Explore The Trail
See, Do, Stay
Other Information
Enjoy freedom kayaking or a cruise aboard the Eco Adventurer. Capture the picturesque beauty of the Mahinapua waterways along the original route used by pioneers, gold diggers and early explorers travelling between Hokitika and the rich goldfields of Ross. Experience majestic views of Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps and outstanding West Coast wetlands flora, fauna and native rainforests.
Self-contained B&B open now $125/night.
If you're interested in early engineering, and things mechanical, a visit to this attraction is a must. View the park's large collection of historic industrial equipment, including early engines, fire appliances, horse drawn vehicles, tractors, trucks, large range of old chainsaws and other logging equipment, historic wooden boats, printing presses, photographic equipment and much much more. Large operational Ruston Hornsby engines, a giant Blackstone engine, a Mirrlees diesel engine and one of New Zealand's last stage coaches to be used in regular service are amongst the features. A narrow gauge railway is also under construction. Meet and chat with the members as they undertake their restoration work.
Open: Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Wednesday 10 am to 5 pm. Other days opened by request.
We are committed to ensuring your complete enjoyment of the trail by providing a professionally run shuttle service that can transport you and your bike to all points on the trail or pick you up at the end of a day's riding. We have plenty of local knowledge and are keen to help you with all aspects of your planning whatever your budget. We look forward to hearing from you so please don't hesitate to contact us.
Visitors to the District can access free wi-fi at the Library as well as computers, scanners, printing and copying, and power for a variety of devices. Relax in our Reading Area with a newspaper or magazine while enjoying a refreshing cup of tea or coffee.
This new temporary pop-up museum exhibition includes stories of pioneering families and colourful communities that developed, growth of the town, gold and coal mining, the famous Barber and the challenges of flooding. There's even a Kids' Corner with replica red phone box to keep them occupied while you view the exhibits. Open Wednesday to Sunday 1.00pm to 6.00pm.
Located at the south end of Aylmer Street, Ross, the Info Centre is either the start or end of the Wilderness Trail. We have beautiful park like grounds with picnic tables and clean toilets. Souvenirs, Gold Panning, Walks and Information.
Cowboy Paradise offers accommodation, bar, food and beverage and adventure entertainment in a unique environment and is located exactly halfway (63kms) along the West Coast Wilderness Trail.
Discover fascinating stories of real New Zealanders and experience a recreated gold-rush village. West Coast isolation, extreme weather and rugged terrain produced stories of fortitude and ingenuity. Shantytown tells these pioneering stories through a fascinating mix of experience and displays.
Ride the Steam Train through native rainforest, experience the sights and sounds of a working sawmill, watch the sluice gun blast gold bearing rock and soil from the earth, then follow the races to the gold claim and pan for your own gold.
The village, with 30 shops and buildings to explore shows life the way it used to be. Catch the show in our new holographic theater. For a memento of Shantytown nothing is better than an old time photo.
Discover more of the Coast while on your Wilderness Trail experience. The Hokitika Gorge, Punakaiki, the Glaciers – whatever you want to see and do. We will pick-up and deliver back to your location. Pick-up and drop-off anywhere within the Hokitika or Greymouth area is also available by arrangement. Group discounts available and we hold a DOC concession.
Located 6 km east of Hokitika, Westside Rides have a self-contained cottage overlooking the Hokitika River & the Southern Alps, offering accommodation, bike hire and guiding. They are also able to arrange other activities, such as kayaking, paddle boat cruises, bush walks, & even a wee explore of some of the regions fine old Hostelries.
After taking an invigorating ride on the scenic West Coast Wilderness Trail, why not treat yourself to a soak in the spa or sweat it out in the sauna.
This is Greymouth's newest community asset and is the recreation, leisure and sporting hub of Greymouth and the wider region.
We have everything you need to relax after a day's cycling - spa, sauna and pools. But if you still have energy to burn, you can hit the gym or join in one of our group fitness classes.
Pop in and talk to our friendly staff and see how the Westland Recreation Centre can be the icing on the cake of your West Coast Wilderness Trail experience.
Meet a Local
Paul offers visitors natural and history tours of his West Coast Wildlife Sanctuary in return for a donation towards predator control work he does on his property. Tea & coffee available.
Learn about this early Kawhaka Settlement.
A division of Paul Sinclair Contracting Ltd.
Owner Operator of Portable Toilets and Showers
This family-owned business is the newest accommodation on the West Coast. Surround yourself with the latest modern comforts, best beds and awesome views in a quiet setting in Hokitika town. While there take the opportunity to explore the Southern sky with armature astronomy expert Philip Barker.
Located in the heart of Greymouth this gallery is a "must". Stunning landscapes cover the walls and the gallery offers a fine selection of New Zealand and locally made items and gifts, including ceramics, Manuka honey, jewellery, t-shirts, possum merino clothing, chocolate, soaps, Manuka beauty products, cushions and more.
Enjoy leading wines, spirits, traditional Monteith's beer and regular live music in this popular character styled bar. Catch the latest block buster movies in one of two modern cinemas or a live show in the main theatre. Bike stands or storage is available while you relax in Greymouth's entertainment centre at the start or completion of your ride.
Hey Ladies whether you're starting or finishing the Wilderness Trail in Greymouth there's one very important destination that you need to visit, it's the Coast's fashion Hub; Victoria's - located in the Heart of Mackay Street. Victoria's is a boutique fashion store delivering very stylish clothes for everyday ladies who thrive on both style and colour. Treat yourself at Victoria's while in Greymouth…
An exhilarating tree top adventure among temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with the birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Easy access for all to enjoy along a steel platform 20 metres high and over 450 metres long.
Whitewater rafting trips ranging from grade 2-5. Half, full or multi-day expeditions into the New Zealand wilderness - back country rafting, huge limestone canyons, glacial backdrops, riverside lunches, natural hot pools...
If you are beginning or ending your cycle trip in Ross we can pick you up and drop you off. Day storage for your bike available.
Join the fully-guided 45-minute brewery tour, enjoy a tasting tray of speciality handcrafted beers and ciders or relax for a drink and enjoy the range of local produce from the tapas style tasting menu. Monteith's modern brewery and restaurant is a perfect place to begin or end your Wilderness Trail experience.
Get the inside word on NZ’s most loved trail with the official Wilderness Trail guide book.
Buy nowBuilding the West Coast Wilderness Trail and keeping it clean and beautiful takes a lot, every little bit helps. Thank you for your support. See you on the trail!
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