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Top 5 Hidden Places to Visit on the West Coast of the South Island

The West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is wild, rugged, and full of soul. Beyond the glaciers and Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, there are tucked-away treasures that few visitors ever find. These secret spots are where time slows down, nature takes over, and you feel like you’ve stepped into a forgotten world. If you’re drawn to quiet beauty, local stories, and places that feel truly off-grid, this list is for you.1. ŌkāritoThis tiny coastal village is a haven for bird lovers, photog...

Top 5 Off-the-Beaten-Path Places to Visit in the South Island

The South Island of New Zealand is a land of breathtaking beauty but while Queenstown and Milford Sound get the spotlight, there’s a quieter magic waiting for those who prefer secluded charm, hidden gems, and genuine local experiences. If you’re a traveller who values boutique comfort, nature’s solitude, and the feeling of discovering something truly special, this guide is for you.1. Wharariki Beach, Golden BayTucked away near the northwestern tip of the South Island, Wharariki Beach is na...

Staying Connected: A Visitor's Guide to SIM Cards in New Zealand

If you're planning a trip to the beautiful land of Aotearoa (New Zealand), one essential part of your travel checklist should be staying connected. Whether you need GPS directions, want to share your adventures on social media, or stay in touch with loved ones, a local SIM card is a practical and cost-effective solution. Here's everything you need to know about getting a SIM card in New Zealand.Why Get a Local SIM Card?Using your home carrier abroad can lead to steep roaming charges. A local SIM...

Top Tips For Your Holiday In New Zealand

Two Weeks in Paradise: My South Island EscapeI’ve just returned from what might be the most incredible two-week holiday of my life and I’m still buzzing with the memories. The South Island of New Zealand is everything they say it is and more. Think wild coastlines, towering mountains, turquoise lakes and tiny pockets of absolute luxury tucked away in nature. One of those special places was Birds Ferry Lodge where I spent three blissful nights soaking up West Coast charm and natural beauty.My...

Tauranga Bay, Seal Colony and Clifftop Walk, New Zealand

If you’re looking for one of the most scenic short walks on the West Coast — with the added bonus of wildlife viewing,  Tauranga Bay is a must-visit during your stay at Bird’s Ferry Lodge.Just a short drive from the Lodge, Tauranga Bay offers spectacular coastal scenery, a thriving New Zealand fur seal colony, and an easy clifftop walkway leading to the Cape Foulwind Lighthouse.The Tauranga Bay Seal ColonyThe seal colony is one of the most accessible wildlife experiences on the West C...

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Nature’s Masterpiece on the West CoastThe West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is home to many natural wonders , wild beaches, lush rainforests, and dramatic landscapes shaped by time and weather. One of the most iconic stops along the coast is the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, a must-see for visitors exploring this special part of the country.What Are the Pancake Rocks?The Pancake Rocks are a fascinating geological formation located in Paparoa National Park, j...

The Kawatiri Coastal Trail Officially Opens

The Kawatiri Coastal Trail Officially Opens: A New West Coast Adventure BeginsThis past weekend marked an exciting milestone for the West Coast of New Zealand, with the official opening of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail—a breathtaking new cycle and walking trail that weaves its way through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Buller region.The trail, now fully open to the public, offers a unique and accessible way to experience the rugged coastline, native bush, and rich history of the area...

Truman Track in Autumn West Coast New Zealand

Autumn walks on the Truman Track on the West Coast brings a special kind of magic to the Truman Track. Just north of Punakaiki, this short but spectacular walk offers one of the most immersive coastal forest experiences in the region. The track is an easy stroll, but every step leads deeper into a lush world shaped by time, weather, and the wild energy of the Tasman Sea.The forest here is alive with towering native trees that have stood for hundreds of years. Some of them are so massive and anci...

