Overview
Take a Trip to the West Coast on your New Zealand Vacation
The West Coast region, located on the South Island of New Zealand, is simply known by locals as “The Coast” and stretches 600 kilometres/360 miles from north to south along the Tasman Sea coast. It is scenic with wild coastlines and rugged mountains and is largely remote and sparsely populated, all to be seen on a New Zealand vacation.
There are three major towns, Greymouth, Westport and Hokitika, the largest and most important being Greymouth which can be reached by the TranzAlpine train on New Zealand Tours leaving daily from Christchurch and offering views en route of fantastic scenery. Nearby is Shantytown, famous during the gold rush days of the 1860s. In fact, one can still try one’s hand at gold panning here and can also enjoy a ride on a steam train. The coastal road between Westport and Greymouth offers an extremely dramatic and scenic drive.
Other attractions are the Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers which rise 250 meters/800 feet above sea level. Here one can have an easy walk to the foot of these glaciers to experience the beauty of these steep-sided valleys.
Two great hikes are along the Heaphy Track and the Cascade-Hollyford Track. An impressive sight along the coast is Punakaiki with its pancake rocks and blowholes.
Two great hikes are along the Heaphy Track and the Cascade-Hollyford Track. An impressive sight along the coast is Punakaiki with its pancake rocks and blowholes.
At a Glance
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Unforgettable Journeys.9 Trips Found
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9 Trips Found
Classic New Zealand
Christchurch, West Coast, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wellington, Rotorua, and AucklandFrom Auckland’s harbours to Christchurch’s revitalised streets, this classic New Zealand itinerary celebrates diverse landscapes and rich Maori culture seamlessly.
13 days
From US$4,471/p.p.
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Lord of the Rings Road Trip: Explore Middle Earth
Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound, West Coast, Abel Tasman National Park, Wellington, North Island, Rotorua, and AucklandJourney through New Zealand on this road trip, exploring breathtaking landscapes and iconic film sets from *The Lord of the Rings* while embracing adventure at every stop.
17 days
From US$6,482/p.p.
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New Zealand Landscapes & Wonders
West Coast, Abel Tasman National Park, Wellington, Hawkes Bay, Napier, and RotoruaDiscover New Zealand’s geothermal landscapes, coastal wildlife, glacier valleys and Māori culture, drifting by ferry and road through ever-changing scenery.
11 days
From US$4,051/p.p.
Request a Quote
New Zealand Fly & Stay: A Dual Island Discovery
Christchurch, West Coast, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wellington, Rotorua, and AucklandUncover the contrasts of New Zealand on this independent trip with airfare, from glow worm grottos and Maori culture to glaciers, fjords, and alpine wonders.
15 days
From US$5,709/p.p.
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New Zealand: Ultimate Rail, Cruise & Coach Experience
Christchurch, Dunedin, South Island, Queenstown, Milford Sound, West Coast, Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland, Bay of Islands, and NorthlandSmall group touring reveals New Zealand’s wild heart, from geothermal wonders and alpine rails to Māori culture, glacial fiords and coastal wildlife.
19 days
From US$8,886/p.p.
Request a Quote
North & South Island Road Trip Across New Zealand
Christchurch, Dunedin, South Island, Queenstown, Milford Sound, West Coast, Abel Tasman National Park, Wellington, North Island, Hawkes Bay, Napier, Rotorua, and Coromandel PeninsulaExperience New Zealand in 18 unforgettable days, from Auckland's coastline to Queenstown's thrills, featuring glaciers, geothermal wonders, and local delights.
18 days
From US$3,689/p.p.
Request a Quote
Twin Islands of New Zealand Road Trip
Christchurch, West Coast, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Rotorua, and AucklandDiscover the stunning beauty of New Zealand's North and South Islands. Experience Auckland's culture, Rotorua's geothermal wonders, and thrilling Queenstown adventures.
10 days
From US$1,609/p.p.
