West Coast Wilderness Trail
West Coast Wilderness Trail
West Coast Wilderness Trail
5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The West Coast Wilderness Trail is a 132 km Grade 2 easy cycle trail that takes the rider through some of the most stunning and diverse scenery the West Coast of the South Island has to offer. The Trail is part of the Great Rides Nga Haerenga network and can be ridden in entirety over 4 days or there are many options available for one day rides and shorter multi day rides.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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5.0
244 reviews
Excellent
200
Very good
33
Average
8
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Barb L
Dunedin, New Zealand506 contributions
Aug 2020
I have ridden many of our NZ Cycle trials and the West Coast Wilderness trail has to be the most stunning so far! We booked the trail through Cycle Journeys with their winter package and recommend them.
We rode Ross to Greymouth and the group of 4 friends who were riding ended up as a group of 8 who are going to get together to ride somewhere else in the future!
The trail is beautiful even in the rain, you get to ride through amazing forest, see beautiful rivers, get close to wekas and just be in the beauty of the coast.
Unlike some of the trails this one has great infrastructure for food, fluids and accommodation, and every one you come into contact with along the way (maybe with the exception of Cowboy Paradise) loves the trail and all it brings to the West Coast.
We rode Ross to Greymouth and the group of 4 friends who were riding ended up as a group of 8 who are going to get together to ride somewhere else in the future!
The trail is beautiful even in the rain, you get to ride through amazing forest, see beautiful rivers, get close to wekas and just be in the beauty of the coast.
Unlike some of the trails this one has great infrastructure for food, fluids and accommodation, and every one you come into contact with along the way (maybe with the exception of Cowboy Paradise) loves the trail and all it brings to the West Coast.
Written 18 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Barb
Thank you for your review. The trail can be cycled year round and the winter campaign was well worth it, helping promote this to everyone. We are pleased you enjoyed your experience.
Written 9 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MILLIE
Christchurch, New Zealand44 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
AMAZING beautiful scenery with the native forest + bush, lagoons,bridges and snow capped mountains. Forget about doing the Otago rail trail do this one instead!
A party of four saw that the weather was going to be sunny on the coast so we decided to cycle the WCW trail.
We based ourselves at Hokitika- Stopforths motel. It was so nice just to have a base + not move for accomodation each day plus the shower there was very good!
We used West Coast Cycle and tours ( use to be called Glory Days) shuttle service run by Donna and Scott. They were very flexible with the pickup times and gave us some good tips and recommendations on the trail and we would highly recommend their shuttle service.
Day 1 Hokitika to Ross we cycled halfway to tree top and had a nice drink + food there at the cafe. Then onto Ross where we had a drink at the nostalgic pub the Empire Hotel. They were very hospitable there and had a great fire. Donna and Zita the dog then picked us up in the shuttle + took us back to Hokitika
Day 2 Milltown to Kumara
Scotty dropped us off in the shuttle at Milltown. We biked to Cowboy Paradise + stopped there for a drink and sat out on their sunny deck + looked out @ the magical view. If you are biking in winter there is a lot of bush so make sure you layer up as it’s rather cool. At Kumara we had a drink at the Royal Hotel. We txt Donna + she picked us up and back to Hokitika
Day 3 Milltown to Hokitika
Scotty dropped us off at Milltown. We did a slight detour at Lake Kaniere and biked to Hans Bay which has a beautiful view of Lake Kaniere and Mt Cook. It has toilets there + a table so good place for a stop.
Day 4 Kumara to Greymouth
Scotty dropped us off at Kumara and we cycled to Greymouth. At the end we had a very nice lunch @ Monteiths brewery. Donna then transported us back to Hokitika.
Some improvement feedback for the trail to consider:
Greater promotion + advertising of this trail as the scenery is breath taking.
There is still a small proportion of the trail on the road. It would be good to have 100% of trail off the road. Even a temporary pathway along side the road until more substantial bush track is completed.
Have a few more cafes pubs open during the day for refreshments for the cyclists eg when we arrived in Kumara the Royal Hotel didn’t open until 4pm.
A party of four saw that the weather was going to be sunny on the coast so we decided to cycle the WCW trail.
We based ourselves at Hokitika- Stopforths motel. It was so nice just to have a base + not move for accomodation each day plus the shower there was very good!
We used West Coast Cycle and tours ( use to be called Glory Days) shuttle service run by Donna and Scott. They were very flexible with the pickup times and gave us some good tips and recommendations on the trail and we would highly recommend their shuttle service.
Day 1 Hokitika to Ross we cycled halfway to tree top and had a nice drink + food there at the cafe. Then onto Ross where we had a drink at the nostalgic pub the Empire Hotel. They were very hospitable there and had a great fire. Donna and Zita the dog then picked us up in the shuttle + took us back to Hokitika
Day 2 Milltown to Kumara
Scotty dropped us off in the shuttle at Milltown. We biked to Cowboy Paradise + stopped there for a drink and sat out on their sunny deck + looked out @ the magical view. If you are biking in winter there is a lot of bush so make sure you layer up as it’s rather cool. At Kumara we had a drink at the Royal Hotel. We txt Donna + she picked us up and back to Hokitika
Day 3 Milltown to Hokitika
Scotty dropped us off at Milltown. We did a slight detour at Lake Kaniere and biked to Hans Bay which has a beautiful view of Lake Kaniere and Mt Cook. It has toilets there + a table so good place for a stop.
Day 4 Kumara to Greymouth
Scotty dropped us off at Kumara and we cycled to Greymouth. At the end we had a very nice lunch @ Monteiths brewery. Donna then transported us back to Hokitika.
Some improvement feedback for the trail to consider:
Greater promotion + advertising of this trail as the scenery is breath taking.
There is still a small proportion of the trail on the road. It would be good to have 100% of trail off the road. Even a temporary pathway along side the road until more substantial bush track is completed.
Have a few more cafes pubs open during the day for refreshments for the cyclists eg when we arrived in Kumara the Royal Hotel didn’t open until 4pm.
Written 27 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
timetravel88
Auckland Central, New Zealand99 contributions
Mar 2020
Eleven enthusiastic adventurers completed the West Coast Wilderness Trail over 5 days in March with Adventure South. Seven regular mountain bikes and four e-bikes allowed everyone to enjoy the trip. A mix of sealed road, gravel road and tracks with really only a couple of short distances of steeper climbing. Very well constructed and maintained track. A stop at the Westcoast Treetop Walk is a must also. The climb up to Cowboy Paradise and then the undulating ride down from the top of the Kawaka Pass to Kumara was the most scenic day. Excellent variation in landscape and scenery (ocean, native bush and wetlands) along with the birdlife (especially the friendly wekas). We had great weather but it did include the compulsory West Coast wet day. Accommodation throughout was most interesting and provided opportunity to meet the locals (eg: Theatre Royal Hotel in Kumara). We used Adventure South so we had an extra bit at the end - up to Punakaiki, walked along the Pororari River Track for an afternoon and on the last day cycled from Lady Lake to Moana (Lake Brunner) then caught the TranzAlpine Express back to Christchurch.
A great adventure for everyone and easily accomplishable.
A great adventure for everyone and easily accomplishable.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and sharing your enjoyment of the trail. You certainly took in some of the key attractions around the area while you were here. We value your feedback on the trail and work hard to ensure the experience is outstanding. The compulsory wet day was a bonus. Thank you.
Written 8 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LTK1999
Dunedin, New Zealand27 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
My husband (60) & I (51) & my parents (72 & 78) rode 3 days’ on the trail over Easter. Based on what I read on Trip Advisor, we hired cycles (e-bikes for parents) off Hokitika Cycles & Sportsworld. They are very friendly & helpful. We based ourselves in Hokitika & because of weather did Day 1 shuttle to Milltown- bike to Kumara: Day 2 shuttle to Milltown bike to Hokitika with a bit extra around Lake Kaniere; Day 3 Ross to Hokitika. Stayed at Stopforths Motel Hokitika. Modern & clean accommodation. We all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Would highly recommend.
Written 7 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We are pleased you enjoyed riding the trail. Many people are now riding the sections in a similar way to what you did so we are pleased you shared it. The trail is a grade 2 with some sections slightly higher because they are on road so very ridable by people in older age groups. Hopefully we will see you back sometime soon.
Written 19 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vicki G
Iluka, Australia31 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
I think this would have to be one of the most scenic cycle track anywhere. We based ourselves in Hokitika as we didn't want to do the whole track, we're a bit older! Stayed at The Cycle House (through airbnb) for 4 nights and also took in the local sights - happened to be there during the Driftwood Sculpture week, lovely to wander along the beach and see all the creations. The 2 sections of trail we did were just beautiful, Hokitika to the TreeTopWalk and Lake Kaniere to Hokitika. Highly recommend!
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review Victoria. We are pleased you enjoyed the trail. There is a real variety of beautiful scenery and even more on the sections you missed, particularly the Kawhaka Pass. The Driftwood Festival always produces some amazing sculptures and makes the most of the wonderful Hokitika beach.