Pororari River Trail Punakaiki West Coast New Zealand

The Pororari River Trail is one of the most scenic walks on New Zealand’s West Coast, offering an unforgettable journey through lush native rainforest, towering limestone cliffs, and the tranquil waters of the Pororari River. Located in the heart of Paparoa National Park, this trail is a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of Punakaiki.What Makes the Pororari River Trail Special?This trail follows the picturesque Poro...

Truman Track, Punakaiki West Coast New Zealand

If you're exploring the West Coast of New Zealand, the Truman Track in Punakaiki is a must-visit. This short yet breathtaking walk takes you through lush native forest before opening up to a dramatic coastline where you’ll find stunning cliffs, sea caves, and a secluded beach. It’s a perfect spot to experience the raw beauty of the West Coast without the crowds.What Makes the Truman Track Special?Unlike the famous Pancake Rocks, which attract large numbers of visitors, the Truman Track offer...

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, West Coast New Zealand

If you’re planning a visit to the West Coast of New Zealand, one natural attraction that should be at the top of your list is the iconic Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Located within the stunning Paparoa National Park, this geological marvel offers a unique glimpse into nature’s artistry, where limestone formations resemble stacked pancakes and powerful ocean swells create spectacular blowholes.What Makes Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Special?The Pancake Rocks were formed over 30 million y...

The West Coast New Zealand's Lesser Known Attractions

New Zealand’s West Coast is famous for its dramatic landscapes, towering mountains, lush rainforests, and rugged coastline. While iconic spots like the Franz Josef Glacier and Punakaiki Pancake Rocks draw the crowds, those who venture beyond the well-trodden paths will discover a treasure trove of lesser-known attractions.For guests looking to experience the wild, untouched beauty of the West Coast while avoiding the hustle of major tourist hotspots, we’ve curated a list of hidden gems that ...

Paparoa Track: Stunning Scenery and Ever-Changing Landscapes

Paparoa National Park is one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes, where rugged mountains meet lush rainforest and limestone formations tower over deep river gorges. The Paparoa Track is the first Great Walk specifically designed for both walkers and mountain bikers, offering an unforgettable journey across alpine ridges, through ancient forests, and into the heart of the West Coast’s untamed beauty.The Paparoa Track: A Scenic AdventureThis 55-kilometer trail starts near the histori...

Kawatiri Costal Trail - discovering West Coast Birdlife Through the Lens of Grant Watson

Birds are an essential part of the natural world, filling our landscapes with song and color. Whether in a garden, along a coastal trail, or deep in the forest, these remarkable creatures contribute far beyond their beauty. They help control pests, disperse seeds, and signal changes in the environment. Yet, many bird populations are in decline, making their presence even more precious.New Zealand’s West Coast is a haven for birdlife, with its mix of wetlands, forests, and rugged shorelines. Lo...

Westport: With its warm mild climate & three beautiful beaches Westport is the perfect beach holiday destination

WESTPORT ATTRACTIONS  With its warm mild climate and three beautiful beaches just minutes from town Westport is the perfect beach holiday destination. Carters Beach a family friendly stretch of endless sand is ideal for camping swimming picnics sunsets and bonfires. It is also home to two surf schools for those looking to catch some waves.A short drive south of Carters Beach the Cape Foulwind Walkway offers an easy coastal trail along a breezy promontory to New Zealand’s largest mainland ...

The Great Coast Road: A Journey Through New Zealand’s Untamed Beauty

The Great Coast Road more than lives up to its name. Recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives this 100 km stretch of State Highway 6 clings to the rugged coastline with the mighty Southern Alps rising in the distance.Though it can be driven in a single day taking your time allows you to experience windswept lookouts dramatic rock formations lush rainforest and hidden retreats. Whether you bring your own vehicle or fly into Christchurch and pick up a ren...

Whitebait, a West Coast Speciality, be sure to try it during your visit.

