The West Coast is exactly what you'd hope for – it's imposing, rugged and above all else, beautiful.

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The West Coast of the South Island is a 600km stretch of coastline pounded by the Tasman Sea and hemmed in by the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. With its five National Parks containing glaciers, rain forests, mountains, crystal clear lakes and wetlands as well as being home to some rare and endangered animals, the West Coast offers some of the best things to see and do for nearly one million tourists a year. 

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No visit to the West Coast would be complete without visiting the Glacier Country accessible off the main highway in the lower rain forest. Heading further south towards Haast, you will encounter a varied and stunning landscape with numerous lookouts, walks and waterfalls. You can choose helicopter rides to the glaciers, flying, walking and jet boat safaris, cave rafting, bush walks, quad bike tours, a Shantytown gold rush experience, bird-watching tours and more.

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GLACIERS  |  SAFARIS  |  ADVENTURE  | LANDSCAPES & SCENERY  |  WILDLIFE  |  WATERFALLS  |  RAIN FORESTS