The West Coast of New Zealand is rugged, wild, and full of character. A trip to this unforgettable region wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Greymouth, the largest town in the area. Whether you’re road-tripping from Christchurch or picking up a rental car in Wellington or Auckland, Bargain Rental Cars has your transport covered to explore the wonders of the West Coast.
1. Hunt for Gold
Step into New Zealand’s gold rush history in the heart of the West Coast. Begin your journey at Shantytown Heritage Park, a recreated 19th-century village where you can try your luck panning for real gold. Wander through Blackball’s Croesus Track, past abandoned mining relics nestled in lush forest. South of Hokitika, visit the Ross Goldfields, site of New Zealand’s largest gold nugget discovery. Don’t miss the haunting Brunner Mine Site with its preserved coke ovens and collapsed tunnel ruins, a memorial to the 1896 mining disaster. History lovers should also head to Reefton, the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to have electric street lighting.
2. Explore Glacier Country
The Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are among the most accessible glaciers in the world, and they are a true bucket-list experience. Join a guided hike or hop on a scenic helicopter tour for awe-inspiring views of the Southern Alps. Beyond the ice, discover the mystical glow-worm grottos tucked away beside the highway. Soak in natural bushland hot pools or walk the tranquil Lake Matheson loop to witness the iconic reflection of Aoraki/Mt Cook. Another gem is the Tatare Tunnels track, where remnants of early irrigation engineering lead you into the rainforest.
3. Discover the Wildlife
Wildlife thrives on the West Coast. Take a guided eco-tour to see the majestic Kotuku (White Heron), which nests exclusively in Whataroa. At Tauranga Bay, just outside Westport, observe a thriving fur seal colony year-round. Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef for a rare encounter with the Rowi, New Zealand’s rarest kiwi, and the endangered Haast Tokoeka. Don’t miss the West Coast Tree Top Walk in Hokitika, where you can stroll among the treetops and witness native birdlife up close.
4. Search Out the Landforms
No trip to the West Coast is complete without a stop at the Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki. Watch as waves crash dramatically through blowholes among the unique limestone formations. Further north, the Oparara Arches in Karamea showcase spectacular natural architecture carved by river erosion. For a scenic change of pace, take the TranzAlpine Scenic Rail from Greymouth to Christchurch – a journey widely regarded as one of the world’s great train rides. Keen hikers can venture onto the Heaphy Track, a four-day backcountry adventure through diverse landscapes.
5. Quest for Taonga (Treasures)
Coal and greenstone (pounamu) have long been considered valuable taonga of the West Coast. Visit Coaltown Museum in Westport for stories of coal mining heritage, or journey up to Denniston to see where gravity-defying railways once brought coal down steep inclines. Fossick for pounamu along riverbeds or shop for locally carved jade in Hokitika, where artisans also create stunning blown glass – another treasured craft of the region.
Bonus: Scavenge for Food & Drink
Fuel your adventure with a trip to Monteith’s Brewery in Greymouth for craft beer tastings. If you’re visiting in March, don’t miss the Wildfoods Festival in Hokitika. Sample exotic and daring treats like huhu grubs, scorpions, and other wild delicacies – it’s a feast for the brave!
Getting There With Bargain Rental Cars
Although we don’t currently have a branch in Gisborne or the Eastern Cape, our convenient locations in Wellington, Hamilton, and Auckland make exploring Greymouth and the West Coast a breeze. Whether you’re starting in the North Island or flying into Christchurch and driving across the Southern Alps, our affordable car rental options help you travel in comfort and style.
For quotes, bookings, or questions, reach out to us at 0800 566 701 or info@bargainrentalcars.co.nz. Visit our website at here for a free, no-obligation quote and to book online today.
