pounamu Pathway Experience Centre
The Pounamu Pathway Experience Centre in the West Coast's largest town Māwhera/Greymouth is an immersive cultural and educational facility dedicated to pounamu (also known as greenstone or jade) and Māori history in the area.
Created by Weta Workshop, the award-winning visual effects studio behind films like The Lord of the Rings, King Kong, and Avatar, the impressive experience highlights the importance of this precious stone to the local Māori people and provides insights into their history. The Pounamu Pathway is a must-visit to learn about Māori history and the local area's significance. It will enrich your West Coast experience and deepen your appreciation of its cultural heritage.
Photo credit: Development West Coast
Hokitika Gorge
Hokitika Gorge is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters, created by glacial meltwater and fine rock flour. Just 30 minutes from Hokitika town, the gorge features breathtaking scenery, including lush rainforest, rugged cliffs, and a suspension bridge that offers panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscape.
The main walking track is about 1.2km one way and takes about 45 minutes to complete, depending on how long you linger at the viewpoints. The area is ideal for photography and a leisurely walk. The colours of the water are most vibrant on sunny days, especially when it hasn't rained recently.
Photo credit: BareKiwi
Treetop Walk & Zipline, Hokitika
The Treetop Walk & Zipline experience offers a unique way to explore the West Coast rainforest canopy. The treetop walk is just 10 minutes' drive from the township and along the West Coast Wilderness Trail Great Ride.
It features an elevated steel walkway 20m high and more than 450m long, providing stunning views of the forest from above, as well as the mountains and nearby Lake Mahinapua. It’s a great spot to spot local birdlife. For thrill-seekers, there’s also the option to zipline through the treetops back down to the café.
Photo credit: Nimmo Photography
West Coast Wilderness Trail
The West Coast Wilderness Trail is a fantastic multi-day cycling trail that showcases the diverse natural beauty and rich history of the region. Spanning 133km, this Great Ride combines flowing singletrack with historic routes, including old packhorse tracks, tramlines, railways, and gold mining water races.
The trail immerses you in lush rainforests, pristine lakes, and rugged coastlines, all framed by the majestic Southern Alps. Highlights include scenic rides through historic towns such as Greymouth, Kumara, Hokitika, and Ross, where you can explore the area’s Māori pounamu (greenstone) heritage and gold rush history. The trail’s grade 2-3 difficulty level makes it accessible for both easy and intermediate riders.
* Start planning your next cycle holiday and Feel Free in NZ this spring.
