Adventure Tourism NZ offers some of its most memorable experiences on the rugged West Coast. From glacier heli-hikes and wilderness cycling trails to wildlife kayaking and elevated canopy walks, this guide explores the best West Coast adventures and South Island adventure travel experiences for visitors seeking nature, adrenaline and authentic eco tourism opportunities.
The journey along State Highway 6 is an experience in itself, winding through dramatic landscapes that make the drive to the West Coast every bit as memorable as the destination.
Once you arrive, however, the adventure is only just beginning. From adrenaline-pumping activities to unforgettable outdoor experiences, the West Coast is packed with opportunities to turn an incredible road trip into a proper mission.
Solo backpackers, energetic families and adrenaline-seeking crews come to this rugged coastline specifically to push their limits.
You want to get your blood pumping and face the wild environment head-on.
Here’s what the crew at West Coast Treetops recommends:
Heli-Hiking on the Glaciers in the Southern Alps
Standing on a moving river of blue ice that shifted four metres since yesterday morning forces a heavy reality check.
You board a helicopter to fly past sheer rock faces before strapping steel crampons to your boots to walk among deep ice tunnels.
Walking over an active ablation zone where the ice is three hundred metres deep gets you close to the raw power of our changing mountain environment.
Riding a Bike along the Wilderness Trail
Pushing your suspension geometry over old wooden railway bridges forces you to focus on the trail ahead.
Renting a mountain bike is one of the most rewarding South Island Adventure Travel experiences and a highly practical way to cover the historic West Coast Wilderness Trail. This track winds past rushing turquoise rivers and towering kahikatea trees that grow sixty metres high.
You can find up-to-date trail maps and safety alerts directly on the Department of Conservation website before you head out.
Paddling a Kayak near Franz Josef
Using the quiet hydrodynamics of a kayak through an undisturbed coastal estuary gets you right down to water level, letting you drift quietly past local wildlife.
Gliding through the calm waters near Franz Josef puts you directly in the path of the native white heron (kōtuku) feeding in the shallows before they even notice you.
Did you know that Okarito Lagoon is the largest unmodified wetland in New Zealand, covering three thousand hectares of quiet waters? It is a quiet, non-invasive method of viewing the wetlands.
Kayaking through Okarito Lagoon is also a great example of Ecotourism New Zealand, allowing visitors to experience a sensitive wetland ecosystem with minimal environmental impact.
Walking in the Trees and Ziplining near Hokitika
Viewing the forest from the perspective of a native wood pigeon changes how you judge the local geography.
We set up our facility 15 minutes south of town to pack three different West Coast adventures and some of the most popular Outdoor Activities Hokitika visitors can experience into a single stop.
Start with a 1.2-kilometre stroll along our 20-metre-high, wheelchair-accessible steel walkway through thousand-year-old Rimu crowns.
- Next, test your vertigo limits by climbing the 47-metre Hokitika Tower for 360-degree views of Lake Mahinapua, the snow-capped Alps and the Tasman Sea.
- Finally, race back to base on the coast’s first side-by-side dual zipline. Hitting speeds up to 65 kilometres an hour, it delivers a secure, heavily engineered thrill for riders weighing between 30 and 120 kilograms.
Ready to experience Adventure Tourism NZ for yourself? Reach out to the team at West Coast Treetops for local recommendations, or book your tickets online today and receive 10% off your next West Coast adventure.
FAQS
What makes these canopy walks a must-do for West Coast adventures?
It is the only walk in the country that features a structural tower climbing completely past the treetops, giving you a combined view of a beautiful lake, the Alps and the ocean in one spot. It is a highly accessible stop that lets you see the canopy without wasting hours of your travel day.
What are the safety rules for the dual zipline?
We operate under strict safety guidelines, holding both Qualmark Gold and AdventureMark certifications. We are also regularly audited by WorkSafe NZ, providing a completely secure setup. The only major restrictions are weight-based, requiring riders to weigh between 30 and 120 kilograms.
How much time should we budget for our stop?
Most visitors spend about one to two hours with us. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the self-guided walk, take photos from the tower, grab a light meal at our onsite cafe and pick up some local souvenirs.
