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 Josef, Hokitika and Ross. But there are plenty more to choose from including the awesome Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. Walk 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 and hiking
Find out why Fox Glacier is one of the best places to walk & explore. Discover our favourite short walks or full day hiking tracks around the Fox Glacier area. Located in the stunning South Island of New Zealand, Fox Glacier has plenty of great walking and hiking.
Franz Josef Walks and Hiking
Our best walks would be Franz Josef Glacier walk & Callery Gorge walk for great views. I haven’t hiked up Roberts Point yet, but Garry has and the hard slog to get to the summit was well worth it especially on a sunny day for excellent views of Franz Josef Glacier.
Greymouth walks and hiking
Find out why Greymouth is one of the best places to walk & explore. Discover our favourite short walks or full day hiking tracks around the Greymouth area. Located in the stunning South Island of New Zealand, Greymouth has plenty of great walking and hiking.
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 the Hector area. Located in the stunning South Island of New Zealand, Hector has plenty of great walking and hiking.
Hokitika walks and hiking
Find out why Hokitika is one of the best places to walk & explore. Discover our favourite short walks or full day hiking tracks around the Hokitika area. Located in the stunning South Island of New Zealand, Hokitika has plenty of great walking and hiking.
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 the Punakaiki area. Located in the stunning South Island of New Zealand, Punakaiki has plenty of great walking and hiking.
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 the Ross area. Located in the stunning South Island of New Zealand, Ross has plenty of great walking and hiking.
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 the Seddonville area. Located in the stunning South Island of New Zealand, Seddonville has plenty of great walking and hiking.
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 the Waimangaroa area. Located in the stunning South Island of New Zealand, Waimangaroa has plenty of great walking and hiking.
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 the Westport area. Located in the stunning South Island of New Zealand, Westport has plenty of great walking and hiking.
