West Coast New Zealand

Wealth in our environment

Tourism is one of the Coast's three most profitable industries. It also has huge growth potential. More than 1.2 million international visitors visited the region in 2006, but that's predicted to grow to about 1.9 million by 2010.  The recent growth in international visitor numbers has had positive spinoffs for local businesses and led to an increase in the development and utilisation of all types of accommodation, cafes and restaurants.

Department of Conservation (DOC) surveys show that 65 percent of visitors say the natural environment is the main reason they visited this region.  The mountain-to-sea natural beauty amd huge tracts of podocarp, beech and other hardwood indigenous forests are real drawcards. Our forest's ecological importance and internnational significance as examples of temperate wetland forests, is of immense appeal.  DOC manages the concessions and licences for almost all main scenic attractions and commercial activity such as guided nature tours, boating safaris and rafting ventures on public conservation land.

• The percentage of international visitors is increasing
• Most come to experience public conservation land and natural environments
• Outdoor and adventure activity is very popular
• The most popular destination is Glacier Country encompassing Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and South Westland Heritage Area
• The second most visited area is Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks and Blowholes)
• In 2006 more than 550 businesses were reliant on tourism
• One third of tourism businesses were established since 2001
• In 2006 the total sales value was $467 million

 For more information on the wild West Coast and attractions on offer, please visit the following tourism sites: