Tree Top Walk

Suspended high among the ancient rimu and kamahi trees of the West Coast rainforest, the Tree Top Walk offers a rare bird's-eye perspective on one of New Zealand's most pristine lowland forests. This gentle, wheelchair-accessible walkway rises 20 metres above the forest floor, giving you an intimate encounter with the canopy ecosystem — think epiphytic ferns, moss-draped branches, and the occasional tui or kererū flitting by. It's a serene, sensory experience that captures the essence of the West Coast's wild beauty without requiring any hiking effort.

Highlights & What to See

• Canopy Walkway: A 450-metre-long steel-and-timber structure that weaves through mature rimu, miro, and kamahi trees, with several viewing platforms offering different angles of the forest.
• Interpretive Signs: Learn about the forest ecology, including the role of epiphytes, the life cycle of rimu trees, and the birdlife that calls this canopy home.
• Birdwatching: Keep an eye out for native birds such as the kererū (wood pigeon), tūī, fantail, and if you're lucky, the elusive kākā.
• Photography Opportunities: The elevated vantage point is perfect for capturing the layered green of the rainforest, especially in soft morning or late-afternoon light.
• Night Walk Option: On select evenings, the walk is open after dark for a magical guided tour with spotlights to reveal nocturnal wildlife like glow worms and possums.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend around 30–45 minutes strolling the walkway at a leisurely pace, reading the signs and soaking in the atmosphere. If you're keen on birdwatching or photography, budget an hour. The walk is short and flat, so it's an easy addition to a day of driving — stop by for a breather between bigger adventures on the West Coast. Allow extra time if you book the night walk (check availability in advance).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef Glacier — just a 20-minute drive south, you can explore the glacier valley on guided walks or heli-hikes.
• Fox Glacier — another 30 minutes south, offering more glacier views and the stunning Lake Matheson reflection walk.
• Punakaiki — about an hour north, famous for the Pancake Rocks and blowholes, plus coastal walks and limestone scenery.
• Hokitika — a charming town 45 minutes north, known for its pounamu (greenstone) carving, wild beach, and the Hokitika Gorge.

Please check official sources for current details.