Read about Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowhole, Franz Josef Glacier and other popular places to visit in the West Coast region.
Steeped in goldmining history, the Buller area is home to Punakaiki Rocks, the temperate forests of Oparara Basin, along with Cape Foulwind and Tauranga Bay.
You can learn about the Greymouth area's mining history or take a walk along the Croesus Track. The region offers varied camping, picnicking, swimming, boating and walking opportunities.
Venture into the Arahura and Styx valleys or enjoy water activities on Lake Kaniere. The Hokitika area offers an array of wilderness and outdoor opportunities.
Famous for Westland Tai Poutini National Park and Franz Josef Glacier, the Glaciers region is home to a number of rare and endangered species, including the Okarito brown kiwi.
In the South Westland area history comes alive as you wander the Haast to Paringa Track or visit Stafford Bay.
An A-Z listing of West Coast places to visit.
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From forest parks to scenic reserves, alpine areas to protected coasts, there are hundreds of special conservation places.
The Nelson/Tasman region has many breathtakingly beautiful places to explore including Tonga Island Marine Reserve, Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project and Farewell Spit and Puponga Farm Park.
Discover the places of Marlborough, including Molesworth Station, New Zealand's largest farm – and the steep native forest-covered mountain country of Mount Richmond Forest Park.
Learn about Lake Sumner Forest Park, the St James Conservation Area and other popular places to visit in the Canterbury region.
Find out about the places you can visit in the Otago region, including the Matukituki Valley, in Mount Aspiring National Park, and Oteake Conservation Park in Central Otago.
NZ weather
DOC maps: Discover the outdoors - DOC's key places, campsites, tracks and huts, and visitor centres on a map
Check, Clean, Dry between waterways and stop the spread of didymo.
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:1. Plan your trip2. Tell someone3. Be aware of the weather4. Know your limits5. Take sufficient supplies
Alerts for West Coast places
