South Island ▷ West Coast ▷
Water Activities
Okarito Is the One
Okarito is the standout water experience on the West Coast for me. Kayaking the lagoon in the early morning when it's glassy and mirrored is genuinely special - you're drifting through shallow wetland channels, surrounded by native birds, with the Southern Alps sitting behind you. If a kayak isn't your thing, the eco boat tour is brilliant too. Swade and Paula switch the engine off so you still get that rare quiet nature moment.
Pororari River and the Buller
Down at Punakaiki, the Pororari River is an easy paddle if you hire kayaks or SUPs and head upriver. You'll drag your boat over the odd bony section, but push through and you get into some seriously good country. Further north, the Buller River around Murchison has solid whitewater rafting - Grade 3 rapids through a stunning gorge. Good fun without being terrifying.
And if you're heading through the Haast Pass, the Blue Pools are worth a stop for a swim. The glacial water is cold enough to take your breath away, but that's kind of the point. Just have your clothes ready to throw back on fast - the sandflies are absolutely feral down there.
West Coast Water Activities
27 items with the highest ranking score first, showing page 1 of 2.
Boat Cruises
Rafting
Jet Boating
Sea Kayaking
Fresh Water Kayaking
Camping NZ App
All the great camping sites on your iPhone™, iPad™ or Android™ phone or tablet. Avoid camping penalties using this council approved app. Featuring offline maps.
Surfing
Fresh Water Fishing