Swap the road noise for the prehistoric silence of the canopy and the impossible blue of the Hokitika Gorge. If you’re chasing the best photo spots West Coast NZ is hiding or just want to feel the air move 47 metres above the glacial rivers and mountain peaks, you’re in the right place.
West Coast Treetops offers a perspective of the Mahinapua Scenic Reserve that stays with you long after you’ve touched back down.
- Unveiling the turquoise secrets of the Hokitika Gorge and surrounding glacial rivers.
- Mapping the rugged coastline from the layered Pancake Rocks to the ancient Oparara Arches.
- Photographing the mirror reflections of the Southern Alps and the scale and movement of Glacier Country.
- Scaling the heights of West Coast Treetops for a 360-degree view of the mountains and sea.
The drive between Queenstown and the northern ferry routes is one of the most spectacular in the world.
Guided by ki uta ki tai – the Māori principle of connectivity between land, sea, and climate – the region invites you to step out of the car and into the wild.
At West Coast Treetops, we provide a gateway where the forest meets the sky, offering a 360-degree panorama of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea.
Pull over, drop the window, and breathe in the fresh West Coast air.
As you travel through the South Island, you’ll quickly discover some of the best photo spots West Coast NZ has to offer.
Here are our top picks:
See The Turquoise Waters Of The Hokitika Gorge
One of the most iconic scenic places Hokitika has to offer is the Hokitika Gorge. Located 30 minutes away, this spot is known for its surreal, milky-blue water caused by glacial “flour” (fine rock silt suspended in the river).
The easy 2.4km loop track takes you across suspension bridges and through native bush, providing incredible views of limestone cliffs. For the best lighting, visit between late morning and early afternoon on a clear day.
Looking For The Best Photo Spots in NZ Along The West Coast?
The shoreline offers some of the most dramatic views in the country. Start at the beach in Hokitika to see the famous driftwood sign at sunset, then head north to Punakaiki.
Here, the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes showcase 30 million years of layered limestone. If you have more time, the Oparara Arches further north in Kahurangi National Park offer massive, ancient limestone tunnels.
Witness The Ancient Glaciers And Mirror Reflections At Lake Matheson
A few hours south of town, the landscape shifts toward the ice. Lake Matheson is world-renowned for its mirror reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
Lake Matheson was carved by retreating ice around 14,000 years ago, and its water is naturally dyed by organic forest tannins to create the most stable black mirror for the Alps in the Southern Hemisphere.
Nearby, the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers flow from the Alps into temperate rainforests.
Conquer The Tower And Zipline At West Coast Treetops
While the coast offers views from the ground, we offer them from the sky. Our 47-metre Hokitika Tower is 15 storeys high and is the only place where you can see the Alps and the Tasman Sea in a single 360-degree sweep.
After wandering the 20-metre-high walkway and out onto the cantilever over Lake Mahinapua, you can pick up the pace on our dual zipline.
Racing side-by-side at speeds of up to 65km/hr, you’ll glide from the highest tower launch in the country, past ancient Rimu crowns, and down to our base cafe. It’s a fitting way to end a day exploring the West Coast.
We offer flexible pricing options for every type of traveller.
Self-guided forest walks for adults are $39, while children’s tickets start at $21. For those seeking the full thrill, our Tower Zipline and Treetop Walk bundles range up to $120, with special rates available for seniors, students, and families.
Experience the wild West Coast from above at Treetops NZ and see the vibrant Hokitika Gorge from a completely different perspective. Our dual zipline and walkway offer some of the best photo spots West Coast NZ has to offer, making it a standout among Hokitika attractions. Book your tickets online to receive a 10% discount.
FAQS
How far is the Treetop Walk from other Hokitika attractions?
We are located 15 minutes south of the Hokitika Clock Tower on Woodstock-Rimu Road. If you are coming from the Hokitika Gorge, it is a scenic 30-minute drive via Kaniere, making us the perfect second stop to stretch your legs before heading toward the glaciers or the ferry.
Is the walkway accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes. Our 1.2km loop walkway, the onsite cafe, and the incredible cantilever section over Lake Mahinapua are all fully wheelchair accessible with gentle gradients. Please note that the 47-metre Hokitika Tower (the equivalent of 15 storeys) and the zipline launch are accessed via stairs only.
Is the water at the Hokitika Gorge safe for swimming?
The water is extremely cold and the currents are very strong. While it is one of the best photo spots West Coast NZ has to offer, we recommend enjoying the view from the bridge rather than entering the water.
What is the best month to hike in New Zealand?
Hiking New Zealand in summer – specifically December through February – offers the most settled weather and long, golden-hour evenings. This is the ideal time to explore West Coast nature spots like our 20-metre-high walkway, as the clear skies provide the sharpest views of the Southern Alps reflecting off the lake.
