The West Coast is famous for its wild weather, lush rainforest, swing bridges, and trails that feel like they’ve been carved straight into adventure. Whether you love glacier views, moss-covered forests, historic gold-mining routes, or remote-feeling tracks close to town, the Coast always delivers.

There’s something unmistakably raw about the Whitcombe Valley. It doesn’t ease you in gently—it asks for awareness from the first step. This route to Frew Hut is not just a walk; it’s a journey through shifting terrain, river travel, and true West Coast isolation.

This demanding West Coast backcountry route, located near Lake Kaniere, forms an almost loop and typically takes five to six days, depending on fitness, weather, river levels, and how you choose to break up the stages. While it can be walked in either direction, I strongly recommend travelling from the Toaroha Valley through to the Styx River.

If you’re looking for a gentle, rewarding walk through lush beech forest with a beautiful lake and a spacious hut at the end, Lake Daniell is one of the best family-friendly hikes in the South Island. With only around 100 metres of total elevation gain and a well-formed track for most of the way, it’s suitable for beginners, children, and anyone after an easy day in the bush.

Journey with me through the rugged beauty of Kahurangi National Park on a six-day adventure covering 68 km, four alpine saddles, and a visit to one of the most remote huts in the country.

Cedar Flat Hut is one of those West Coast classics: wild rivers, deep bush, cosy huts, and even natural hot pools. It’s the perfect overnight hike for those wanting a taste of backcountry adventure without venturing too far from Hokitika.

Tucked deep in the Kokatahi Valley on the West Coast, Boo Boo Hut offers a fantastic backcountry adventure filled with history, rugged gorge scenery, and the opportunity to ascend higher into the peaks for some serious hut and peak bagging.

The West Coast has a way of making you feel small — in the best possible way. Towering peaks, glacial rivers, and thick native bush all combine into a kind of raw, untamed beauty that keeps calling me back. This time, the call came in the form of a big weekend adventure into the Whitcombe Valley, a place that’s as wild as it sounds.

The hike to Blowfly Hut takes you through lush West Coast forest, once a historic cattle droving route.

Embark on an unforgettable outdoor adventure as I explore the challenging Pell Stream Track that begins at Marble Hill Camp Ground, nestled along the scenic Lewis Pass Highway between Canterbury and the West Coast.

Embarking on the Paparoa Track Great Walk not once, but twice, has etched unforgettable memories in my soul.

Embark on this classic multi-day hiking adventure on New Zealand's West Coast, traversing two historic pack tracks.

If you're looking for a challenging hike with breathtaking views, Buckland Peaks near Westport is the perfect destination. This stunning...

When the weather is great on the West Coast you have to make the most of it, and this was the third time we had attempted to complete the Klondyke Tracks.

We hatched a plan to head to the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, road tripping on the way there and back, and spending two nights in Franz Joseph township.