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real West Coast Self Drive Travel Guides, New Zealand

Self drive holidays are one of the most scenic and enjoyable ways to experience the Real West Coast, our scenery and our people. Although the West Coast is a relatively small part of New Zealand travel is not always fast and easy.

Lake Kaniere, West Coast, New Zealand

Driving our heritage highways is often over undulating, winding roads following the rugged Coast line or skirting around lakes and mountainous regions along the course of rivers and streams over deep gorges and gullys on single lane bridges at low speed.

By international comparisons our roads are good and traffic is low. However if you are used to driving in the city, please take care when driving our Heritage Highways and roads.

Allow your self ample time to see and experience all that you desire. Slow Down, Drive to Survive, and enjoy the sights and scenery of New Zealand's real West Coast.
 
Wishing you Safe Travels.

The Northern Buller Region where Westport sits at the mouth of the mighty Buller River is home to the Cape Foulwind Seal colony, the Pancake Rocks and Reefton the town of light.

West Coast, New Zealand

The smallest region geographically, the central Grey District is the hub of the Coast and home to the largest town Greymouth and Lake Brunner, the Coast's largest Lake.

Hokitika is the largest town of the Westland District where the rivers of ice, Franz Josef and Fox Glacier tumble toward the Tasman Sea.

Naturally there is so much more to the West Coast than these few places to visit and experience. Our West coast scenic attractions are numerous, the kilometres of walks and tracks is unmeasured, while our towns and settlements are unique.

We are privileged to offer you a Mayoral Welcome to the West Coast.

From our Westland District Mayor, Maureen Pugh.

Welcome to Hokitika and Westland.

Westland District Mayor, Maureen Pugh

The Westland region is a truly unique place in the World, where the glaciers, Fox and Franz Josef/Waiau, are the main attractions for most visitors to our region.

Extending to a few hundred meters above sea level the glaciers are unusual in their proximity to the Tasman Sea and easily accessed from the scenic coast road that runs the length of the West Coast.

But Hokitika and Westland are so much more than these two glorious gems. The Hokitika Gorge or any of our wonderful lakes and river valleys are also well worth the time to experience. more »

From Our Grey District Mayor, Tony Kokshoorn.

Welcome to the West Coast and Greymouth.

Grey District Mayor, Tony Kokshoorn

Often Greymouth is viewed as being Lake Brunner, Shantytown and the Brunner Mine Site but we have so many other attractions to offer and adventures to encounter.

The Grey District walks and tracks are numerous, yet little known. Our historic townships and places are spread across the region yet seldom seen or visited despite the fact that you can drive around the entire region in one day.

Most visitors to the wider Coast region have heard of Punakaiki, the Glaciers and other major attractions north and south, and are here to visit these Gems in the West Coasts crown. But how many visitors have heard of all the other places that the Grey District and Coast have to offer. more »