From thrill to chill: Adventure & wellness on the West Coast
Visit the West Coast to experience wild adventures & luxurious wellness retreats.
The West Coast is one of the last bastions of ancient New Zealand. Where waves crash on prehistoric rock formations, rivers of ice inch down towering mountain faces and native bush bursts with birdsong. It’s an adventurer’s paradise.
It’s also the perfect place to treat yourself and truly relax, thanks to its stunning natural beauty and slow pace. To help you go from thrill to chill, we’ve put together a guide to the best adventure and wellness experiences on the Wild West Coast.
THRILL: WILD WEST COAST ADVENTURES Heli hiking: For intrepid adventurers
Māori legend has it that Fox Glacier was formed when Hine Hukatere’s lover Wawe fell to his death when an avalanche swept him down from the peak. Hina Hukatere cried thousands of tears, which flowed down the mountain and were frozen by the sky father Rangi.
This river of ice is now New Zealand’s longest and most accessible glacier, dotted with brilliant blue lakes and glowing ice caves. The best way to explore this age-old landscape is with Fox Glacier Guiding - the region’s longest running tour guide. They offer guided ice climbing, heli-hiking and even overnight stays in a rustic hut near the mountain’s peak.
Skydiving Franz & Fox: For thrill seekers
Skydive Franz Josef & Fox Glacier guarantee the best views of the region’s mountains and ice rivers from their plane at 20,000 feet. Just make sure you take it in quickly because you’ve only got 85 seconds of freefall to enjoy the view!
These guys offer New Zealand’s highest altitude tandem skydive, and we’d argue it’s the most scenic as well. With only mountains, glaciers and brilliant blue skies ahead of you, you’ll plummet to the earth at 200km/h, before your instructor (hopefully) pulls the parachute and you float peacefully (and safely) to the ground. The buzz lasts for days afterwards!
Underworld cave rafting: For families If you’re not keen to jump out of a plane or climb a mountain, you can adventure at a slow pace with Underworld Rafting. This family friendly experience starts with a hike through the untamed wilderness of the Paparoa national park and ends floating down the subterranean Nile river cave system.
In the cave, you’ll see prehistoric rock formations, cross huge chambers and experience the incredible glow worms scattered across the roof of the cave like stars in the night sky. This 4-hour tour starts from Charleston and includes big discounts for families.
West Coast Treetop Walk: Accessible for everyone
In the remote forest 15 minutes south of Hokitika, there’s a walkway unlike any other. 20 metres above the forest floor, this 450-metre long path winds through the rimu and kamahi canopy, with stunning vistas over the westland forests, snow-capped southern alps and the Tasman Sea. And the best part? It’s accessible for everyone, including those with limited mobility.
CHILL: WEST COAST WELLNESS RETREATS Mairua Hot Springs
After scooting down subterranean rivers, climbing glaciers and skydiving over mountains you’ve earnt some relaxation. You’ll find it at Maruia Hot Springs in the picturesque Lewis Pass National Reserve.
This luxury resort & spa offers stylish and comfortable rooms, farm to table cuisine inspired by the region’s landscapes, and private geothermal baths perfect for soaking sore muscles. All this with stunning views of rugged, snow capped mountains.
Maruia River Retreat
A place of deep rest and rejuvenation, Maruia River Retreat is a luxury nature and wellbeing
destination on the West Coast, between Nelson and Christchurch. This idyllic and peaceful retreat features 500 acres of nature and seven luxury villas on the banks of the river.
Guests can use the accommodation as a base to explore the surrounding nature or recharge at the spa, which features a sauna, yoga classes, spa treatments, a stoked outdoor hot tub and massage service.
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Nestled amongst nature deep in the wild West Coast Forest, you’ll find a hotel unlike any other in New Zealand. Every element of the Te Waonui Forest Retreat has been designed to both maximise guest comfort, and reduce its environmental impact.
The eco-resort has everything you need to relax and rejuvenate. That includes a luxury spa, a cozy bar, comfortable rooms set among the treetops and even ‘pillow menus’, allowing you to choose what you lay your head on each night.
During a time when we can’t travel to other countries, a trip to the Wild West Coast is like travelling to another world, back to the old New Zealand. From wild landscapes and thrilling adventure activities to luxury wellness retreats - you’ll find a little of everything here.
For more information on your next West coast adventure visit