Overview
Take a Trip to the West Coast on your New Zealand Vacation
The West Coast region, located on the South Island of New Zealand, is simply known by locals as “The Coast” and stretches 600 kilometres/360 miles from north to south along the Tasman Sea coast. It is scenic with wild coastlines and rugged mountains and is largely remote and sparsely populated, all to be seen on a New Zealand vacation.
There are three major towns, Greymouth, Westport and Hokitika, the largest and most important being Greymouth which can be reached by the TranzAlpine train on New Zealand Tours leaving daily from Christchurch and offering views en route of fantastic scenery. Nearby is Shantytown, famous during the gold rush days of the 1860s. In fact, one can still try one’s hand at gold panning here and can also enjoy a ride on a steam train. The coastal road between Westport and Greymouth offers an extremely dramatic and scenic drive.
Other attractions are the Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers which rise 250 meters/800 feet above sea level. Here one can have an easy walk to the foot of these glaciers to experience the beauty of these steep-sided valleys.
Two great hikes are along the Heaphy Track and the Cascade-Hollyford Track. An impressive sight along the coast is Punakaiki with its pancake rocks and blowholes.
Two great hikes are along the Heaphy Track and the Cascade-Hollyford Track. An impressive sight along the coast is Punakaiki with its pancake rocks and blowholes.
At a Glance
Languages
English, MaoriCurrency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)Trending Trips
Unforgettable Journeys.9 Trips Found
Showper page
9
9 Trips Found
Classic New Zealand
Christchurch, West Coast, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wellington, Rotorua, and AucklandFrom Auckland’s harbours to Christchurch’s revitalised streets, this classic New Zealand itinerary celebrates diverse landscapes and rich Maori culture seamlessly.
13 days
From US$4,522/p.p.
Request a Quote
Lord of the Rings Road Trip: Explore Middle Earth
Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound, West Coast, Abel Tasman National Park, Wellington, North Island, Rotorua, and AucklandJourney through New Zealand on this road trip, exploring breathtaking landscapes and iconic film sets from *The Lord of the Rings* while embracing adventure at every stop.
17 days
From US$6,527/p.p.
Request a Quote
New Zealand Landscapes & Wonders
West Coast, Abel Tasman National Park, Wellington, Hawkes Bay, Napier, and RotoruaDiscover New Zealand’s geothermal landscapes, coastal wildlife, glacier valleys and Māori culture, drifting by ferry and road through ever-changing scenery.
11 days
From US$4,079/p.p.
Request a Quote
New Zealand Fly & Stay: A Dual Island Discovery
Christchurch, West Coast, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wellington, Rotorua, and AucklandUncover the contrasts of New Zealand on this independent trip with airfare, from glow worm grottos and Maori culture to glaciers, fjords, and alpine wonders.
15 days
From US$5,709/p.p.
Request a Quote
New Zealand: Ultimate Rail, Cruise & Coach Experience
Christchurch, Dunedin, South Island, Queenstown, Milford Sound, West Coast, Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland, Bay of Islands, and NorthlandSmall group touring reveals New Zealand’s wild heart, from geothermal wonders and alpine rails to Māori culture, glacial fiords and coastal wildlife.
19 days
From US$8,948/p.p.
Request a Quote
North & South Island Road Trip Across New Zealand
Christchurch, Dunedin, South Island, Queenstown, Milford Sound, West Coast, Abel Tasman National Park, Wellington, North Island, Hawkes Bay, Napier, Rotorua, and Coromandel PeninsulaExperience New Zealand in 18 unforgettable days, from Auckland's coastline to Queenstown's thrills, featuring glaciers, geothermal wonders, and local delights.
18 days
From US$3,689/p.p.
Request a Quote
Twin Islands of New Zealand Road Trip
Christchurch, West Coast, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Rotorua, and AucklandDiscover the stunning beauty of New Zealand's North and South Islands. Experience Auckland's culture, Rotorua's geothermal wonders, and thrilling Queenstown adventures.
10 days
From US$1,609/p.p.
Request a Quote
South Island New Zealand Road Trip: Glaciers, Cities & Peaks
Christchurch, Dunedin, South Island, Queenstown, Milford Sound, West Coast, and Abel Tasman National ParkVenture into the heart of New Zealand's South Island, where winding roads reveal pristine beaches, majestic glaciers, and wildlife—each moment a postcard come to life.
10 days
From US$1,329/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
Classic New Zealand
Christchurch, West Coast, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wellington, Rotorua, and AucklandFrom Auckland’s harbours to Christchurch’s revitalised streets, this classic New Zealand itinerary celebrates diverse landscapes and rich Maori culture seamlessly.
