Latest industry news
West Coast tourism operators engage key partners in Auckland
Last week Development West Coast (DWC) led a mission to Auckland, meeting key tourism partners to help promote the region.
Learn moreReefton's population nearly triples with motorhome rally
Over the weekend, Reefton played host to the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association's (NZMCA) National Motorhome Rally, drawing approximately 1,500 attendees in 800 motorhomes and caravans.
Learn moreBumper January for the Coast
Visitor spending on the West Coast in January was 10.3% higher than in January 2023, outperforming the national rate of 6.8%.
Learn morePounamu Pathway - The Museum of Kawatiri is now open
The Coaltown Museum in Westport has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as The Museum of Kawatiri, the second experience centre to open along the Pounamu Pathway.
Learn moreTourism on the West Coast – Market Snapshots December 2023
We have produced a series of “market snapshots” that will give operators insight into:
Learn moreWest Coast dominates top experiences on visitor app
In a year-end report unveiled by the Roady App, the West Coast emerges as a standout destination, securing top ratings and attracting a significant number of visitors.
Learn morePounamu Pathway set to revitalise the West Coast economy
Get ready for an immersive experience like no other on the West Coast, as the Pounamu Pathway opens its doors to the public in December 2023. The opening of the Pounamu Pathway – a world-class cultural experience that transcends boundaries – sets the stage for a dynamic economic boost for the West Coast.
Learn moreWest Coast successfully engages with Auckland travel agents
Development West Coast’s (DWC) Tourism Team, alongside representatives from six West Coast tourism operators, completed a successful sales trip to Auckland, connecting with eighty of the city's most influential inbound travel agents, and the team at Tourism New Zealand.
Learn moreