Life is relaxed on the West Coast

It's the perfect place to unwind and explore a special place of beauty and history.

The 600 km West Coast is a rugged, primeval region with snow-capped mountains, towering rainforests, lowland river valleys, dramatic coastlines, bizarre limestone landscapes, grinding glaciers, surging rivers and brooding lakes -natural heritage reserved for you in five National Parks and a World Heritage area.

From Karamea to Haast there are ideas for an adventure holiday too - white water rafting, kayaking, underground cave rafting, ice caving, skiing, mountain biking, jet boating, or for gentler pursuits - beach and forest walks, eco tours, fishing, horse trekking, hiking, gold panning and exploring old gold mines and ghost towns. And don't forget the whitebait fritters!