The museum is dedicated to Sir Edmund Hillary while he was in Aoraki training in preparation for his ascent on Everest. It also has the 1st glacier landing plane located there. Awesome 👌

This is attached to the hermitage hotel it has a large shop selling hiking gear but quite expensive it has very few general items. The cafe on the first floor is welcome after the hiking but can get very crowded when the tours return. There is a small museum

My wife is really interested in Sir Edmund Hillary and we were really interested in visiting the museum. Don't bother. Most of the museum talks above the alpine centre and area itself. Yes, I find that somewhat interesting, but paying $25 per adult I thought I'd get more. Get a free month on Netflix and watch some documentaries instead.

Save yourself $25 and just don't bother with this. Vaguely interesting yes but at the end of the day it is poorly presented and isn't much more than a small collection of books and photos. So much more could be done to present the story of this man in an amazing way. Until then save yourself the money

We were only visitors for a short stay. Haven't made good use of this centre. You can get information here and can also buy supplies for the climbing the snow mountains. There' s also a museum and movie to watch. It's a pity that we didn't have time to enjoy all these. Hope I can stay a few days here next time when I came.

A great perspective o the history of the nz Alps and sir Edmund Hilary.

Tourist trap. You spend there 20 minutes for $25. Mount Cook National Park visitor centre nearby is much better and free.

Really loved this boat ride/tour. Good boats, seemed pretty new. Terrific guide/boat driver he was very good really, gave us heaps of info and drove the boat well. Sorry I have forgotten his name I think he was American. Saw lots of ice bergs in the lake and even touched them. Definitely do this if you go to Mt Cook

Unforgettable Adventure on Ice! The Glacier Explorer tour was an incredible experience! Cruising among icebergs on the Tasman Lake, right next to the glacier face, was surreal. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, making it fun and educational. A once-in-a-lifetime chance to get up close to a glacier – absolutely worth it!

Well organised and significant care factor throughout, we initially had to cancel due to poor weather and were put in a wait list, they had a cancellation on a following day and we were called straight away. Ben was an excellent guide and shared lots of interesting facts and made the tour. Icebergs and scenery were amazing, highly recommend to anyone visiting for a unique experience.

Worth a visit Need to hike before reaching the boarding point and hike back after that Need to leave the bags then wear safety vest. Safety briefing on the boat. Informative and educational tour about the glaciers. Get to go up close and also taste the glaciers Our guide was awesome, he would rotate the boat to ensure everyone had good views, also helped us to take photos Windy and cooling when boat is speeding.

Ben our guide was top notch. Super knowledgeable and funny. Didn’t want the experience to end. 5 stars! - from your Scotland crew 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Great experience it's a must do if your in the area, bit of a hike from the car park to the boats.

They cancelled our tour 15 minutes before the scheduled start so driving 2.5 hours here was unfortunate. Understand that the weather is not in their control but still frustrating. Refund want a issue but a bit 'oh well' otherwise. Yes, spectacular views abound, so the place is probably worth a visit regardless.

Been planning this visit for 2 years now. Finally got the chance to go but unfortunately the Hooker Valley Track has been closed from the first bridge onwards. It is set to open Autumn 2026. So hopefully we make it for that next year. Otherwise, everything was so stunning. Seeing Mt.Cook right in front of me made me feel some sort of emotion- i cannot describe . I will definitely be going again in the winter.

If you are in New Zealand and you didn’t visit Mount Aoraki then it is a bog miss, not fulfilled of your trip. It is a mind blowing view from any place, the road trip is awesome and refreshing journey. The picture you will be taken will not present how beautiful the serenity is. Just be there, spend some time, be quiet, make your own way, stop somewhere and breathe.

Wonderful, soring mountains, glacier and native bush walks. Can be busy, but tracks are well built for the numbers. Take your time to soak or all in. DOC information centre worth a visit for informative display.

The Aoraki/Mt Cook NP Visitors Center is one of the best I have ever explored. I have a particular interest in exploration, trekking, and history of those activities. If you do too, it is well worth an hour or so of your time. Mt Cook has been a proving ground for great mountaineers and the center documents many of those who passed through. The presentations on rescues was fascinating too. It was also the first I've seen that gives props to the first women explorers. First females, essentially climbing in dresses, had great stories.

This tourist center is worth a visit for everyone. It showcases the history, development and construction process of Mt. Cook, as well as the protection of the mountain's environment and wildlife.

While we were watching the movie (which is very interesting!), we essentially got kicked out of the building at 11:30AM by the tenant, because it’s here lunch hour!!!! So my understanding is that no matter how many people are in there (we must have been about 20 or more, the parking is full), she emptied the building so she can have here lunch. I’m fine with people taking a break, don’t get me wrong, but isn’t there a better way to treat visitors who drove hours to get there? This is an internationally famous area, with loads of visitors year round! While the video explains how proud the Kiwis are about Aoraki Mount Cook, a Kiwi kicked if out of the visitor center! Now, this being said, if you can get in when it’s open, it’s beautiful in there, great book shop and exhibitions. But here we are in the car, watching groups after groups get turned around at the door!!

Free visitor center with loads of information on Mount Cook and Tasman Glacier. We were planning on visiting the famed Hooker Valley trail but its closed again. This visitor center will keep you occupied for at least 15 mins if you are keen on history and geography. Highly recommend!

Visited Hooker Valley in September 2025, and it was one of the most stunning walks we’ve ever done in New Zealand! The trail is well-marked, flat and accessible, making it perfect for all ages. Along the way, we crossed three beautiful suspension bridges, each offering unique perspectives of the surrounding mountains and rivers. The scenery is constantly changing, from braided glacial rivers and tussock-filled valleys to snow-capped peaks of Aoraki / Mount Cook. The highlight of the walk is Hooker Lake itself, with its turquoise waters and icebergs floating gently on the surface. The view of Mount Cook reflecting on the lake was breathtaking — truly a picture-perfect moment. Even though it was early spring, the air was crisp and refreshing, and there were still patches of snow that added to the dramatic landscape. We spent time at the lake, taking photos and enjoying the peacefulness of the area. The trail is about 10 km return but it feels easy thanks to the well-maintained path and gentle terrain. Hooker Valley Track is a must-do for anyone visiting Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. It’s accessible, scenic and offers some of the best alpine views in New Zealand. Highly recommended for nature lovers and photographers alike!

