6 Scenic Highlights on the West Coast of New Zealand

All over New Zealand there are scenic gems to unearth, however, the west coast of the South Island is particularly rich with spectacular marvels of nature. Here are just some you can uncover on your South Island tour of New Zealand.

Mount Cook National Park

An alpine wilderness rich with summits that brush the clouds and glaciers that sprawl across the landscape, the Mount Cook National Park is a scenic highlight of the South Island. Home to permanent snow fields and the 27-kilometer-long Tasman Glacier, this icy wonderland is surprisingly accessible. Visit as part of your tour and maybe choose to take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps, with Mount Cook standing tall as its crowning peak.

Haast Pass – The Blue Pools

From the West Coast to Wanaka lies Haast Pass, home to the Blue Pools Track. True to its name, this trail set in the forest boasts stunning pools of clear water shaded only with a captivating blue hue and the leaves of overhanging tawhero and beech trees. Traverse the Makarora River across a swing bridge and wander the boardwalk, taking in stunning scenery as you go. Drink in views of the Blue Pools from the dedicated viewing platform – the best seat in the house!

Te Anau

Nestled on the shore of Lake Te Anau, this charming township and the region that surrounds it makes Te Anau more than just the gateway to the Fiordland National Park. Boasting a pristine lake to kayak, lush forests to hike, and scenic surrounds to relax in, Te Anau is a destination in its own right. Kick back and admire the landscape or get outdoors and immerse yourself in it. If you get the chance, explore the underground network of caves illuminated by glowworms as you glide through the limestone grotto.

The Glaciers – Franz Joseph and Fox

Some of the most accessible glaciers in the world, Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers hug the West Coast of New Zealand and offer an extraordinary experience to visitors. Take a guided hike to the foot of the glaciers dwarfing the river valley or choose to take a helicopter or ski plane onto the ice shelves themselves. Fed by alpine glaciers in the Southern Alps, cumulatively these natural wonders serve up over 24 kilometers of frosty scenery – take a scenic flight to marvel at the sheer expanse of these phenomenon from the sky!

Fiordland National Park

Listed as a World Heritage Site, the Fiordland National Park is a picturesque maze of waterways, shimmering glaciers, plummeting waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. Home to both towering peaks and sprawling fiords, the hardest choice is which to visit - Milford or Doubtful Sound?! Whichever you choose to explore on your New Zealand tour, you can take a day trip to or an overnight cruise to immerse yourself in the stunning landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for penguins, bottlenose dolphins, and fur seals on your journey!

Punakaiki – Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

Nestled in the Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki is the gateway to the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. The limestone formations of Pancake Rocks are aptly named for their unusual shape, looking like towers of pancakes delightfully served up on the West Coast of New Zealand. Moulded from solidified fragments of marine flora and fauna 30 million years ago, these are a modern-day marvel. Admire the vigour of nature as ocean swells drive pillars of water into the sky amidst the labyrinth of rocks.