Request a Quote
South Island New Zealand Road Trip: Glaciers, Cities & Peaks
Christchurch, Dunedin, South Island, Queenstown, Milford Sound, West Coast, and Abel Tasman National ParkVenture into the heart of New Zealand's South Island, where winding roads reveal pristine beaches, majestic glaciers, and wildlife—each moment a postcard come to life.
10 days
From US$1,329/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
Classic New Zealand
Christchurch, West Coast, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wellington, Rotorua, and AucklandFrom Auckland’s harbours to Christchurch’s revitalised streets, this classic New Zealand itinerary celebrates diverse landscapes and rich Maori culture seamlessly.
13 days
From US$4,471/p.p.
Request a Quote
Lord of the Rings Road Trip: Explore Middle Earth
Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound, West Coast, Abel Tasman National Park, Wellington, North Island, Rotorua, and AucklandJourney through New Zealand on this road trip, exploring breathtaking landscapes and iconic film sets from *The Lord of the Rings* while embracing adventure at every stop.
17 days
From US$6,482/p.p.
Request a Quote
New Zealand Landscapes & Wonders
West Coast, Abel Tasman National Park, Wellington, Hawkes Bay, Napier, and RotoruaDiscover New Zealand’s geothermal landscapes, coastal wildlife, glacier valleys and Māori culture, drifting by ferry and road through ever-changing scenery.
11 days
From US$4,051/p.p.
Request a Quote
New Zealand Fly & Stay: A Dual Island Discovery
Christchurch, West Coast, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wellington, Rotorua, and AucklandUncover the contrasts of New Zealand on this independent trip with airfare, from glow worm grottos and Maori culture to glaciers, fjords, and alpine wonders.
15 days
From US$5,709/p.p.
Request a Quote
New Zealand: Ultimate Rail, Cruise & Coach Experience
Christchurch, Dunedin, South Island, Queenstown, Milford Sound, West Coast, Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland, Bay of Islands, and NorthlandSmall group touring reveals New Zealand’s wild heart, from geothermal wonders and alpine rails to Māori culture, glacial fiords and coastal wildlife.
19 days
From US$8,886/p.p.
Request a Quote
North & South Island Road Trip Across New Zealand
Christchurch, Dunedin, South Island, Queenstown, Milford Sound, West Coast, Abel Tasman National Park, Wellington, North Island, Hawkes Bay, Napier, Rotorua, and Coromandel PeninsulaExperience New Zealand in 18 unforgettable days, from Auckland's coastline to Queenstown's thrills, featuring glaciers, geothermal wonders, and local delights.
18 days
From US$3,689/p.p.
Request a Quote
Twin Islands of New Zealand Road Trip
Christchurch, West Coast, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Rotorua, and AucklandDiscover the stunning beauty of New Zealand's North and South Islands. Experience Auckland's culture, Rotorua's geothermal wonders, and thrilling Queenstown adventures.
10 days
From US$1,609/p.p.
Request a Quote
South Island New Zealand Road Trip: Glaciers, Cities & Peaks
Christchurch, Dunedin, South Island, Queenstown, Milford Sound, West Coast, and Abel Tasman National ParkVenture into the heart of New Zealand's South Island, where winding roads reveal pristine beaches, majestic glaciers, and wildlife—each moment a postcard come to life.
10 days
From US$1,329/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
What do the experts say?
The food in New Zealand is incredible, and New Zealanders are rightly proud of their paddock to plate cuisine. Almost everything is sustainably grown and processed, from lamb and seafood to vegetables and fruit.
About 20 percent of New Zealand is made up of National Parks, Forests, and Nature Reserves. And they’re all free to enter!