Hooker Valley Track – Absolutely Breathtaking! We were blessed with great weather — clear skies but a bit chilly, which made the walk refreshing! Only the first bridge was open during our visit, so it was a shorter trail (about 15 minutes each way, 30 minutes total), but still totally worth it. The view was absolutely breathtaking — snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear water, and that stunning Mt Cook backdrop. Even with the limited access, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone heading to the area. ❄️✨

Good place to trek. Exceeded my expectations. It was a lovely sunny day when I went and I had a good enjoyable exercise day. 2 of the bridges were still closed but it's still worth going. Not difficult to walk. I saw people with wheelchairs along the way. Highly recommended.

Hike was done in early Oct , 2nd swing bridge is closed so we didnt find the terrain too difficult. Very scenic. Great weather on the day we hiked so all was good. Highly recommended.

Stunning scenarios and views. Would reccomend to go on a hike here. We came during spring, the weather was good, there wasn't much of a crowd and the air was fresh and clean. The hiking trails are decent, safe, and can be easily spotted so its really hard to get loss.

This world-famous track is all over social media on a blue-sky day, but honestly, it’s just as stunning when the weather turns moody — cloudy or light rain gives the whole valley a dramatic, almost mystical vibe. Of course, if it’s pouring down or snowing heavily, it’s better to stay away for safety reasons. And on a foggy day, visibility gets so low that walking into the valley kind of defeats the purpose. The track itself is medium-level at most. With some basic gear you can easily finish it. Still, whether it’s summer or winter, make sure you bring proper layers and rain protection — the weather in the valley isn’t exactly four-seasons-in-one-day, but it can be as unpredictable as someone in love. The swing bridges, the glacier lake and the Hooker River are absolute highlights — not that you can miss them anyway. If you’re lucky, you might catch a full view of Aoraki / Mt Cook, but most of the time the summit hides behind the clouds. And if you ever get to witness the golden glow on the peak at sunrise or sunset, that’s pure magic — a real blessing. Trust me, unless the track is closed or visibility is dangerously low, spending around four hours here is worth it at any time.

it was a bit crowded when we visited in the beginning of march, but we were lucky to get a parking slot 😅 the way leads you through the stunning scenery of the mountains along the amazing glacier river until the lake - no steep part, it goes up and down in a really easy way and is mostly flat... also some boardwalk parts and three swing bridges to cross the river 😍🥰 definitely a must-do👍🏻✨️

This was truly a once in a lifetime experience. We were so lucky to have the opportunity to e-bike and hike towards the Fox Glacier with two incredible guides giving us an unforgettable and humbling experience with mother nature at her best. Billy and Jake were amazing guides and this experience will always be something I will cherish forever. ❤️

Our morning helihike was cancelled due to poor weather but they were able to reschedule us for the same afternoon when the rain cleared. What a surreal experience 🥹❄️ surrounded by deep blue crevasses and endless peaks, our guide Jake worked tirelessly to carve a way through the ice 🧊 for us. What an absolute legend. Sadly, it’s unlikely Fox Glacier will survive its current form for future generations due to warming temperatures so knowing the glacier is retreating makes this even more special for us. A rare moment in time we will never forget.

This was one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life, let alone in my trip to NZ! The preparation and safety briefing beforehand was thorough and professional. The helicopter ride was amazing. Then we got to spend around three hours on the glacier, hiking around, climbing up and down carved ice steps, drank glacier water straight from the source, and squeezed and slid through an ice cave. Massive thanks to our awesome guide, Serena. This was truly unforgettable and worth every penny!

Really a must try activity in NZ though it’s kinda expensive. But for the helicopter ride and 3 hours of hiking on the glacier, I would say it’s worth it. I feel safe throughout the activity and they provide good and ample attire and equipments to ensure you are safe and dry. The guides and the service staffs at the check in are all very professional and friendly.

We had an amazing glacier hike with our guide Keely! She was professional, super friendly, and made the experience unforgettable. We felt safe, learned a lot, and had so much fun. Highly recommend!

My experience was a dream. The check-in person was very clear with all the information, also the briefing pre-flight has all the needed info. The gear is very good quality. The helicopter flight is short but so much fun. Our guide was so professional and nice. He actually made sure that everyone was wearing all the gear correctly and made sure to clearly explain how to use everything. If he saw somebody struggling on the hike, he made sure to give quick tips to make their hike more comfortable (How to walk, how to properly use the walking poles...) I felt super safe at all times. I actually got worried when we arrived to the glacier because I thought the hike was going to be too hard for me but it was actually very nice. Even though we went up higher than usual (I had a very small group) I was so ready to keep going! I loved that there was no rush, they gave you enough time to take pictures and enjoy the view, but they also made sure to keep us on track so we could enjoy as much as possible. He took us to cool little ice caves and gave us a lot of fun facts. We were joined by a sherpa that has been there for 20 years who helped us go trough the toughest parts of the path. I think this was my favorite think I did in my 3 week trip to NZ.

As a wheelchair user, I was blown away to find out there was not only a way to get up on a glacier, but to actually get out on the glacier and explore. Everyone at Fox was amazing in facilitating my accessible adventure. I genuinely sensed that they were as excited as I was to be able to make this a reality. I felt safe the whole time and had an unforgettable three hours on the glacier. Heitor and Fiona and everyone else were delightful. I highly recommend it. #accessible

An unforgettable experience on the Tasman Glacier! We did the Heli & Hike adventure and it was truly one of the highlights of our trip. The whole experience was very well organized from start to finish. Things kicked off with a safety briefing at 11:15, and by 12:00 we were up in the air, enjoying a breathtaking helicopter ride over the Southern Alps. Once on the glacier, we spent about 1 hour and 45 minutes exploring. This included gearing up with crampons and listening to a few final safety instructions before heading out. Our guide, Anna, was absolutely fantastic—super friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the glacier and its unique environment. We stopped at three stunning ice formations where we got to take photos, touch the glacier ice, and soak in the surreal surroundings. It’s hard to describe the feeling of standing on ancient ice like that—it was magical. The only reason we’re not giving it a full 5 stars is that we would’ve loved a bit more time on the glacier, especially considering the price of the tour. But overall, it was an incredible and memorable experience that we’d definitely recommend!

