West Coast History

Spectacular landscapes may get much of the West Coast sightseeing glory but there's more to this historic region than mountains. We're talking history, heritage and local culture.

This beautiful part of South Island has a great story, dating all the way back to its indigenous Maori people.

Planning a trip to the West Coast? When the scenery is this good, you don't want to be stuck indoors. Happily, you can discover loads of West Coast heritage outside.

Want a bit of living history for your itinerary? Visit a historic mining town where you will get a real taste of life way back when. You can even pan for your own gold.

Visiting a museum is an awesome way to learn more. Checking out some exhibits is one of the best West Coast things to do on a rainy day.

Need some history inspo?

Image: Tourism West Coast

Natural Attractions

  • Travel back to a time before humans with a visit to the stunning Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. These coastal limestone pancake stacks are over 30 million years old!
  • Unearth the history of the moa bird with a walk through the gorgeous Oparara Arches Basin, long ago the home to this now-extinct flightless bird.
  • With its sheltered fishing harbour, Jackson Bay in Haast was once an important trade point. Now, seals and penguins outnumber people.

Image: Tourism West Coast

Mining

  • Pan for gold and find out what life was like during the gold rush at Ross Gold Town. The mining fields hold the Guinness World Record for the most people panning for gold at one time.
  • The historic mining town of Kumara is a fantastic place where you can immerse yourself in gold mining. Kids will love the working vintage steam trains in nearby Rutherglen.
  • Explore old underground mining tunnels at Mitchells Gully Gold Mine in Charleston.

Image: Tourism West Coast

Museums

  • It wasn't an easy life being early pioneers. Discover their story at the Coaltown Museum in Westport.
  • Journey back through the ages as you soak up the local Westland heritage at Hokitika Museum, housed in the grand Carnegie Building.
  • The Hector Country Music Museum is a quirky little place, showcasing an ex-music show host's awesome collection of records and memorabilia.

Created in partnership with Tourism West Coast