13 days
From US$4,522/p.p.
Request a Quote
Lord of the Rings Road Trip: Explore Middle Earth
Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound, West Coast, Abel Tasman National Park, Wellington, North Island, Rotorua, and AucklandJourney through New Zealand on this road trip, exploring breathtaking landscapes and iconic film sets from *The Lord of the Rings* while embracing adventure at every stop.
17 days
From US$6,527/p.p.
Request a Quote
New Zealand Landscapes & Wonders
West Coast, Abel Tasman National Park, Wellington, Hawkes Bay, Napier, and RotoruaDiscover New Zealand’s geothermal landscapes, coastal wildlife, glacier valleys and Māori culture, drifting by ferry and road through ever-changing scenery.
11 days
From US$4,079/p.p.
Request a Quote
New Zealand Fly & Stay: A Dual Island Discovery
Christchurch, West Coast, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wellington, Rotorua, and AucklandUncover the contrasts of New Zealand on this independent trip with airfare, from glow worm grottos and Maori culture to glaciers, fjords, and alpine wonders.
15 days
From US$5,709/p.p.
Request a Quote
New Zealand: Ultimate Rail, Cruise & Coach Experience
Christchurch, Dunedin, South Island, Queenstown, Milford Sound, West Coast, Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland, Bay of Islands, and NorthlandSmall group touring reveals New Zealand’s wild heart, from geothermal wonders and alpine rails to Māori culture, glacial fiords and coastal wildlife.
19 days
From US$8,948/p.p.
Request a Quote
North & South Island Road Trip Across New Zealand
Christchurch, Dunedin, South Island, Queenstown, Milford Sound, West Coast, Abel Tasman National Park, Wellington, North Island, Hawkes Bay, Napier, Rotorua, and Coromandel PeninsulaExperience New Zealand in 18 unforgettable days, from Auckland's coastline to Queenstown's thrills, featuring glaciers, geothermal wonders, and local delights.
18 days
From US$3,689/p.p.
Request a Quote
Twin Islands of New Zealand Road Trip
Christchurch, West Coast, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Rotorua, and AucklandDiscover the stunning beauty of New Zealand's North and South Islands. Experience Auckland's culture, Rotorua's geothermal wonders, and thrilling Queenstown adventures.
10 days
From US$1,609/p.p.
Request a Quote
South Island New Zealand Road Trip: Glaciers, Cities & Peaks
Christchurch, Dunedin, South Island, Queenstown, Milford Sound, West Coast, and Abel Tasman National ParkVenture into the heart of New Zealand's South Island, where winding roads reveal pristine beaches, majestic glaciers, and wildlife—each moment a postcard come to life.
10 days
From US$1,329/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
What do the experts say?
The food in New Zealand is incredible, and New Zealanders are rightly proud of their paddock to plate cuisine. Almost everything is sustainably grown and processed, from lamb and seafood to vegetables and fruit.
About 20 percent of New Zealand is made up of National Parks, Forests, and Nature Reserves. And they’re all free to enter!
The Māori cultural experiences and performances offered throughout the North and South Islands are well worth seeking out. If the opportunity presents itself, definitely take part in a hāngī
Looking for a great restaurant in New Zealand? Try The Bunker in Queenstown, Plato in Dunedin, Manu in Christchurch, and Oppies Fish & Chips in Rotorua
All Blacks rugby is huge in New Zealand. If you’re a sports fan, be sure to check out a home game. The All Blacks typically play their home test matches during the months of July, August, September and sometimes October
Travel Stories
Get Inspired About Your Trip to New Zealand
Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.
With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.Exclusive Savings
Insider Benefits
Trending Stories
ExcellentBased on 5,334 Reviews
Everything was looked after and no stress for usJean WilloughbyVanessa from Goway Travel did a fantastic job pulling together a really comprehensive itinerary for our trip to Egypt. Her advice about "must see" sites was extremely helpful and she also provided great tips based on her own experience travelling to Egypt. Excellent planning by Vanessa meant we were able to thoroughly enjoy our trip. OlgaI want to Thank Vanessa Lloyd for putting together the most perfect itinerary for my husband and my dream trip to Santorini, Greece. Every detail was perfectly executed. From the pick ups, to tours and most certainly our hotel location, it was truly a dream!! We were so happy and completely blown away, that we couldn't help but shared our experience with several folks we met during our trip... and I just bet they will be using Goway Travel for any future plans of theirs, just like us. Africa, here we come....Tanya KashExceptional Customer Service, Accountability, and Leadership — Thank You, Goway Travel!
