The West Coast is home to some of the most stunning attractions in New Zealand. The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, quaint and quirky Shantytown, and the Blowholes and Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki are some of the ‘must sees’ for visitors to the Coast.
Our aim is to provide good, reliable information on what is accessible for disabled people visiting the area. We would like to hear your experiences so we can pass that information on to others. Contact us with your reviews.
We have lists of accessible accommodation so feel free to Contact us if you are looking for wheelchair friendly places to stay. Please keep in mind that these places are self assessed and have not undergone any audits so it is a good idea to check with them about your particular needs when you contact them to make a booking.
Department of Conservation (DOC) have some information on walking tracks – some of which are suitable for wheelchair users. For example, you can use the track to the Cape Foulwind Seal Colony near Westport, the Colls Dam walk near Nelson Creek, the Minnehaha Walk near Fox Glacier, and a track to the jetty at Lake Matheson is suitable for assisted wheelchair users. Visit the Walking and tramping page on the DOC website and search for 'Easiest' walks.
Shantytown is mostly accessible but the gravel track to the Gold Claim and the track back to town are better suited to a more robust type of wheelchair.
The Denniston Mine Experience has some accessible areas but it appears that a wheelchair user could not complete the whole tour.
Monteiths Brewing Company run guided tours and beer tastings at their brewery in Greymouth. All of the tour is accessible apart from going up to the platform to view the brewery from above.
Please let us know if you have found other attractions that are accessible.
