IMPORTANT MESSAGES: Totara Bridge Closure: Due to the structural condition of the Totara Bridge it has had to be closed. Kawaka Intake: Digger working 30 Jan - 1 Feb. Cowboy Paradise: Closure Learn more
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Discover the West Coast Wilderness Trail now!
A beautiful open space to explore
About the trail
New Zealand’s most accessible Wilderness Cycle
You've probably heard some wild tales about the Coast - of rugged shorelines, intrepid journeys, sordid stories, hidden treasures… But as the Coasters will be first to tell you, "You dunno the half of it…"
Now's the time to discover the last of the wild places and spin a yarn or two of your own, with one of the country's smoothest and most accessible cycle trails.
On your trusty bike you'll wind your way through ancient rainforests, along glacial rivers, around moody lakes and across some downright cracking wetlands. You can ride the full 133 kms at once - across four days - or just nab the odd day-trip. Either way, it's a fairly spectacular way to journey from the Alps to the sea.
Multiple Riding Options
Do the full trail in 3-5 days or enjoy a partial section for a day trip
Incredible scenery
Rugged shorelines. Surging rivers. Moody lakes. Towering trees. Ancient forests. Tidal Lagoons... Get lost, find yourself, go wild.
Smooth Trails
On these flat, even trails you can sit back, relax and just soak up the scenery. Or speeeeed along, giggling and squealing excitedly. We won't tell.
History abounds
Discover the tales of the past, stay in award-winning historic accommodation, and prepare to spin a yarn or two of your own. New trail. Historical sites. Cracking stuff!
Great places to eat
With crafty cafes and first-rate restaurants, there's no shortage of tasty fodder for weary-legged cyclists.
Loads to do
Swim, surf, shop, explore, fish, hunt, chat, walk or choose an adventure activity for an off-track adrenaline rush. Yep - this place has got the whole shebang.
Flora and Fauna
The West Coast is home to some of the cheekiest, cutest, most mischievous creatures you'll ever meet. Not to mention some awesome wildlife!
Awesome operators
From trail transport to boutique accommodation
There are a huge number of high quality operators ready to help your trail experience be the best it can be. Bike services, transport, accommodation, food & drink - you name, we've got it so get out and support local!
Donate to the trail
Throughout the trail we have donation stations to make it easy to contribute to the trail and its upkeep. If you'd like to help out please use one of the stations, visit the donation page or become a friend of the trail.