West Coast Tree Top Walk

Perched above a pristine rainforest canopy, the West Coast Tree Top Walk offers a bird's-eye view of ancient rimu, kahikatea, and silver beech trees along the Haast River. This gentle, wheelchair-accessible walkway leads to a 47-metre-high viewing tower where you can scan the treetops for native birds like tui and kereru, and absorb the moss-drenched, primeval atmosphere of New Zealand's wild West Coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Canopy Walkway: A 250-metre-long steel and timber walkway suspended up to 20 metres above the forest floor, offering a unique perspective on the temperate rainforest.
• Observation Tower: Climb the spiral ramp to the 47-metre-high tower for panoramic views of the Haast River, Southern Alps, and Tasman Sea.
• Native Birdlife: Keep an eye out for kereru (wood pigeon), tui, bellbirds, and occasionally the rare kaka.
• Interpretive Panels: Learn about the ecology and history of the West Coast rainforest, including the significance of rimu and kahikatea trees.
• Accessible Design: The walkway is fully wheelchair- and pram-friendly, with a gentle gradient and no stairs.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for 45 minutes to 1 hour to walk the canopy loop, enjoy the tower views, and read the interpretive signs. It's a perfect short stop to stretch your legs on a journey along State Highway 6, especially if you're driving between Haast and Fox Glacier.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Haast Pass: Drive the scenic route over the Southern Alps, with short walks to Thunder Creek Falls and Fantail Falls.
• Jackson Bay: A quiet fishing village 30 minutes south, known for its white-sand beach and fresh whitebait fritters.
• Ship Creek: A short walk through dune forest and along a wild beach, about 20 minutes north of the Tree Top Walk.
• Fox Glacier: Further north, you can walk to the terminal face of this famous glacier or take a heli-hike.

Please check official sources for current details.