The Māori cultural experiences and performances offered throughout the North and South Islands are well worth seeking out. If the opportunity presents itself, definitely take part in a hāngī
Looking for a great restaurant in New Zealand? Try The Bunker in Queenstown, Plato in Dunedin, Manu in Christchurch, and Oppies Fish & Chips in Rotorua
All Blacks rugby is huge in New Zealand. If you’re a sports fan, be sure to check out a home game. The All Blacks typically play their home test matches during the months of July, August, September and sometimes October
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ExcellentBased on 5,326 ReviewsBijal and Martin (tour guide in Kenya) made this the trip of a lifetime. I felt safe every minute of the trip. I did not care for the travel from the Serengeti to Ngorogoro Crater. I felt the last hotel was too far from the crater i was exhausted not wanted to travel to the crater. The travel was absolutely brutal for 6 hoursKathie BeckerJosie was incredible to work with. She replied to all emails quickly and effectively. She was very knowledgeable and always willing to help. Would definitely work with Josie again!! Clients had an incredible 14 days in Italy with no complaints. A dream vacation!!Chattell BlueOur safari in Tanzania was excellent. Brooke Theron, our Goway representative, was easy to work with, responsive and knowledgeable. Our guide in Tanzania, Anwar Razak, was outstanding. His knowledge and his driving ability was impressive. He was also engaging. We enjoyed our time with Anwar. The camps that Goway recommended were comfortable, welcoming and surprisingly luxurious while capturing the essence of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. We had a wonderful trip. Jack B.My agent Lisa made the booking process easy. Her expertise on the Azores was extremely helpful. Final documents were precise and thorough. Transfers were on time, tours were informative and fun, and the lovely accommodations were well suited to our needs.Christine HostyI am so happy to use Goway for my tour experience while visiting Vietnam during Oct 15 through October 29, 2026. We had 3 very good, thoughtful, and caring guides in Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City. They were very knowledgeable for each of their respective areas. they all fulfilled every part of our itinerary. I wish to give an extra acknowledgment to my guide in Danang and Hoi An. Mr. Phung Van Hung was very friendly and caring for me. During my stay in Hoi An, I became sick and required a visit to the local hospital in Hoi An. I contacted Mr. Phung, and he graciously offered to take me and stay with me to interpret during my visit for medical care even though he was not working that day. I really appreciate his extra above and beyond service he provided. I really must let Goway know, he is a wonderful guide!George C.Suzzette and her team provided exceptional support throughout our year‑long planning process for our Bali group. Despite multiple changes, updates, and last‑minute cancellations, she remained organized, responsive, and solution‑focused. Asia Trails Indonesia delivered a seamless experience from arrival to departure, and our guides, Dayu and Adit, were outstanding; prompt, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail. The coordination across multiple departure cities, the curated excursions, and the overall flow of the itinerary were executed beautifully. My group thoroughly enjoyed the trip and is already asking about returning. I highly recommend Suzzette as a group coordinator for her professionalism, dedication, and high‑quality service.Anchored Memories TravelMike K. graciously provided us with a perfect itinerary, offering us flexible high quality options for our trip. We added in a few complex details and he maneuvered around them creating smooth transitions. Planning an overseas 11 day trip can be overwhelming and Mike made everything feel easy. I highly recommend!Amy ChallgrenGoway staff was available to us throughout our entire trip to Costa Rica. Their involvement was seamless and surprisingly smooth between them and all of our hotels and tours. We have been totally impressed with their involvement with our travel agent and their complete resolution of the only problem we had during the 2 different international trips that we have taken.Diana McCroryThank you to Goway for a great and enjoyable 7 day tour in China, for our Canadian group of 14! Very special thanks to the local guides in Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing ( Richard, Richard and James) who were second to none! Each was a knowledgeable ambassador for their home city, working hard to ensure our enjoyment and comfort, and to showcase the beauty of each area and its current and historical sites. They very kindly and patiently assisted everyone, and especially accommodated 2 of our group who encountered unexpected wellness challenges. The local bus drivers for our group were experts too, keeping us on time and safe on the roads and highways. Hotels were beautiful, welcoming, well located and appointed, quiet, comfortable and clean. Additional travel arrangements by air and high speed train went off without a hitch. KATHLEEN LLOYDThis was the first time we used Goway Travel and Brooke Theron was absolutely the best to deal with. Our safari in Africa was fabulous and we were able to have all four questions answered before we left. It was a trip to remember and we would recommend both Brooke and Goway to other who are looking for a great experience. Thanks Brooke and Goway.Joyce Robinson
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