What are the attractions at Punakaiki?

The main attraction at Punakaiki is the pancake rocks, which are carved over millions of years and are a sight to behold at high tide. There are also opportunities for horse treks, caving, rafting, and canoeing excursions in the Punakaiki village.

Which glacier is closer to Greymouth, Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier?

Franz Josef Glacier is closer to Greymouth, while Fox Glacier is 15 minutes south. Both glaciers flow almost to sea level and are considered some of the world's most accessible destinations.

What can you do at Lake Brunner?

Lake Brunner is the largest lake on the west coast and is a popular angling spot. It is known for its brown trout, with some of the best trout fishing in the world. Fishing is possible all year round, and there are also options for swimming, water skiing, jetboating, and walking or cycling on local trails.

Are guided tours available for exploring the glaciers?

Yes, journeys into the ice of Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier are led by professional guides. However, it's important to note that flights to the glaciers are weather-dependent.

What is the legend associated with fishing at Lake Brunner?

Legend has it that at Lake Brunner, trout die of old age due to the abundance of fish in the area. This highlights the excellent fishing opportunities available in the lake and its surrounding rivers and streams.

Day trips on the West Coast

Go New Zealand 2 years ago

The West Coast is a location of breathtaking untamed beauty, known for its rugged coasts, historic glaciers, and rich native forests. These excellent day tours will show you the best of the West Coast.

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

The pancake rocks at Punakaiki, north of Greymouth, have been carved over millions of years and are a sight to behold at high tide. Before emerging at the edge of the cliffs above the blowholes, a walkway leads you through native forest, flax, and scrub. Watch as water jets shoot up through rocks that look like stacks of huge hotcakes. Horse treks, caving, rafting, and canoeing excursions may all be booked in the Punakaiki village.

Punakaiki

Punakaiki, New Zealand

Fox & Franz Josef Glacier

Drive down the rugged west coast to glacier country - Franz Josef Glacier is closer to Greymouth, while Fox Glacier is 15 minutes south. These gigantic ice giants flow almost to sea level, and their low elevation makes them some of the world's most accessible destinations. Easy hikes to the cliff walls take you across old valleys. Journeys into the ice are led by professional guides, and flights are weather-dependent.

Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast 7886, New Zealand

Lake Brunner

Lake Brunner, located inland from the coast, is the largest lake on the west coast and the most popular angling spot in the area. The lake and its surrounding rivers and streams are home to some of the best brown trout (averaging 1.1kg) in the world; legend has it that "trout die of old age" here. With boats available for lease, fishing is feasible all year and in practically any weather. Swimming, water skiing, jetboating, and even walking or cycling on local trails are all alternatives.