West Coast Tree Top Walkway

Suspended high among the ancient rimu and kamahi of the West Coast's temperate rainforest, the West Coast Tree Top Walkway offers a bird's-eye perspective of one of New Zealand's most pristine ecosystems. The gently swaying steel walkway – a 20-metre-high, 450-metre-long loop – is wheelchair and buggy accessible, making it an easy yet exhilarating encounter with the lush canopy. On a clear day, you'll spot the distant Southern Alps; in the mist, you'll feel enveloped by the primeval forest.

Highlights & What to See

• Canopy Walkway: Stroll among the treetops on a stable, elevated platform that brings you eye-to-eye with native birds like the kererū and tūī.
• Observation Tower: Climb the spiral stairway to a 47-metre-high viewing platform – the tallest in New Zealand – for sweeping views over the Hokitika River valley and, on fine days, Aoraki/Mount Cook.
• Interpretive Panels: Learn about the unique flora, including the rare white pine and the history of the West Coast's logging heritage.
• Night Walks: Book a guided evening tour to spot glowworms and kiwi in their natural habitat.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for 1–1.5 hours to fully enjoy the walkway and observation tower. It's a perfect stop for a relaxed morning or afternoon, especially if you combine it with a picnic. The walkway is open daily and is a great rain-friendly activity – the forest is at its most atmospheric in light drizzle.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hokitika Gorge: A 30-minute drive south – walk the suspension bridge over turquoise waters.
• Shantytown Heritage Park: A living-history gold-mining town 15 minutes north, ideal for families.
• Ōkārito Lagoon: A tranquil wetland sanctuary for birdwatching and kayaking, 20 minutes west.
• Franz Josef Glacier: An hour's drive south for glacier valley walks or heli-hikes.
• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks: Spectacular limestone formations and blowholes, 45 minutes north along the coast.

Please check official sources for current details.