West Coast Treetop Walk

Soaring 20 metres above the lush canopy of a pristine rimu forest, the West Coast Treetop Walk offers a unique perspective on New Zealand’s wild west. This gentle, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk winds through ancient podocarp trees, with the crowning glory being a 47-metre-high observation tower that commands sweeping views of the Southern Alps and Tasman Sea. It’s a serene, sensory journey into the heart of the temperate rainforest, where the air smells of damp earth and native birdsong fills the silence.

Highlights & What to See

• Canopy Boardwalk: A 450-metre-long elevated walkway that weaves through towering rimu, kahikatea, and miro trees, with interpretive panels explaining the forest’s ecology and Māori history.
• Observation Tower: Climb the 47-metre-high tower for panoramic views over the forest canopy, the Grey River valley, and, on clear days, the snow-capped Southern Alps.
• Native Birdlife: Keep an eye out for tūī, bellbirds, kererū (wood pigeon), and the elusive South Island kākā, which often feed in the treetops.
• Forest Floor Walk: A short, easy loop through the understorey reveals ferns, mosses, and the intricate root systems of these ancient trees.
• Twilight Tours: Experience the forest at dusk, when the walkway is lit with subtle lighting and nocturnal creatures become active.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1 to 1.5 hours here, which allows ample time to walk the boardwalk, ascend the tower, and explore the forest floor loop. If you’re a keen photographer or birdwatcher, budget an extra half-hour. The walk is open daily from 9am to 5pm (later in summer), and it’s a perfect stop for a couple of hours en route between Greymouth and Hokitika.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Greymouth: The largest town on the West Coast, known for its historic river port, brewery, and the start of the TranzAlpine scenic train journey.
• Shantytown Heritage Park: A living-history gold-mining village 10 minutes south, where you can pan for gold and ride a vintage steam train.
• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks: 45 minutes north, these dramatic limestone formations and blowholes are a must-see on the coastal highway.
• Hokitika Gorge: About an hour south, this turquoise-blue river gorge with a swingbridge and walking track is one of the West Coast’s most photogenic spots.
• Lake Brunner: A 30-minute drive inland, this serene lake offers kayaking, fishing, and a scenic loop walk through native bush.

Please check official sources for current details.