When UNESCO declared the West Coast a World Heritage site in 1990, the region graciously assumed its place in a hall of fame that included the likes of the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef, and Mount Everest. Of course, the Kiwis already knew they had a treasure—the towering Southern Alps border the region to the east and form a geological wall a mere 40km from the Tasman Sea. With snow-capped peaks, temperate rainforests, pounding waves, and not a single traffic light in the entire region, it’s no wonder that almost 90% of the West Coast is set aside by the government as national parks, forests, and scenic reserves.
West Coast travelers should keep in mind that there are no banks or supermarkets on the long stretch between Hokitika and Wanaka, and gas stations are few and far between—and often closed by 6pm. Daily buses provide a dependable way to travel. While Let’s Go doesn’t recommend hitchhiking, those with patience—and good rain gear—report success.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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