West Coast New Zealand has the most beautiful scenery and diversity of landscapes in the world, from the alps to the lakes, towns, rivers, wetlands, native bush, and the ocean. This amazing region on the South Island has some of the best hiking trails in the country and promises a fun tramping experience. As we say here in New Zealand, the West Coast is every hiker’s heaven.
Whether you’re visiting New Zealand or living there, you’ll discover some great places for hikes in West Coast. Challenge yourself to a daring but exciting alpine trek or through stunning mountain terrains, surrounded by the high peaks on West Coast, and even the glaciers. And, the good news is the best hiking trails on the West Coast of New Zealand are easy to get to.
See West Coast’s top attractions, have an adventure, experience the wonderful yet challenging joys of hiking and, if you’re a visitor, return home a changed person. If you live in New Zealand, continue to enjoy the goodies the West Coast of New Zealand has to offer.
In case you’ve never hiked before, there are trails for beginners which are less challenging than others. If you’re really into hiking, strap yourself and get ready for the hike of your life, routes on the West Coast will surely test your endurance and agility. These trails are not for the faint-hearted. They are more demanding and cut across untracked and rough terrain.
But firstly, before you go hiking, you need the right equipment. If you’re new to serious walking, I am letting you know that those soft-soled boots cannot do the job, particularly if it’s a mountain hike. Don’t worry, New Zealand is full of stores that provide climbing and hiking gear. Helmets, harnesses, crampons, ice axes… we’ve got it all. Outdoor clothing, boots, and packs are essential, also, that bottled water is necessary.
Are you trying to find the ideal tracks to trek on New Zealand’s stunning West Coast? Then check out this list of some of the best hiking trails in West Coast New Zealand, either short walks, a day trek, or multiple days hike.
Best Hiking Trails in West Coast New Zealand
- 1. The Paparoa Track
- 2. Ship Creek Walks
- 3. Blue Pools Track
- 4. Heaphy Track
- 5. Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk
- 6. Lake Matheson Walk
- 7. Abel Tasman Coastal Track
- 8. Milford Track
- 9. Hollyford Track
- 10. Alex Knob Track
- 11. Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blow Holes
- 12. Rakaitane Walk
- 13. Hokitika Gorge
- 14. Blue Pools of Haast Walk
- 15. Cape Foulwind Walkway
- 16. Charming Creek Walkway
- 17. Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe Valley Walk
- 18. Oparara Arch
- 19. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
- Walking the Trails of West Coast New Zealand
1. The Paparoa Track
This hiking trail is suitable for intermediate-level hikers. It takes 2-3 days and is a journey of 56 kilometres. This trail offers fantastic views, taking you through alpine tops, limestone landscapes, and thriving rainforests.
2. Ship Creek Walks
If you’re trying a hand at hiking for the first time, these are two beautiful hiking trails you should go on. Roughly a 1 km journey, the return loops take 30 minutes taking you through swamp forest and wide swept dunes beside the ocean.
3. Blue Pools Track
Another hiking trail perfect for beginners. You’ll love this one. You’re going to enjoy the pristine waters of the Makarora River’s Blue Pools. It’s a 1.5 km journey where you hike through beautiful rainforests of Mount Aspiring National Park.
4. Heaphy Track
One of the longest hiking trails, the Heaphy Track lasts for 5 days. It is a rugged but beautiful experience taking you through tussock lands and lush rainforest, which you can’t afford to miss. However, many huts have been built along the way, where you can rest, and the trail ends in Golden Bay.
5. Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk
This is a 1 hour 30 minutes return journey that’s worth it. Wander through the breathtaking valley created by the Franz Josef Glacier, and enjoy seeing the many beautiful waterfalls on the way.
6. Lake Matheson Walk
One of the popular trails on the west coast. Lake Matheson is one of the most reflective lakes in New Zealand, even reflecting the Southern Alps from a quay point of view. This breathtaking lake makes the walk worth it, but there are a lot of other goodies packaged on the trail that passes through a rich rainforest.
7. Abel Tasman Coastal Track
First-time hikers, or maybe you’re hiking together as a family? This would be the ideal route. Here, we seldom experience abrupt weather changes frequent on other trails. With lustrous sandy beaches, coastal forests, and granite cliffs, the Abel Tasman Coast Track is like a three-in-one hike.
8. Milford Track
Known as the finest walk in the world, and for a good reason. Milford Track stretches from the head of Lake Yep Anau to Milford Sound or Piopiotahi, and across the spectacular Mackinnon Pass. Enjoy walking through lofty mountain peaks, coupled with glass-like rivers, and through the dense rainforest.
9. Hollyford Track
This trail promises beautiful, breathtaking views. Begin your journey beneath glacier-carved mountain slopes and end your journey days later at the beautifully rugged West Coast of South Island.
10. Alex Knob Track
This is no journey for the faint-hearted, taking you through rugged, unmarked trails, this journey will test your agility and endurance, but in the end, it’s worth it. You should enjoy the breathtaking views on your way while you’re at it.
11. Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blow Holes
Don’t forget to take your camera on this trail because you have to take pictures. The Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes were named from the ancient limestone formations that greatly resemble stacked pancakes. Just imagine that view. Also, you should visit during a high tide and observe the lovely blowholes.
12. Rakaitane Walk
It’s a short walk, take a stroll and enjoy some of the best attractions on the West Coast of New Zealand. Rakaitane Walk is one of the lovely inland strolls on Lake Brunner and the small town of Moana. I know you remember the movie Moana, right? It is an easy loop hike that takes you through amazing rainforests alongside the Arnold River. This a favourite walk suitable for everyone and you can even join a guided trip.
13. Hokitika Gorge
This is another of those short walks that stretch your legs while offering impressive views. You walk through a gorgeous rainforest that leads to viewpoints and a swing through which you cross over to Hokitika Gorge. The milky blue waters surrounded by the towering grey rock river gorge make for a beautiful picture. And, you can continue across the bridge where the trail leads to the river bank. The view is so relaxing.
14. Blue Pools of Haast Walk
When coming to the West Coast or leaving through the south, you should try out the impressive walk along the Haast Pass between Haast and Wanaka. It is an easy 1 hour walk through the ancient beech forest of the Mt Aspiring National Park, also crossing through two suspension bridges over crystal clear glacial waters.
15. Cape Foulwind Walkway
This is a sealed walkway, so you can only go out the same way you came in. Tourists particularly favour this hiking trail because of its historic nature. The hike shows a viewing platform above a seal colony and some historical sites, including the Cape Foulwind Lighthouse.
16. Charming Creek Walkway
This trail passes through an abandoned railway through a dramatic river gorge, and it can be hiked or cycled through. The track features old mining relics like coal bins and railway tunnels. There are a lot of charming little waterfalls along the gorge walls, but the most stunning is still the Mangati Falls.
17. Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe Valley Walk
This is a 2.6 km trail for seasoned hikers. It leads you through ancient moraines and glacier moulded landscapes until you get to the breathtaking terminal face of the Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe Valley.
18. Oparara Arch
One of the many hiking trails in the enormous Oparara Basin. The Oparara Basin features many caves and arches, which are another kind of experience, one of the most popular being the Oparara Arch because it is the largest.
19. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
This 3 days hike promises to be exciting and unforgettable. It is for beginners, intermediate and seasoned hikers. Trek through this stunning alpine terrain surrounded by New Zealand’s highest peaks and longest glaciers. It’s beautifully set on a ball bridge above the Tasman glaciers, and from this point, you can enjoy the ice avalanches rumbling down Mount Cook. The memories from this hike will last you a lifetime.
Walking the Trails of West Coast New Zealand
When you enter the West Coast New Zealand, it feels like you’re in fantasy land, and that’s true. The West Coast is blessed with many breathtaking views and hiking trails that shouldn’t be missed out on. Nature is so evident there, and I think you shouldn’t be too busy for nature every once in a while.
So, bring out your hiking gear, go to one of these great hiking trails, have the time of your life, and enjoy nature. And if you’re not in West Coast New Zealand, I believe a vacation is due. Plan a holiday, spend a few days and enjoy the beauty New Zealand’s West Coast has to offer.
You can pick a hiking trail on this list and view some of the top attractions on the West Coast of New Zealand. There are many more, but you can start with my suggestions and have a wonderful time exploring nature and enjoying the spectacular views along the way.
Authored by Evan Porter of NZ Honeymoon
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