The West Coast

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With its rugged landscape of mountains, forests, and coastal scenery, New Zealand’s West Coast is prime territory for a South Island road trip destination. 

The West Coast is dotted with national parks and countless other reserves, pristine lakes, and some of the country’s highest peaks. That makes it an ideal spot for a Britz campervan adventure. If you’re looking for some of the best scenery in New Zealand, you won’t be disappointed. In fact, The Great Coast Road, which stretches between Westport and Greymouth, was voted by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 coastal drives in the world. 

Scattered along the way are towns steeped in colourful pioneer and mining history. Hokitika lures in travellers with the promise of gold and greenstone treasures, while Franz Josef and Fox Glacier bask in the blue glow of their famous icy flows. 

Lying on the western side of the great Southern Alps, this long, skinny region is connected to the east via the Buller Gorge, and three alpine passes – Lewis, Arthurs, and Haast. These allow for all sorts of loop routes from Britz New Zealand’s Christchurch or Queenstown branches.

To discover all the best things to do on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, there’s no better way to travel than with a Britz campervan. Wake up to the sound of birdlife and enjoy lunch along a secluded forest trail. At the end of the day, park up on one of the West Coast beaches for dinner and to witness an incredible sunset. And once the sun goes down, get ready to see a dazzling display of stars in the dark skies above. 

A campervan road trip allows you the freedom to stop where you please, take your time, and discover the natural beauty of this diverse region. Travelling by Britz campervan is also a great way to keep expenses down. Enjoy home-cooked meals, stay in affordable campgrounds, or try freedom camping.  

Oysters Couple Salad

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West Coast highlights

  • Stunning coastal, mountain and forest scenery

  • Unique geological wonders

  • Walkways and hiking trails

  • Historic sites with relics of yesteryear

  • Wildlife, particularly birds

  • The twin glaciers

  • Peaceful campsites and holiday parks​

 

 

Things to do on New Zealand’s West Coast

Hit the scenic walking and cycling trails

The West Coast is a walker’s paradise, with easy trailhead parking, handy campsites and clear track signage ensuring achievable, enjoyable adventures for everyone. As well as challenging mountain hikes, there are numerous easier ambles along historic water races, pack tracks and logging tramways. 

One of our top picks is the 4.4 km Lake Matheson loop walk. Nestled within ancient forest, Lake Matheson is famous for its mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Plan your walk for dawn or dusk for the best lake reflections. 

 

Get up close to a glorious glacier

You can’t take a West Coast road trip without visiting the two majestic glaciers that draw thousands of visitors every year. The Franz Josef Glacier area boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand. Just 6 km from the Franz Josef village, the glacier is one of the most pristine places on earth. 

Fed by four alpine glaciers, Fox Glacier is longer and faster moving than Franz Josef. The glacier, just a 30-minute drive from Franz Josef, descends 2600 metres from the Southern Alps into temperate rainforest. For spectacular views, head towards Lake Matheson on Cook Flat Road.

 

Explore the national parks

The West Coast region is home to more national parks than any other region of New Zealand. Each offers something unique and memorable. One of the country’s newest and largest, Kahurangi National Park also is home to the popular Heaphy Track. This picturesque track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks, winding its way through expansive tussock downs, lush forests and nīkau palms to the seas of the West Coast. Several of New Zealand’s rare native species call the Kahurangi National Park home including the rock wren, the great spotted kiwi, and the giant weta. 

 

Marvel at the natural wonders

The West Coast is a treasure trove of natural spectacles, from glowworm grottos to beaches strewn with jewel-like pebbles. A must-do West Coast activity is a visit to the Oparara Arch. This stunning limestone arch is said to be the biggest in Australasia. You can reach the arch by walking along the well-formed forest track – about 2 km return. Another must-do is the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Looking like giant stacks of pancakes, these intriguing limestone formations are around 30 million years old. The Pancake Rocks are easily accessible along a 1.1 km loop track. While you’re there, check out the amazing blowholes. They are at their best around high tide. 

 

 

Helpful tips for visiting the West Coast

Climate and seasons in the West Coast

New Zealand’s West Coast experiences a fair bit of rain with October being the wettest month. During the summer months of January and February temperatures range between 20 – 25°C. The coldest month is July with an average maximum temperature of 6°C. 

 

What to pack

  • When visiting the West Coast, it pays to pack wet weather gear regardless of the time of year. Although most of the West Coast’s rainfall occurs at night, it’s worth being prepared. 

  • If you’re visiting during winter, you’ll be grateful for a warm beanie and jacket. 

  • Make the most of the many wonderful walks and trails on the West Coast. Pack good walking shoes, a daypack, and sun protection. 

  • Because of its many waterways and temperate climate, parts of the West Coast can be a haven for sandflies. Keep them at bay with Okarito Sandfly Repellent. 

  • With so many great cycle trails on the West Coast, you may like to bring along your bike. You can also hire bikes when you book your Britz camper.  

Note: Shops and petrol stations are sparse in some places, so it pays to plan ahead for groceries and fuel.

 

Where to stay on the West Coast with a campervan

The West Coast is well set up for campervan travellers, with clear road signage, easy parking, and excellent visitor information centres.

The region’s 30 or so holiday parks have a strong focus on campervan travellers, so offer first-rate, family-friendly facilities and a sociable atmosphere. Outside of January and Easter, campsite bookings are usually not required, so campervan travellers can follow a flexible itinerary.

There are also many Department of Conservation campsites, with sites available on a first-come-first-served basis. 

Some of our favourite campsites include:

 

Carters Beach TOP 10

Wake up to the sound of waves at Carters Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. Just 4 km south of Westport township, Carters Beach is a popular swimming spot on a hot day. The park is just metres away from shops, takeaways, a licensed café, and a bakery. Make use of the barbecue area, relax in the TV room, and enjoy use of the hot showers and kitchen. This campground is pet-friendly too, just like Britz campers! Read more about travelling with pets in your campervan.  

Punakaiki Beach Camp

Located just 700 metres from the famous Pancake Rocks, the Punakaiki Beach Camp is an idyllic holiday destination. Catch the shuttle to explore the Paparoa Tracks, take a stand-up paddleboarding tour, or walk the half-day Pororari River Track. The campground has all the must-haves including a drying room and laundry, communal kitchen, WiFi, and dump station. 

Maruia Hot Springs

This award-winning natural hot spring and day spa destination is nestled within the snow-capped Southern Alps, along the scenic Lewis Pass national reserve. The water of Maruia Hot Springs is rich in natural minerals to help you unwind and feel rejuvenated. But best of all, there’s a campground onsite, so you can soak away the day and walk back to your Britz camper for a restful sleep.  

 

 

Britz campervan branches

Our Christchurch campervan branch

The drive from Britz Christchurch to the West Coast offers up some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking scenery. You’ll drive through the snowcapped ranges and braided rivers of spectacular Arthur’s Pass. Plan a stop in Arthur’s Pass Village where you may be lucky enough to meet one of New Zealand’s native parrots, the Kea.   

 

Our Queenstown campervan branch

Britz Queenstown sits within the bottom half of the South Island. Pick up your campervan and take the three-hour drive to Jackson Bay, the West Coast’s only natural harbour. Jackson Bay fishing village offers spectacular views of the ocean and the Southern Alps. From here, it’s just two hours to Fox Glacier.

 

Our Auckland campervan branch

The road trip from Britz Auckland to Wellington, where you can catch the ferry to the South Island, takes around eight hours. Fortunately, there’s plenty to see and do along the way. Check out our Auckland to Wellington road trip for inspiration. 

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