South Island West Coast (glaciers)

The West Coast of the South Island is a rugged, untamed strip of land squeezed between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. It feels distinct from the rest of the country—wilder, greener, and rich in pioneer history. The most famous attractions are the glaciers: Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. While you can no longer walk onto the ice from the valley floor due to glacial retreat, there are excellent family-friendly walking tracks that lead to viewing points near the terminal faces. These walks pass through lush temperate rainforest, offering a stark contrast to the ice above. For a closer look, helicopter flights with snow landings are available, though these are a higher-budget item.

North of the glaciers, the town of Hokitika is the center for pounamu (greenstone/jade). Families can visit workshops to see carvers in action or even try finding small jade pebbles on the beach. Nearby, the Hokitika Gorge offers a short walk to swing bridges over startlingly blue glacial water. Further north at Punakaiki, the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are a geological marvel. A paved loop track allows easy access for strollers. Visit at high tide to see the ocean surge into caverns and blast water high into the air, which is thrilling for children.

Shantytown Heritage Park near Greymouth is another highlight, recreating a 19th-century gold rush town complete with a working steam train and gold panning activities where kids are practically guaranteed to find a flake of gold. Travel on the West Coast involves driving long distances on winding but scenic roads. The region gets high rainfall (which feeds the lush forests), so pack waterproof layers and be prepared for changing conditions.