Written 26 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LycraTour2012
Palmerston North, New Zealand43 contributions
Sept 2020
Our group of 14 friends recently cycled the West Coast Wilderness Trail and prior to organising the trip, I carefully researched the logistics and options for bike hire, passenger shuttle and bag transfer. We were keen to support a local West Coast business and I quickly discovered it was not necessary to utilise an expensive package tour, to arrange this wonderful cycle ride.
Scott and the team at Trail Shuttles, based in the Sports World at Greymouth provided everything we required for our adventure, including ordinary and e-bike hire with excellent bikes. Scott accommodated all our plans to be shuttled between stops and to ferry our bags. Importantly, he did not require us to fit into a set timetable, so we were able to take as long or as little time as we wished for cycling. Scott has a wealth of local knowledge, he was easy to communicate with and was very supportive throughout the 4 days of cycling. We only had to arrange accommodation and meals, which was easy to do. This is a wonderful cycle ride and we highly recommend using the skills and services of Trail Transport in Greymouth when planning your own adventure.
Scott and the team at Trail Shuttles, based in the Sports World at Greymouth provided everything we required for our adventure, including ordinary and e-bike hire with excellent bikes. Scott accommodated all our plans to be shuttled between stops and to ferry our bags. Importantly, he did not require us to fit into a set timetable, so we were able to take as long or as little time as we wished for cycling. Scott has a wealth of local knowledge, he was easy to communicate with and was very supportive throughout the 4 days of cycling. We only had to arrange accommodation and meals, which was easy to do. This is a wonderful cycle ride and we highly recommend using the skills and services of Trail Transport in Greymouth when planning your own adventure.
Written 10 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your response. Yes Scott does a great job and is a big supporter of the trail. We are glad you enjoyed your ride.
Written 9 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GaryandLesleyTravel
Auckland Central, New Zealand7,806 contributions
May 2020 • Couples
After checking the Wilderness trail map we selected 4 spots that interested us. We had transport which made getting up to the gorge easier. The Hokitika gorge walk, the Canoe cove Rimu Forrest and the Kahukatea Forrest were all well worth the visit. The Dorothy falls were ok and as they were on our route too somewhere else didn’t disappoint. The highlight for us was the Kahikatea Forrest, be amazed by this historic forest where some of the trees are 500 year old. As NZ tallest native they are the glorious giants of the forest. An easy 10 min / 600 metre walk from the carpark where you also get beautiful lake views. followed by the Hokitika gorge walk where an easy walk from the car park gives you stunning gorge, river and swing bridge views. #nzforfree
Written 3 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. Yes there are stunning forests on the trail. The Hokitika Gorge and Dorothy falls are not on the trail but well worth a visit.
Written 18 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sightseer250062
4 contributions
Aug 2020
Leaving aside our second night’s experience, the West Coast Wilderness Trail was absolutely amazing: a wonderful route on a not-too-difficult track through beautiful scenery, forests, river valleys, uplands and wetlands, even out on Mahinapua Lagoon on Day 1! – with West Coast history throughout. Hospitality first night and third outstandingly helpful and friendly. And the sun shone!
Written 21 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We are pleased you had a great experience. Mahinapua is magic and one of many highlights on the trail.
Written 22 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cjpe60
Auckland, New Zealand27 contributions
Mar 2020
Eight over 60 cycled from Greymouth to Ross over 4 days. We thought this was a easier way to cycle the trail less up hill. The track has varying sized stone and road. We hired awesome bikes perfect for the trail from Colls Sports World Greymouth. We all wanted to take the cycles home. Although the weather was a tad wet at times being often in bush protected us. A very scenic, well signed with directions to keep you on the track. Would definitely recommend this trail.
Written 26 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and feedback. The trail is ideal for riders over 60 and it is currently our biggest age demographic. It takes in so many wonderful vistas from the sea, bush, rivers, lakes to riding under the alps and back to the sea. We look forward to you riding it again some time.