We had an absolutely amazing experience flying to the Tasman Glacier with Mark G as our pilot. From the moment we walked into reception, the customer service was outstanding. The staff at reception were warm, welcoming, and went above and beyond to answer all of our questions. They made us feel completely at ease and genuinely cared about making the whole experience special. Mark G was fantastic—professional, knowledgeable, and very friendly. He shared great insights during the flight, which made the journey even more memorable. Landing on the glacier was breathtaking. This company truly shines in both the quality of their flights and their incredible customer service. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience, and we would recommend them without hesitation to anyone visiting the area.

We booked this Mount Cook and Tasman Glacier helicopter experience at the last minute, a day before the scheduled flight and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of our trip! Our pilot, Josh, was fantastic - friendly, professional, and made us feel safe from start to finish. Even the staff that oriented for the pre-flight (forgot her name). The flight offered breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and the stunning Tasman Glacier. Landing on the glacier was absolutely surreal, and Josh even took a great photo of us to remember the moment. Everything was well-organized, and the pilot's commentary during the flight made the experience even more special. If you're visiting Mt Cook, don't miss this - it's worth every minute and every dollar!

We went for the ultimate alpine experience, which has a combo of an outbound trip to the Tasman glacier on a helicopter and inbound on a plane (or vice-versa). The views are breathtaking. The landing on / taking off from the glacier using a ski plane is a lot of fun - apparently the only ski plane in the Southern hemisphere !

Such awesome experience on our helicopter flight to glacier Mt Cook and landed on snow. Experience and friendly pilot.. helpful friendly staff at booking. Highly recommend.

Amazing experience and super experienced and friendly pilots. Please plan some time to do this as it can get unexpectedly cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions. Our planned flight got cancelled but we got lucky and we could fly in the next morning. The staff were very friendly and helpful on the phone. Anyway incredible experience, excellent service, breathtaking views. What else could you ask for? 10/10

This was the most amazing tour we have ever done! Our guide Tori really made it so special showing us so many cool things to see on the glacier. She took the most amazing photos of us and went out of her way to keep us safe and ensure we had an extraordinary time. The flight to and from the glacier was beautiful and our pilot was a true professional. It was great value for money given how epic the adventure was with two full hours exploring the glacier. Add it to your bucket list and make it happen if you can!!!!

West Coast Wildlife Centre is an absolute must-visit if you’re in the area. The staff are so passionate and knowledgeable, it’s clear they care a lot about the conservation of local wildlife - especially the endangered kiwi. A lot of work goes into protecting and supporting the local kiwi population, and now the local penguin community too. A visit to the centre as of 18th October ‘25 now includes a walk through the kiwi habitat and the newly opened penguin enclosure, where the team provide a safe space for the little blue penguins who wouldn’t survive in the wild to live their best life. You’ll learn a lot and see some truly adorable local NZ wildlife. 10/10 absolutely recommend.

Really interesting place to visit in Franz Josef. There are lots of outdoorsy activities to get involved with in this area but if you ever the weather is nit so good, or youre lookjbv for something different to do, and recommend this place. We booked the VIP entrance which gave us access to the kiwi egg incubating/ area and hatching and Tuatara back area. You will see kiwis, Tuatara and little penguins on the standard entrance ticket. It was fascinating and the host was full of interesting facts and info. This is not a zoo. The work being done here is in conjunction with Govt departments and is all about conservation. You will learn alot about these unique animals. You get a chance to see kiwis in as near to a natural environment as is possible. As such, I would not recommend for those with toddlers, as the kiwi area is dark and you are expected to be very quiet in order to catch a glimpse. You choice though. However, there are Kororoa / little penguins to make up for it and they're easily accessible. Coffee area and gift shop here too. Would recommend.

Amazing experience! If you have a rainy day in Franz Josef and looking for an indoor activity, book yourselves the vip backstage tour. In our tour, we learned about the kiwi conservation efforts and even got to see a 23 day old kiwi behind glass being weighed, absolutely adorable. All exhibitions were extremely interesting but the regular kiwi and penguin exhibition was the highlight! Kiwis are kept in dark rooms and they were so easy to spot and very active when we visited. Little blue penguins are so social and curious! Could’ve watched them for hours. 10/10 experience.

Part of our organize tour, we visited this wildlife center .. we got to see the blue penguins, the guide gave us so much information about them , very interesting.. then we had to be quiet , we entered a very dark room , no photos allowed but we were lucky enough to see a real kiwi in his habitat .. of course lots of teaching given .. as you exist , a gift shop awaits you..

If you are looking to learn about what makes New Zealand so special this is your place! We did the VIP backstage, which we HIGHLY recommend. Devin was very knowledgeable and most importantly extraordinarily excited about his work! You could feel the passion oozing out of him. Seeing rare species and learning about the hard work this centre is doing to preserve it was amazing. A must do!

An absolutely wonderful place to learn about and see kiwis, the backstage tour where you can see the kiwi eggs and learn more about how they get and incubate them was definitely worth it! Their gift shop also has a vast selection of kiwi and NZ themed items as well. Highly recommend for anyone in the area or driving through. The penguins and extremely unique Tuataras were also really cool!

I have to agree with some of the lower starred reviews. This was a very expensive experience for not a lot of value. We arrived late in the day, on a wet day…the (2) kiwis on show that day were elusive and the penguins were in their burrows so we didn’t get to see them at all. Would have liked to have learnt more about the rescue operation but it was all based on reading panels which weren’t very engaging - more videos of the kiwis programmes would have been better. If you want a decent experience buy the Backstage pass maybe and be there for the penguin feeding - otherwise very $$$$ for what it was. Took all of 15 minutes to see what we could. And sorry but the exhibits are just not modern or interactive enough for the value.