As a Canadian travel advisor with Discover Joy Travel, affiliated with TravelOnly, I want to recognize three exceptional individuals at Goway Travel: Jaime Vargas-Hernandez (Destination Specialist – North America and Latin America), Sean Hebert (Vice President, The Americas), and Jason Stratford (Business Development Manager).
I recently booked a cross-Canada vacation for my clients, and while the itinerary offered many wonderful experiences, there were several unexpected challenges along the way, particularly involving transportation, transfers, and certain aspects of the overall travel experience.
As a travel advisor, one of the most difficult situations is hearing that your clients are disappointed, especially when you've worked hard to create a memorable and seamless vacation for them.
What truly impressed me was how Goway responded when things didn't go as planned.
From the beginning, Jaime was responsive, professional, and genuinely committed to addressing our concerns. He listened carefully, communicated with the appropriate teams, and made sure our clients' feedback was taken seriously.
Jason Stratford was equally supportive, demonstrating the value of having a Business Development Manager who genuinely advocates for travel advisors and their clients.
I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to Sean Hebert, Vice President of The Americas, for his outstanding leadership and personal attention to our situation. His involvement demonstrated that customer satisfaction and accountability are priorities at Goway, even at the executive level.
What impressed me most was that Goway didn't simply acknowledge the challenges — they listened, took ownership, and made a genuine effort to rebuild our clients' confidence and trust.
In fact, despite the difficulties they experienced, my clients were so impressed with how Goway handled their concerns that they expressed interest in booking another international vacation through them, with another couple potentially joining!
To me, that speaks volumes.
Exceptional customer service isn't about everything going perfectly. It's about how a company responds when things go wrong.
As a travel advisor, I value supplier relationships built on trust, transparency, accountability, and genuine care for travellers. Knowing that I have a team willing to listen, take responsibility, and work toward a resolution gives me greater confidence when recommending Goway to my clients.
Jaime, Jason, and Sean — thank you for your professionalism, patience, dedication, and for making me feel genuinely supported as a travel advisor. You didn't just help resolve a difficult situation; you helped restore confidence and strengthen a valuable business relationship.
Goway is fortunate to have individuals like you representing the company.
I look forward to continuing our partnership and creating many more memorable travel experiences for our clients.
Highly recommended — not because everything was perfect, but because Goway demonstrated what genuine accountability, strong leadership, and exceptional customer service should look like.
— Evangeline Fiset
Discover Joy Travel | TravelOnly
Fort St. John, British Columbia, CanadaEvangeline de Torres - FisetThank you Vanessa, always a pleasure dealing with you and knowing you'll give us the perfect customized trip. Everything was spot on with excellent guides, drivers.Terry F.Every detail was managed and executed beyond our expectations and everything flowed from one destination to the nextClinton G HughesThis is a review for my Goway travel guide in Ho Chi Minh City. Mr. PHẠM HỮU THIỆN (TONY) was a very kind and knowledgeable guide during our 5 day stay in the city. Friendly, likeable and funny, Very accommodating to our needs during our visit. He and his driver were always early for every excursion as well as the final day for our airport departure. He gave us wonderful recommendations for sights and restaurants for our personal time. I highly recommend Mr. Pham (Tony) for your stay in the Ho Chi Minh area.George C.Brooke Theron has booked 3 trips for us, France and Tunisia in 2025 and we have just returned from a 2 week trip from China.
The entire trip was flawless, from the research to the booking Brooke is always soo helpful in whole process.
Brooke always works with us to answer any questions and make sure any request we have can be added.
Our tour guides James, Helen, Felicity and Keira and drivers were all top notch with lots of information on each stop and sent us onto our next stop with no problems.
The hotels, trains and tours were all excellent. We couldn't have asked for more
I look forward to working with Brooke and Goway tours on our next vacation.MaddieBijal and Martin (tour guide in Kenya) made this the trip of a lifetime. I felt safe every minute of the trip. I did not care for the travel from the Serengeti to Ngorogoro Crater. I felt the last hotel was too far from the crater i was exhausted not wanted to travel to the crater. The travel was absolutely brutal for 6 hoursKathie BeckerJosie was incredible to work with. She replied to all emails quickly and effectively. She was very knowledgeable and always willing to help. Would definitely work with Josie again!! Clients had an incredible 14 days in Italy with no complaints. A dream vacation!!Chattell Blue
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified