The west coast is well known for its high-rainfall.   The prevailing westerly winds come straight off the ocean, and slam into the southern alps, dropping metres of rain each year on the west of the divide.

This high precipitation has created the incredible carved canyons surrounded lush rainforest which are among the most wild and challenging in the country. 

Although annual rainfall is high, that doesn’t mean its always raining on the coast.  There’s plenty of weather windows that roll through: you just need to pick your timing for your adventures.

Luckily, there’s heaps of other stuff to do in the region.  When its too wet for canyoning, the area is paradise for paddling.  Check out PackraftingTrips.nz and Riverguide.co.nz for more information. 

There’s plenty of mountain biking, including the West Coast Wilderness trail (4 easy days, or pick sections for daytrips) and the Paparoa Track (needs bookings unless youre a machine and do it in a single day).  

Trout Fishing, Surfing, Hunting and climbing (if its dry, but canyons are still high). And if its really wet, there a loads of places to have a beer ;0) 

So, we encourage you to come, hoping for the dry weather, but prepared for the wet.

A note about roads and severe weather.

It is worth noting, that the roads to Hokitika can be damaged/closed in severe weather events, which are not uncommon. If there’s weather on the coast, always check the NZTA Road closures map and be aware that severe weather can trap you in a certain town for a day or two.  Plan and prepare accordingly.