Written 28 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Familyof5
5 contributions
Jan 2022
Our family of 5 (3 teenagers) don't bike regularly. Hired bikes from Scott and Gail at Trail Transport at Coll Sport in Greymouth and they were incredible helpful with excellent service. Biked on 2 ebikes (with panniers to carry our gear) and 3 regulars. Stayed at Sundowner Motel Greymouth (best wifi on the West Coast was teenagers' opinion) very kindly looked after our car. Day 1 biked to Kumara to Theatre Royal Hotel staying in one of the beautiful and spacious Miner's Cottages. In Kumara there's a basic general store (which also makes coffee) and excellent dining at the Hotel (but we were expecting the breakfast to be cooked not continental). Didn't want to stay at Cowboy Paradise so cycled 60km to Lake Kaniere to stay with Grant at Lake Kaniere Homestay which was an unexpected highlight. Huge day on the bikes which was pretty tough for us. Day 3 easy bike to Hokitika through beautiful bush along the water race, staying at Shining Star Hokitika (great location but beachfront family unit was a bit tired). Our trip ended there as planned as 3 days was enough. Family agreed we would cycle this trail again. Feedback? The map could have been more detailed especially for the stretch Kumara-Lake Kaniere (for example, the rivers and roads look pretty similar on the map), the high and low water trails could be marked on the map, the map also doesn't make it clear what is cycle track, gravel road or tarsealed road and Kumara-Kaniere there is a bit of road riding. Also on the trail itself we could have done with a few more maker pegs to reassure us we were on the right track (we had never visited the area before). Still, we had a great time biking in the beautiful West Coast bush, swimming in Lake Kaniere, and it was faster than tramping!
Written 25 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey Lily
We are thinking about riding from Hokitika to Ross, stopping for a break then returning to Hokitika the same day, reading everyone's comments sounds doable, just wondering what you thought
Regards
Tracey
Written 23 October 2016
Hi,, what do you mean by" there are easier ways"? Im interested in doing the track. I can stay in greymouth, I can borrow a bike from someone there. ..I`m a bit nervous about getting a flatty... do you think I can do the whole trip from Greymouth to Hokitika in one day? I am fairly fit.. I bike 17 kms a day.. I`m 63.
Written 10 July 2016
We did greymouth to Cowboys paradise in one day, about 65km and that was great but enough. That's the sort of distance we normally ride on our road bikes. It could be done in a day if you left really early (6am) and rode all day and it was a Lin summer day but at this time of the year you'd be probably in the dark by the end.
I think you would be needing to ride longer distances (up to 60-75km) a couple of times per week to build up stamina and endurance if your normal distance is 17km.
It's not impossible to do all in one day if you are super fit but if you can take 2 days I would. Although I just read yesterday there's been some troubles with cowboy paradise and there council so you might want to check that out if you haven't gone yet
Written 26 July 2016
Hi
We are a family of 8
2 grandparents
2 parents and 4 high school kids
hoping to west coast wilderness trail on bike in January 2016
Will it be too hot?
It becomes expensive to do a set tour when multiplied by 8. Does anyone have suggestions as to which would be the cheapest way to do the trail ie hire bikes/ organise own accommodation etc I do like to organise trips so am happy to put the time and effort in if it is possible
Thanks a lot Cath
Written 29 September 2015
Hi Cath
In January the weather will be at it's hottest at a likely maximum of 27degrees. Being next to the sea you will get a breeze there and shade in the bush, so nothing to worry about.
The West Coast Wilderness Trail website is the best website to use to plan your trip it has the route, accommodation providers and provides options for bike hire. (TripAdvisor doesn't allow website links so please google this).
In the Hokitika and Greymouth i-SITE buildings there is a book available to purchase, this book is jam packed with details and is a great souvenir to reflect back on the trip once you and your family have completed the trail.
I hope this information helps and lowers the cost for you.
Written 12 October 2015
guydeitch
Tel Aviv, Israel
Hi!
A couple of questions regarding the trail:
1. I couldn't find any info whether the trail is free (including the bike rental). If not, what are the costs?
2. As a backpacker, is there a way to transport my backpack so that I don't have to ride with it on my back?
Thanks in advance!
Written 28 September 2015
The others have answered that the trail is free to cycle on, this is correct.
You need to either use a shuttle service or do what we did, hire a car and do sections of the trail there and back daily. We hired a car from West Coast rentals, up was cheap and the station wagon took our bikes just fine.
As the services are really new it's a bit hit and miss but we would totally recommend doing it, the scenery is just beautiful and it is not too difficult.
Written 29 September 2015
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for the very informative post - I'm planning a trip along the west coast so I need as much info as I can get!
I do have one question though - how long did it take you to cycle from Cowboy Paradise to Hokitika? There is a bus leaving Hokitika at 2pm and I'm not sure whether I'll make it in time. I don't mind leaving Cowboy's Paradise first thing if need be.
Thanks for any help!
Brian-
Written 11 March 2015
Probably too late for you Brian but for anyone else reading this I would allow at least 3 hours for this leg. Especially since you may not be overly frisky after the first two days riding. Cheers Dave
Written 17 October 2015
Could you get trip advisor to rename west coast rail trail to its correct name of westcoast wilderness trail so that it matches the website etc.
Written 26 December 2014
Tourism_West_Coast
Greymouth, New Zealand
Hi Waimate 1.
All the web site details are now correct. :-)
Written 3 June 2015
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