Gillespies Beach

Gillespies Beach is a wild, black-sand stretch on the West Coast, where the Tasman Sea crashes against ancient driftwood and the Southern Alps loom in the distance. This remote beach offers a raw, untamed slice of New Zealand's rugged coastline, with a fascinating gold-mining history and easy access to the glaciers.

Highlights & What to See

• Black-Sand Beach & Driftwood: Stroll along the dramatic shoreline, where the dark sand contrasts with piles of bleached driftwood sculpted by the sea.
• Gillespies Beach Goldmining Area: Explore remnants of the 19th-century gold rush, including old stamper batteries and miners’ huts.
• Gillespies Point: A short walk leads to this headland with panoramic views of the coast and, on clear days, Aoraki/Mount Cook.
• Seal Colony: Look for New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks near the point.
• Glacier Views: On clear days, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are visible from the beach.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 1–2 hours to walk the beach and explore the historic goldmining area. If you're keen on the walk to Gillespies Point, add another hour. It's a perfect stop on a day trip from Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, or a brief detour if you're driving the West Coast.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef Glacier: 20 minutes north – take a guided ice hike or heli-hike on this famous glacier.
• Fox Glacier: 30 minutes south – another stunning glacier with walks to the terminal face.
• Punakaiki: 2 hours north – see the Pancake Rocks and blowholes at high tide.
• Hokitika: 1.5 hours north – browse greenstone galleries and the Hokitika Gorge.

Please check official sources for current details.