West Coast Wilderness Trail

If you’ve ever dreamed of pedalling through a landscape that feels both raw and enchanted, the West Coast Wilderness Trail delivers. This 120 km cycle trail, part of the Nga Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trail network, weaves through ancient rainforests, past glacier-fed rivers, and along the rugged Tasman Sea coastline. Starting from Greymouth and finishing at Ross (or vice versa), the trail is a masterpiece of engineering and conservation, with boardwalks, historic trestle bridges, and sections that follow old gold-mining routes. The air smells of damp earth, moss, and the wild West Coast sea spray – it’s a journey that engages all the senses.

Highlights & What to See

• Kaniere Water Race – A historic water race built by gold miners, now a serene, tree-lined section of trail that feels like riding through a green tunnel.
• Lake Kaniere – A stunning turquoise lake surrounded by native bush; stop for a swim or a picnic at Sunny Bight.
• Hokitika Gorge – A short detour off the trail leads to the famous swingbridge over the milky-blue Hokitika River – an iconic photo op.
• Trevillion’s Trestle Bridge – A beautifully restored wooden viaduct that spans a deep gorge; one of the trail’s most dramatic features.
• Ross Historic Goldfields – Explore the remnants of a gold-rush town, including the famous “Ross Gold” nugget replica and the historic cemetery.
• Coastal sections near Greymouth – Ride along the Tasman Sea with views of the Southern Alps rising behind the surf.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most cyclists take 2–3 days to complete the full trail, staying overnight in Hokitika or the smaller settlements along the route. You can also do shorter day rides: the Greymouth to Hokitika section (55 km) is a solid full-day ride, while the Hokitika to Ross section (65 km) can be split into two more leisurely days. For those with limited time, the best single-day segment is the 30 km ride from Hokitika to Lake Kaniere and back, which includes the most scenic highlights without the full commitment.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Jackson Bay – The southern end of the West Coast’s wild coastline; a great spot for fresh whitebait and a walk on the remote beach.
• Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers – About 1.5 hours south of Ross; combine the trail with a glacier hike or heli-hike.
• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks – North of Greymouth; don’t miss the blowholes and layered limestone formations at high tide.
• Shantytown Heritage Park – Near Greymouth; a living-history gold-mining village that’s a fun family stop.
• Hokitika Town – A charming artsy town with pounamu (greenstone) galleries, craft breweries, and the Hokitika Gorge.

Please check official sources for current details.