West Coast Tree Top Walk

Imagine walking among the canopy of a pristine temperate rainforest, 20 metres above the forest floor, with panoramic views of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. The West Coast Tree Top Walk offers exactly that—a gentle, wheelchair-accessible stroll on a steel walkway through ancient rimu, kamahi, and silver beech trees near Hokitika. It’s a serene, bird’s-eye perspective on one of New Zealand’s most lush and untamed regions.

Highlights & What to See

• Canopy Walkway: A 450-metre-long elevated walkway that winds through the treetops, with several viewing platforms offering stunning vistas of the surrounding rainforest and mountains.
• Staircase to the Sky: A 47-step spiral staircase that ascends to a 20-metre-high viewing tower—the highest point of the walk, with 360-degree views on a clear day.
• Interpretive Panels: Learn about the unique ecology of the West Coast rainforest, including the towering rimu trees that can live for over 800 years.
• Birdlife: Keep an eye out for native birds such as the tūī, kererū (wood pigeon), and the elusive South Island robin.
• Kiwi Encounter: The attraction also features a nocturnal kiwi house where you can see these iconic birds in a naturalistic setting.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend about 45 minutes to an hour on the walk, taking time to read the panels and soak in the views. If you add the kiwi house, allow an extra 20 minutes. The walk is open daily, and it’s a great stop for a relaxed morning or afternoon—especially on a rainy day when the forest is at its most atmospheric. You can easily combine it with a visit to Hokitika or a drive south towards the glaciers.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hokitika – Just 15 minutes south, this charming town is famous for its pounamu (greenstone) carving, wild beaches, and the Hokitika Gorge with its milky turquoise water.
• Punakaiki – About 45 minutes north, the Pancake Rocks and blowholes are a must-see geological wonder, best visited at high tide.
• Franz Josef Glacier – A scenic 1.5-hour drive south, where you can hike to the glacier terminal or take a heli-hike onto the ice.
• Fox Glacier – A further 20 minutes south of Franz Josef, offering similar glacier experiences with fewer crowds and the stunning Lake Matheson.

Please check official sources for current details.