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Things to do on the West Coast start with the glaciers. Land on the Franz Josef Glacier by helicopter, hike the Fox Glacier, skydive past both, or paddle Lake Mapourika to the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Book one for yourself, or give it as a gift.
The West Coast is a narrow strip of rainforest between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea, with two glaciers that come almost to the road. Most of the things to do are around Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, with lakes, a kiwi sanctuary and the town of Hokitika along the way. Here's a guide to the best West Coast activities.
The 25 minute glacier flight flies over the Franz Josef Glacier with a 10 minute landing. The 35 minute flight covers two glaciers with a 10 minute snow landing, and the 45 minute flight covers three, crosses the Main Divide to Mt Cook and Mt Tasman and has a 15 minute snow landing. Snow landings depend on the season and the weather, and passengers of 120kg and over need to buy a Comfort Seat. See helicopter flights and scenic flights.
The Fox Glacier flying fox heli hike is four hours, with helicopter transfers in and out and up to three hours on a remote part of the glacier. Boots, a coat and crampons are provided, no experience is needed, and the minimum age is nine. A moderate level of fitness is required. See snow sports.
Skydive past both glaciers from 10,000ft with 30 seconds of freefall, 13,000ft with 45 seconds, 16,500ft with 65 seconds or 18,000ft with 85 seconds, all at up to 200km/h. The weight limit is 100kg, or up to 120kg at the provider's discretion, and a surcharge may apply. Allow two to three hours. See skydiving.
The guided kayak tour of Lake Mapourika is three hours on glassy water with mountains and glaciers behind. The kayak tour and Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary walk adds a walk through ancient rainforest, for ages 15 and up over four hours. For something gentler, the cruise and guided walk is 2.5 hours for all ages, and the fishing charter looks for brown trout and salmon. See kayaking and canoeing and fishing charters.
In Hokitika, the tower zipline and walkway combo is two hours, with a forest walk, a treetop walkway and a 425 metre zipline at speeds over 60km/h. It's open to ages six and up, with a weight range of 30kg to 120kg. Near the glaciers, the off road quad biking tour is two hours for beginners or advanced riders, and drivers must be at least 16. See quad biking.
To unwind, the private wood fired hot tub in Franz Josef is a one hour soak for up to four people, with fresh water for every session. The two night wellness escape for 2 is an adults-only rainforest retreat, with yoga classes and a $100 voucher to spend at the restaurant or wellness centre. See spa packages and health and wellness.
Explore the Central South Island, including Christchurch, Kaikōura and Hanmer Springs, or head to Nelson and Abel Tasman, Wānaka and Queenstown. For the whole island, see the South Island and things to do in New Zealand. Buying a gift? Try gifts for couples, experiences for 2, getaways, gift ideas for groups, gifts for him, gifts for her and birthday gifts.
Yes, with a landing of 10 to 15 minutes on most flights. Snow landings depend on the season and the weather, and on the shorter 25 minute flight the landing may be alpine, with no snow, if conditions don't allow.
The tandem skydives over Franz Josef and Fox Glacier go from 10,000ft up to 18,000ft, with 30 to 85 seconds of freefall at up to 200km/h. The weight limit is 100kg, with up to 120kg possible at the provider's discretion.
The Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary is home to the rarest kiwi, and the Lake Mapourika walks and cruises visit it. Kiwi are wild, so sightings are never guaranteed.
The private wood fired hot tub and the wellness retreat suit a wet day, and the glacier flights and skydives run when the weather clears. Check each product page for its weather policy.