The West Coast is home to some the best great walks in New Zealand

We’ve been out walking on the West Coast and documented our journeys. Our favourite walks would be in Franz JosefHokitika and Ross. But there are plenty more to choose from including the awesome Pancake Rocks at PunakaikiWalk up the glacier valley in Franz Josef is a moderate 1 ½ hour return. Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier is also a great walk, especially in the morning when the lake is a stunning mirror of the mountains.




It can get a bit cold and it rains a lot on the West Coast, so take advantage of the Franz Josef Hot Pools after your walking or hiking – so relaxing and well worth it! Driving up (or down) the West Coast is very pleasant and a lot quieter than driving up the other side of the South Island. There are fewer tourists, the scenery is rugged and spectacular. Take your bike, there are some awesome tracks for these too. See the best walking tracks in the West Coast on our list below. View stunning photos, follow the track map, bush walks, and more.

Fox Glacier Walks, South Island, New Zealand- Copyright Freewalks NZ

Fox Glacier walks and hiking

Discover my Fox Glacier walks guide. Located in the stunning West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand.
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The old one lane bridge at Franz Josef

Franz Josef Hikes

Franz Josef Glacier & Callery Gorge walks are great for their stunning views, there are plenty more of my walks to explore in Franz Josef.
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Greymouth Walks in Central Otago

Greymouth walks and hiking

Greymouth walks, located on the West Coast, South Island, New Zealand.
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Hector walks and hiking, West Coast, South Island, New Zealand - Chasm Creek Walk -Copyright Freewalks.nz

Hector walks and hiking

Find out why Hector is one of the best places to walk & explore. Discover our favourite short walks or full day hiking tracks around ...
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Hokitika Walks West Coast

Hokitika walks and hiking

Hokitika walks include the stunning Hokitika Gorge walk, see the beautiful green river from the bridge.
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Free Punakaiki Walking & Hiking Guide - West Port - New Zealand

Punakaiki walks and hiking

Find out why Punakaiki is one of the best places to walk & explore. Discover our favourite short walks or full day hiking tracks around ...
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Free Ross Walking & Hiking Guide - West Coast - New Zealand - Copyright Freewalks.nz

Ross walks and hiking

Find out why Ross is one of the best places to walk & explore. Discover our favourite short walks or full day hiking tracks around ...
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Free Seddonville Walking & Hiking Guide - West Coast - New Zealand - View walking through the bush

Seddonville

Find out why Seddonville is one of the best places to walk & explore. Discover our favourite short walks or full day hiking tracks around ...
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Free Waimangaroa Walking & Hiking Guide - West Coast - New Zealand - View from Denniston Incline - Copyright Freewalks.nz

Waimangaroa walks and hiking

Find out why Waimangaroa is one of the best places to walk & explore. Discover our favourite short walks or full day hiking tracks around ...
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Walks and hiking in Westport, North Island New Zealand - Copyright Freewalks.nz

Westport walks and hiking

Find out why Westport is one of the best places to walk & explore. Discover our favourite short walks or full day hiking tracks around ...
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