A West Coast family getaway

Follow the road north from Westport to the mysterious and magnificent underground world of the Ōpārara Basin. Pack lunch and follow the forest trail to the limestone arches, don’t forget to bring a torch for little explorers. Guided walks through the caves are also available, book at the Karamea Information Centre.

Just north of Westport, the historic coal mining settlement of Denniston offers a fascinating insight into the region’s past. Sought-after coal was sent down a steep 1670-metre incline railway, once described as the eighth wonder of the world. Make your own way around or sit back and enjoy the ride in an Out West Tours 4WD.

The Cape Foulwind Walkway, 16 km from Westport, is a great walk for all ages. There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained including a seal colony, a lighthouse and panoramic views of mountains and sea on this coastal track.

Just south of Cape Foulwind, sandy Tauranga Bay offers safe surfing and swimming. Hire boards, wetsuits or take a lesson with Mark Perana at West Coast Surf, former pro-surfer and West Coast legend.

Take a detour inland to Lake Brunner, one of the West Coast’s most popular family summer holiday spots. The deep inky waters are perfect for sailing, swimming, kayaking, paddle board or fishing.

Picnic on sandy beaches beside the pristine water or explore lakeside trails such as the family-friendly Bain Bay Track which begins with a fun water taxi ride from the lake’s small settlement of Moana.

There’s ample budget-friendly accommodation in Moana, including several holiday parks and camping spots, and the local pub serves up hearty fare with kid-friendly options.

On the road between Hokitika and the glacier towns of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier there are several stops to entertain the kids. Wear them out climbing and zipping on the West Coast Tree Top Walk and Tower Zipline or put them to work panning for gold at Ross Goldfields.

Before you reach Franz Josef, a small detour to Ōkārito lagoon and beach is a must-do. The lagoon is New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland and home to a variety of rare bird life including the kōtuku / white heron. Rent a kayak or take a guided tour on an eco-friendly boat to explore these still waters flanked by rainforest and jagged snowy peaks. Walk along the beach and through the rainforest, enjoying epic views of Mount Cook, the glaciers and Southern Alps.

Stop for a swim in summer at Lake Mapourika or hire a kayak or go on a fishing cruise.

Now’s the time to visit Franz Josef and Fox Glacier to see these incredible rivers of ice. Scenic flights and heli-hikes provide a once in a lifetime experience to see the vast expanse of blue ice, but there is more to the region than the glaciers.

Westland Tai Poutini National Park, which surrounds Glacier Country, is so naturally special it’s been designated part of a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Families can access this pristine wilderness in short bursts in many ways. There’s walks for all abilities around Fox Glacier and Franz Josef — spot mountain reflections at Lake Matheson and Peters Pool, or run little legs out along coastal trails at Gillespies Beach.

There’s plenty of rare New Zealand wildlife roaming the national park, but if you don’t spot a kiwi in the wild, visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre for a sighting of New Zealand’s rarest rowi kiwi — bred here as part of a unique recovery project with the Department of Conservation and local iwi.