Whitebait is a West Coast Speciality;  in particular West Coast Whitebait is more than just a delicacy; it’s a way of life here on New Zealand’s stunning West Coast. These tiny, translucent fish are caught each spring in our rivers and estuaries, marking the start of a much anticipated season that locals and visitors alike look forward to. Whitebaiting isn’t just about the catch, it’s about tradition, patience, and the joy of simple, fresh food.Whitebait are the juvenile form of sev...

West Coast Pounamu or Greenstone, holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for Māori

Pounamu, also known as greenstone or New Zealand jade, is far more than just a souvenir. It holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for Māori and is considered a taonga (treasure), often passed down through generations.Found only in the South Island, pounamu is so deeply connected to the land that the island itself was once called Te Wāhi Pounamu (the place of pounamu). Over time, this name evolved into Te Wai Pounamu (the greenstone waters), reflecting the powerful rivers that carry th...

Tauranga Bay, West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, just outside of Westport.

Tucked away on the rugged and breathtaking West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, just outside of Westport, lies one of the country’s most accessible and fascinating wildlife experiences, the Tauranga Bay Seal Colony. This natural haven offers visitors a chance to witness New Zealand fur seals (kekeno) in their natural habitat while soaking in the dramatic coastal scenery.The Best Time to VisitIf you want to catch the seal colony at its liveliest, the best time to visit is between October...

Truman Track Punakaiki,one of the West Coast’s most enchanting short walks, a perfect way to immerse yourself in the region’s untouched beauty.

Truman Track Punakaiki: A Hidden Gem on the West CoastThe Truman Track is one of the West Coast’s most enchanting short walks, a perfect way to immerse yourself in the region’s untouched beauty. This easy, well maintained trail winds through lush subtropical rainforest, where towering podocarp and rātā trees create a canopy high above, filtering the sunlight and casting a golden glow on the vibrant undergrowth below. The forest is alive with the sounds of birdsong, and as you walk, you’l...

The West Coast Pie Company,Trail Blazers, Fortune Seekers, Wilderness Pioneers They used to say a three-course meal on the West Coast was a pie and two beers

They used to say a three-course meal on the West Coast was a pie and two beers. And if you asked a local, they'd tell you the Denniston Incline was the eighth wonder of the world, though what went up didn’t always come down.Coasters have always been a hardy bunch, built for the wild. They reckoned it rained so much you could bog a duck, and when the cold set in, even the lawyers had their hands in their own pockets. But no matter the weather, they knew how to get the job done, shake off the da...

Kawatiri Coastal Trail offers an unforgettable way to experience the stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse wildlife of New Zealand’s West Coast.

Kawatiri Coastal Trail – A Scenic Journey Through Time and NatureNestled between the rugged mountains and the wild Tasman Sea, the Kawatiri Coastal Trail offers an unforgettable way to experience the stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse wildlife of New Zealand’s West Coast. This Grade 2, family-friendly cycling and walking trail will eventually link Westport to Charleston, spanning 40 kilometers of breathtaking scenery. Newsflash: Final section is due to open March 2025With multipl...

Underworld Adventures Charleston, New Zealand. One of the most spectacular and unique experiences you can have in the region

Underworld Adventures Charleston, New ZealandTucked away on the rugged West Coast of New Zealand, just a short drive from Birds Ferry Lodge, lies one of the most spectacular and unique experiences you can have in the regionUnderworld Adventures Charleston. If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure that combines glowworm caves, scenic train rides, and underground rafting, this is a must-do activity during your stay.A Journey into the Ancient Limestone CavesUnderworld Adventures Charleston ...

Visit the West Coast of New Zealand. The West Coast is a place of rugged beauty, rich history and unforgettable experiences.

Visit The West Coast of New Zealand, Why? The West Coast is a place of rugged beauty, rich history and unforgettable experiences. From breathtaking natural landscapes to charming small towns, this region offers something for every traveller. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation or a taste of local culture, a visit to the West Coast promises memories that will last a lifetime.Spectacular Natural LandscapesNature lovers will be in awe of the stunning scenery that defines the West Coas...