The absolute highlight of our trip to New Zealand. If you're looking for excitement, teamwork, professionalism, animal welfare, and fun, you've come to the right place. From the very first moment, Ian impressed us with his professional, calm, and positive attitude. Ian makes it clear that seeing a kiwi is almost impossible, but that we can do it as a team. The whole tour is based on teamwork, and Ian is a top leader. We never thought the tour would be so exciting and that we would learn so much about kiwis and how to successfully observe animals. Ian makes something very special possible—seeing kiwis in their natural environment. You're not just there to watch, you have to do something yourself to make the sighting a success, and you have to do it in complete darkness and silence—that's what makes it so special. At the end of the day, you feel proud of your team and yourself. We were lucky enough to spot two kiwis (a couple) and are still thrilled by the experience. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we are very grateful for it. We can highly recommend Ian and the tour.

Ian is an exceptional kiwi tour guide (if not THE exceptional kiwi tour guide) and we had such an amazing experience! The special thing about this tour is that it depends on the teamwork and motivation of all the participants to successfully see kiwi. We were given the tools and wisdom needed from Ian in order to see the rare Okarito kiwis! This made the adventure incredibly rewarding. We were lucky enough to hear a kiwi pair make their calls to each other and snuffle (for 45 minutes…!) After patiently waiting into the night, everyone on our tour was able to see both of the kiwis…a surreal and incredible viewing. And only made possible by the expertise of Ian. If you have an opportunity to book this tour, you won’t regret it! We are still buzzing about this night! Thank you Ian! 😊 -Andie & Dane

This trip was amazing. Ian was so informative & engaging right from the get go telling us about the Okarito/Rowi kiwi, their habitat & what we’d be getting involved with over the course of the night. His instructions were clear, concise allowing the small group of us to get the most out of the tour. Of which we did handsomely, by seeing the whole family of kiwis in their natural habitat all without disturbing them in their usual activities. Ian made sure everyone knew what was needed so he could do his best to respectfully spot the kiwi’s. To hear their calls both male/female was just as impressive. This is no ordinary tour but if you want to have a true experience to see the kiwi especially the rarest species of all, not in an enclosure but the wild then this is not to be missed. Ian makes it a wonderful experience, you feel privileged at the end to have participated.

We had such an amazing experience looking for Rowi last night with Ian and the rest of our kiwi crew! We were fortunate enough to hear the call of kiwi mates, to quietly track a kiwi as it walked through the bush, and to finally sight a kiwi running down the forest path in front of us. It was truly an unforgettable experience! I especially appreciated Ian’s sincere respect for the birds and his emphasis on respecting their routine and avoiding disturbance to the birds. This magical night in the bush was a highlight of our trip in the South Island! Would highly recommend to anyone fortunate enough to snag a tour spot! Thanks again, Ian! Zach and Lucy

I'm a bit late in my review but better late than never! I have nothing but the utmost praise to give Ian for the tour and his service. I and my family were coming by outside of his usual tour season but he was kind enough to run a tour for us anyway and let us take our chances. Like any wildlife tour, you will have the best result if you buy into the experience, listen to advice, follow directions, and most of all, respect the wildlife. The directions for this tour may seem specific but they are all for a purpose as kiwis are very sensitive, shy birds and following directions mean you will get the best result. All wildlife tours are somewhat unpredictable and Ian was clear on the realities of what our experience may look like, and for most people it is true that they should temper their expectations. However, we were unbelievably lucky (and some of our luck was made with Ian's experience) and we were able to listen to the kiwis and their baby for over half an hour, and had 3 sightings of the kiwis, sometimes so close you could (but wouldn't) touch them! We didn't even have to wait very long though that's not often the case. In fact, we were so lucky that we ended the tour "early" after having so much success so we could leave the kiwi lovebirds in peace to enjoy the rest of their night undisturbed. I'm a wildlife biologist by trade so I understand how encounters can be and would do anything to have priceless experiences like this, but my family are not involved in that area whatsover and everyone was overjoyed at the tour and the chance to see any kiwis in the wild, let alone one of the rarest species. I paid for the tour as each of their birthday gifts and it was the best gift I could have possibly given them and a highlight of our trip. Everyone was giddy and full of smiles after, and we're not a family that shows much emotion! I can't thank Ian enough for his generosity in sharing this experience with my family. If you're ever up in Townsville across the pond I'll be happy to give you a tour in the Great Barrier Reef. Don't hesitate to book this fantastic (and affordable) tour! You won't regret it, A+!

The tour was an amazing experience. Ian is very passionate and prepared us well for the trip. Standing in the dark, listening for the kiwis, was a very special feeling, and we ended up hearing and seeing two — which was even better than I had imagined. But even if we had been less successful, I think it would have been a unique and worthwhile trip. Thank you Ian and stay quietschfidel! Marlene

If you love nature, hiking, adventure, and wildlife, this tour is a must. We’re beginner birdwatchers from South Korea and joined hoping to see a kiwi, but knowing it’s a wild bird, we were just as happy to learn about night birdwatching from Ian. Luckily, we did get to see one! Watching how Ian guided the team with such care, patience, and respect for wildlife was truly inspiring. We’ll definitely come back for another birdwatching trip in the future. (If you prefer zoos or animal shows, this might not be for you — but if you truly love nature, it’s unforgettable.)

Did the half day Kayak rental and it was perfect, we had a well detailed briefing and dry bags provided and headed out around 9:30am to explore the Lagoon. Weather was great and the tide was on our side, stayed for coffee & ice cream after which were both delicious! Thanks guys 😊

Wow! This was so fun for the whole family! Baz and his family are the best! We got great instructions and maps and tutorials. We were well prepared for our adventure and had the best time! The lagoon and river are so fun to explore. The equipment and kayaks are great quality! (Best kayaks I have ever used!) They haul all the kayaks and equipment for you, which is very nice and then they provide warm drinks at the end. Wonderful hosts and a wonderful adventure on the kayaks! Definitely recommend!

This was a really fun activity to do along the West Coast. The Okarito Kayaks team were really friendly and gave us really detailed instructions on what to do which allowed us to confidently kayak on our own within the lagoon. The views were breathtaking and we even saw quite a few white herons!

KC and I are from Malaysia and we did a tour with Gemma and Baz. 1) We were hesitant at first due to the rain. But something Gemma mentioned opened up different perspectives. She said the weather is good to her and the lagoon will be more beautiful after the rain. We trusted her and went on the trip, the rain stopped and the views were AMAZING! We saw a beautiful rainbow and she helped took many photos 2) We were concerned to get wet, she assured us and strapped us with the water protection kayak cover skirt. 3) When it drizzled with some chilly wind, Gemma steered us between the lagoon crevices so it blocked the wind. 4) The Okarito Lagoon is much more beautiful than the tour in Lake Mapourika, please take the tour here with Okarito Kayaks here. The lagoon has much more diverse scenery, flora and fauna and it’s more secluded and exclusive 5) Gemma was very knowledgable and answered any questions we have on the flora, fauna and environment. We had a little adventure when a black swan was trapped deep into the lagoon and Gemma tried to rescue it. Gemma shared about the NZ predator controls and conservation efforts. 6) we recommended a few tourists we met along our trip cause this experience was unforgettable for us! 7) We get hot tea and coffee after the trip to keep us warm THANK YOU Gemma and Baz for hosting us and giving us this experience of a lifetime!

We loved our tranquil morning kayaking out on the Okarito Lagoon. From walking into the office to finishing our complementary coffee on our return we couldn’t have had a more awesome time. Everything was easy with staff making sure we would have the best experience given the weather forecast and the tidal conditions. The lagoon was a paradise for local birds who were not threatened by our kayak gliding past them. The backdrop of Aoraki and the Southern Alps behind pristine subalpine rain forest was completely jaw dropping. Would absolutely recommend this amazing place! 😊

Can't recommend this experience enough. Baz and Gemma and their two children are very welcoming and helpful, and have thought through everything you might need to know or have while out on the lagoon. They are very well-informed about the area and are committed to the conservation of the local ecosystems. We appreciated our complimentary tea upon return, and enjoyed Gemma's homemade icecream that you can buy. We saw lovely forest and birds too. Thank you Baz and your team.

Must do on the West Coast! I had such an incredible time kayaking on the lagoon. Emily & Baz at Okarito Kayaks were super kind and helpful. They get you all hooked up, briefed and ready for an awesome time out on the water. The routes are really easy to follow, so anyone with some kayaking experience can feel comfortable getting out there. I really appreciated that freedom to explore solo, especially since I was lucky enough to have perfect weather for some great photos. All in all, definitely make plans to visit Okarito and book a kayak - beautiful nature and such great people!

The absolute highlight of our trip. We loved hearing and seeing the work of Dion and Adele, who both support conservation in the Waitangiroto reserve and the West Coast so passionately. Thank you for your kindness.

I was so excited to do the white heron/kotuku tour at Whataroa. The experience was one of wonder as we observed a large number of white heron in their secluded breeding area. Dion, our guide, shared his extensive knowledge of the forest and the kotuku and happily answered questions thrown his way. The tour was an absolute highlight for me as the kotuku is a rare and beautiful bird and it can only be viewed at this one location at breeding season.

This was my second time visiting the White Heron Sanctuary Tours in Whataroa, and once again it was an incredible experience! Dion was our guide both times, and he continues to impress with his deep knowledge, passion, and friendly nature. He not only shared fascinating insights about the herons and their nesting behaviours, but also took the time to answer all of our questions with patience and enthusiasm. A real highlight on this visit was Dion pointing out some beautiful flowering spider orchids and kiekie flowers along the way – something I would have completely missed without his keen eye. It’s such a special place, and I can’t wait to return again soon to see the baby herons starting to take flight. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the West Coast – it’s a rare and unforgettable experience!

Even in rain this is the most amazing experience. Adele and Dion are very passionate about the work that they are doing and the protection of the sanctuary. A van ride during which you get a recorded commentary about the area and the bird life then a gentle walk through the native bush to the hide. At the hide you spend around an hour observing the kotuku – there are binoculars if you want to use them and Dion also has great wet weather jackets if needed. While in the hide you are quite sheltered – it is a photographer’s heaven

Dion was our guide and he managed to make us all fall in love with the herons. Amazing trip very informative

Doing this tour was one of the things I was most looking forward to on my trip - and it didn't disappoint - it was amazing. I felt like I was in a nature documentary. There were dozens of birds there and I could barely decide who to focus on. Watching a bird go and select a stick, then fly back with it, then have both birds inspect it and decide where to place it in the nest - truly magical

Very informative tour. Our tour guide, Dion, is extremely knowledgeable and friendly.

This is a place where you can walk while looking at the great view from high trees. It is a place where you can walk along the course made at the top of the tree (about 25 meters high). If you go up a little past the ticket booth, you will see the tree top walking starting point, and it takes about 20 minutes to look around the entire course. The course is not long, but you can see the great view from high up and see various birds in nature. (It is not easy to find or see.) There is an observation deck at the midpoint of the course, and if you go up to this observation deck, you can see the sea across the forest. Overall, the great view and the unique experience of walking on a tree top are great, but since these courses are 25 meters high, the installed bridge shakes a little every time you walk, so if you have a fear of heights, I recommend you think again, and you do not necessarily need a reservation for this experience. There is no problem even if you just go without a reservation.

We got a deal online, so ticket price was halved, so we did zipline & walkway combo. All the staff were SUPER helpful and friendly. Zipline was fun and felt very safe with all the checks .

We had a great time here. Very quiet as out of weekend/holiday so cannot comment on how it would be the other side of that coin! Clearly signposted from the highway, Friendly and helpful staff. The walk was great, lots of education along the way if you can handle the heights for long enough! Climbing the tower was great too with exceptional views, we even timed it to watch some people do the Zipline (which looks awesome by the way, next time!!). Would very much come back and my girlfriend who has vertigo, enjoyed it too.... The walkway was as solid as you could hope and she appreciated conquering her fears enough to experience being within the tree canopy. Well worth the trip and money

It'd be better on a clear day but a foggy forest isn't too bad. Quite pricey for a walk but the staff were friendly and overall felt very safe.

Amazing views from the platforms. I climbed into the tower and it was breathtaking. Son did the Zipline and said it was fantastic.

Absolutely fantastic Views and great experience Bit expensive for a walk but definitely enjoyed the experience

Absolutely brilliant experience. My 75 year old mother and I took part in our first zip line experience. Matthew was lovely, and brilliant at explaining the process, and gave us very clear instructuons..... the whole experience was an absolute joy, and my mother loved it. Tea and cake at the cafe topped off a wonderful morning. A huge thanks to all staff!

Absolutely awesome beach! Clean sand, clear water, and a super relaxing vibe. The sunset was stunning and the whole atmosphere felt peaceful and refreshing. A perfect spot to unwind — loved every moment ☺️

Hokitika’s beach is rugged and beautiful, lined with rocks, crashing waves, and plenty of driftwood shaped by the sea. The highlight is the famous “HOKITIKA” driftwood sign, a creative landmark and a must-stop photo spot. Walking along the sand, you’ll find driftwood scattered everywhere and may even try spotting pounamu (greenstone), treasured by the Māori as a protective stone. It feels like a small treasure hunt, adding charm to the stroll. We also noticed locals arranging wood and stones into messages like “HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025,” giving the beach a creative, personal touch. The best moment comes at Sunset Point, where people gather to watch the sun sink into the Tasman Sea. The driftwood letters glow golden, the sky turns deep orange, and the atmosphere feels calm yet unforgettable. A must-visit stop on New Zealand’s West Coast.

Sign needs fixing but still nice stop. War pillbox was even better to see.

Such a cute set up of the sign, beautiful to have some food in the car park or sit on the rocks and enjoy the scenery.

Amazing, magical Oceanside village! Visited in the winter.

Cane early but wish I saw sunset. Cool sign.

Enjoyed our visit, we had a beautiful sunny day. Nice little town to walk round and visit the many stores. Loved the beach.

An awesome shop to support the local artists. As an ads Accredited tour guide, I’ve driven pass this city many times but never had the chance to go in. Now I do. Lots of interesting things to sell, price tags are high. I suppose the rent in Hokitika isn’t much as such big shop wouldn’t exist in Auckland. Hope that this shop can survive in this Covid global pandemic.

A nice gallery with many beautiful crafting.

Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous! This gallery is quite special and is deserving of a visit. Loved chatting to the owner....interesting and very talented.

A fantastic gallery run by Juergen Schacke and his wife Monika featuring Juergen's stunning photos and local crafts. They have recently taken over the Craft Gallery next door and both offer riches of local art and crafts, an absolute treat!

While on holiday at the moment, I brought my husband's birthday gifts here a few days ago and the selection of quality items for sale were stunning, and beautifully displayed. I was most impressed with the lovely lady serving who did not rush me to make a decision, was very helpful and she gift wrapped my purchases really nicely. I left incredibly happy, thank you for a delightful shopping experience.

Thanks for the no pressure and supportive approach to our purchase Juergen and Monika. What a cool place you have - our best wishes to you for your future.

The shop is always full of colour & art that reflects, the rugged west coasts terrain and the sunsets, colours that are unlike anywhere. Warm welcome smile as you walk in the door from the host. Our days off we come to Hokitika from Moana.

This was our only time that we were able to see the famous kiwi bird in New Zealand, and it was amazing! The rest of the centre is nice, but mostly oriented to children I would say. When we were there, there were some school groups there, and definitely fun for them. It was nice, but not sure if it was worth the price.

Went here with my partner & 3 year old. Great wee activity & place to visit especially while raining outside. Lots of interesting things to learn inside & our highlight was feeding the eels. The staff are lovely & kind. All look so happy to be there with positive energy towards each interaction! I would recommend this place to others

There is no more than the kiwis and all the introductions are so interested. We saw both of the kiwis and they are more cute than I imagined! Plus, feeding eels that needs courage was an amazing experience! The staff are so nice and patient. It was a wonderful day.

The National Kiwi Centre has several fishes and eels and two Kiwi's. You can feed the eels 3x a day, I went to the feeding at 10 which was very nice! You get a little more info about the eels and you can pet them if you want. Afterwards the Kiwi's also got their food, which made them easier to spot. You cannot take photos of the Kiwi's, but you get a photo afterwards as compensation. You can also catch crawfish, which was very fun to do! The staff is very friendly, and I had a lovely time.

As two adults visiting from the U.K we had a fantastic time! There is a key focus on conservation and education, all of which was really informative. Our favourite part was how hands on the activities are! We got to feed eels (and touch them!), try our hands at catch-and-release fishing, and watching Kiwis being fed all of which is at no extra cost and included in the ticket price! We also took part is a treasure hunt and were rewarded with chocolate at the end, and were gifted a photograph of one of their Kiwis as a keepsake to take home. This is a really enjoyable experience and not one to be missed when visiting Hokitika!

Absolutely loved our visit to the National Kiwi Centre! The centre itself is lovely, with various native species and information about them. We were a bit early on in the season so it was fairly quiet, which meant plenty of time to walk around, find Nemo for a chocolate fish (for all ages! 😁), and enjoy seeing both Kiwis. The talk given about the eels at feeding time was both fun and informative, and it is good to see them taken good care of (including releasing them back into the wild when the signs show they are ready to migrate). Their oldest eel (estimated at 110 years old!) was pointed out and when she popped up for a feed special attention was given that she did get her share 😊. Darren, who helped us at the counter both on entry and when we were leaving, was so enthusiastic and helpful, and even gave us a tip on a lovely little bushwalk close to town, which we did immediately after and which was amazing, everything he promised! Definitely recommend taking a stop at this lovely place, it's great fun for all ages 😊

Cute, family friendly facility. Lovely and informative staff. If you’re feeling brave you should definitely feed the eels

Awesome activities with kids, mine were ages 12, 14 & 16 and all were entertained and enjoyed themselves, the gold panning was the highlight as well as playing around with the prison and reading the orewa hospital medicines. 100% highly recommended. A bit pricy for the whole experience $145 but worth it for all 5 of us.

We came on a busy day as they had a tourism convention going on, so parking was hard to find (this is not normal). We had a great time stepping back in time and walking around the town. There is a cafeteria for lunch or a snack /coffee etc and if you have a letter to post, if you take it with you, you can have it postmarked from Shantytown. There is a train ride you can take and the guide is very knowledgeable about the history. He operated an old sluice to demonstrate how they used to fire water at the rock they wanted to mine for. After that, the optional $10 per person will give you an opportunity to pan for Gold and you are given excellent instructions on how to do this. A great place to take the whole family! If you're going to do panning, allocate 2-3 hours minimum for this visit.

You can’t miss this place when visiting the West Coast! You can ride the steam train, revisit the past at the museum, have some coffee and food, try to get lucky and pan for gold, or hang out at the playground. Locals can get a great deal with an annual ticket ☺️👌🏽 Awesome place to come with kids.

Having lived in greymouth for the first 30 years of my life. I have visited many times. It has changed a lot. Definitely worth visiting at least once. Train rides three times a day. Open 7 days. There is a café also. Gold panning is available for $10 per person. Panning is part of the train ride. Getting gold from panning is garunteed. At the time of typing this review, gold is $7000 for a teaspoon( one ounce) of gold. So, the $10 fee for panning is well worth it.

Absolutely loved it, make sure to come early to give yourself time to walk around, lots o d history, steam train was an exciting experience and I loved the uniqueness of the town. Don’t know what all the negative reviews are for, I came when there was no costume actors around and I think they have done a wonderful job at showing the history. The lady in the front is also very kind and sweet. Highly recommend coming here if you love history

Not what i expected, I have been to some great well maintained heritage villages and this is not one if them. Gives you a very basic insight into the past from a museum built 54 years ago and not maintained. Dirty dusty and dark, could do with a spring clean better lighting and more props.

Fun place for children! Lovely train experience here!

Food was amazing as well as the 6 paddle off beers. Well worth trying. Very cozy atmosphere and the food came out quickly.

Exceeded expectations. Service was quick, yet friendly. Food was fabulous. Fries were exceptionally memorable. Thick, crispy outside and fluffy inside.

Monteith’s Brewery is a fantastic spot to visit, even if you’re not there for the drinks. The food was excellent - fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. There’s a great variety on the menu, and everything we tried was cooked perfectly. The location is lovely, with a warm and relaxed atmosphere that makes it perfect for both families and groups of friends. It’s a great place to unwind, enjoy a good meal, and take in the surroundings. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area - it’s a memorable experience for the food and setting alone!

The best place to eat in Greymouth without doubt. It's colourful and lively and every dish we've tried was excellent. The service is prompt, this visit was a highlight of our West Coast visit.

Great beer tasting, however food is not good enough! Everything is too salty!!

My wife and I did the Monteith's Brewery Tour and stayed on afterwards for a meal. The tour was very good. It was interesting to learn about the history of the brewery, and it was great to get to pour and taste some of the beers. Our guide was really entertaining and knowledgeable too, which made the experience even better. The meal afterwards was first-class. The service was spot-on, and the food was excellent. Thank you Monteith's for such a great experience...on such a wet and windy day in Greymouth :)

We did the brewery tour with Toni and she was awesome! It ended up being only myself and my partner doing it and she gave us advice on different beers to try along with local knowledge of events on over the weekend we were visiting. Totally recommend 👌 she's awesome at her job

Stunning scenery and the bike only sections are really great, well worth the suggested $10 per day per person we paid. Unfortunately there are long stretches of joint use road from Kapitea Reservoir up to the first dam on the canal, the surface is being ruined by heavy 4x4 vehicles and quad bikes, we saw several on our trip. I bet they pay nothing to use these roads and it would be great if like other cycle trails in NZ motorised traffic is managed by locked gates.

Unreal trip!! Great people throughout.. would highly recommend

Awesome

Good

Day at Barrytown Knifemaking and WOW — what an epic experience! 🔥 From a red-hot chunk of steel to a fully finished knife that I made with my own hands! 💪🔪 Super fun, surprisingly doable, and honestly one of the coolest things I’ve done in NZ. Highly recommend if you’re passing through the West Coast!

Fantastic day with Steven and Robyn. Well run course, excellent banter and the final product is epic. Hands down one of the best one day experiences in NZ. Stevens one liners might be some of the best I’ve ever heard too!

Fantastic day! We went with another couple & all enjoyed the day. Steven & Robyn are amazing. They are very skilled, knowledgeable and helpful and coped well with a very large group on the day. They are very hospitable & have a great sense of humor. We were stoked with our knives & highly recommend anyone to do this. Fantastic experience. Thanks so much.

Thank you very much Robyn and Steven, you are great hosts and l had the best time ever The smile is still on my face from all the banter and laughs we had while making our knives I could not image from a length of flat steel, a couple of strips of rimu wood and some pieces of brass you could show us how to create the knives we made Your easy and friendly manner made for a really enjoyable day It is a must to do for these of you who are travelling down the Coast Rd near Barrytown, West Coast When we are down that way again in the future we are definitely going to call in and get another knife ,only bigger this time Wishing you both good health and happiness for the future Kindest regards Tony Wynands Napier HB New Zealand

My partner and I had the best day with steve and robin learning and making knives. Tucked away in a beautiful part of the west coast and freedom camping in town by the beach. The day was full of laughs and easy teachings, everyone there walked away with an awesome hand made knife from scratch and great memories. Nice locally made sheaths available for purchase to house the blade. Fantastic people and well worth a stop in. Cheers robin and steve will definitely be back when were next in your part of the world.

Had an amazing day with Steven and Robyn learning how to make knives. Starting from bit of steel, hammering it into shape, all the way up to the finished product! Lunch was provided with a make yourself toasties and even free beer at the end. Highly recommend if you're passing through!

A MUST DO. Robyn and Steven are both epic people and you'll walk away with a beautiful knife and a brilliant experience. Many funny stories and great memories. I'll be doing this again for sure.

This is a great day trip option from Christchurch! The drive is scenic as you get closer to the park and there are several places to stop along the way! There are several hiking options at and near the park! The staff at the DOC are quite helpful as well!

One of the best DOC hut in the country, very informative. Cute Kea kiosk :)

Great source of information about hikes of all levels of difficulty. Turns out half the staff are volunteer firefighters too having watched them turn out yesterday. There are also some souvenirs and clothing for sale. Don't forget to buy your hut passes too!

The team had absolutely excellent knowledge for us and others who were planning a long walk. Absolutely recommend talking to the team before heading out. They spoke about the places to walk/stay and places to not walk/stay. And also what places were good at the time of the year and for rainy conditions we had.

A nice place for a short break. The staff are friendly, and they provide tons of information about activities to do around Arthur's Pass National Park. There is plenty of parking in the area, and toilets are also available for free. See pictures and videos for details.

The Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre is on State Highway 73 near the east end of the village. Opening hours are 8am to 5pm and there is a large carpark and public toilets available. A stop at the Visitor Centre is a good opportunity to pick up information on trail and road conditions, local weather conditions and any other information needed to support your visit to the Arthur's Pass area. You will also find an expected range of souvenirs and gifts here. There is an historic Cobb & Co stage coach and other interesting displays that make for a good way to spend 15-20 minutes. Lastly, there is a film you can watch regarding the history of Arthur's Pass. I believe the fee was NZ$2 per person for them to run the film.

Arthus pass is breathtaking! I actually cried when we stopped at the Viaduct lookout! Such a beautiful place 😍

As a civil engineer, this lookout is awesome. You can see the whole valley and the viaduct in all its glory. Definitely worth a quick stop to take in the views and engineering of New Zealand.

An amazing day out to Otira Viaduct (deaths corner). A beautiful location to park up and enjoy the views, even if it was in deep fog and mist. The Keas were out and about and were gorgeous. It was saddening to see all the rubbish people leave behind there, I picked up and disposed of what I could, but its an outrageous amount. And the Keas will end up eating it. I will go back again and try and gather some more at some point. Super smart birds there, and an amazing place, which costs nothing to visit.

Absolutely stunning view point, such an impressive road. We were lucky in October to have a very clear day to see the view clearly. Would definitely recommend stopping here.

A beautiful view of the bridge and surrounds on a clear day ! Even with a few clouds, it looks magical. Would recommend stopping over while crossing arthurs pass

Fantastic view and experience. Saw some keas while over at the lookout. They really like to bite on the car rubber gaskets.

Amazing views and walking trail with an interesting surprise at the top!!

Excellent Drive today Beautiful stunning scenery Well maintained road but be cautious of shaded areas

Unexpectedly nice, short walk to a lovely, small, non-crowded beach. You have the opportunity to take a small waterfall-shower (; Right next to the Punakaiki Rocks, worth the time!

It’s a lovely little walk to the coast and it has some amazing views, well worth a quick stop off

Easy walk, beautiful views, lots of native birds, highly recommended walk

Fantastic walk....Beach at the end of this Scenic track!! Memories ❤️❤️

Beautiful walk. Easy access and lovely panoramic views.

A short walk to a stunning piece of coastline. Not to be missed while you are in the area.

STOP your car! Get out and walk down this beautiful track to the beach. It is definitely worth it. Overhanging cliff faces, smooth polished stones, crashing waves and a blow hole at high tide.

There was close to no one here even though it was super busy at Castle Hill Rocks and Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall. Easy descent to the entrance of the cave. Very cool to see but I couldn't venture in as the water was terribly cold and I didn't have the necessary equipment. Overall will recommend to people who are moderately fit as you have to hike back up and might have to hop around the rocks at the side of the lake.

The cave is 5 minutes away from the castle Hill and village so would visit all 3 in one day 😀 to see the lower cave you need gumboots if not you can see it from above ..I would not recommend it to go with kids in winter the stream was rapid so is hard to cross with them but in summer I think is a great cooling idea . The water sound is magic and the scenery breathtaking ✨️..the great part in summer you can dive and get inside the stream but make sure you are with a skilled person so they know how and when to take you up the stream 😀 that will be a fun experience

Short walk between Christchurch and Arthurs Pass, it takes about 20 minutes unless you want to visit the lower cave entrance by the Broken River in which case there's a steep decent which can be wet and muddy. Should you wish to traverse the cave a headlamp is needed as you'll need both hands at times. Unless the water is very low enter the cave at the lower entrance, where the water exits, as the deepest water is near the entrance and if you're unhappy you can safely leave. The cave has no difficulties as a ladder makes climbing out easier.

Great walk around to see the cave entrances, went into the exit one briefly as you can't go far in. The entry one was a bit full of water at the time so couldn't get very close. Weren't prepared to get feet wet on this occasion. Will be back next summer to walk through it. Still worth having a wander around and breathe in the mountain air.

Nature’s hidden sculpture – Cave Stream Scenic Reserve Even without walking the full cave passage, this place is absolutely worth the stop. Watching how the Broken River has carved its way through the limestone over thousands of years is truly fascinating – a raw, powerful reminder of nature’s artistry. The contrast between the dark, echoing tunnel and the bright, green hills outside is striking. You don’t have to go underground to feel the magic of the place – just standing near the cave entrance and listening to the rushing water is an experience in itself. If you’re passing through Castle Hill, take the detour. Even a short visit will leave an impression.

I love this place Great to be in nature. The cave walk is brilliant but come with good gear. Tourches, good boots and change of clothes

We didn’t see all of the caves but it was very cool and well set up! Slightly slippery in the rain.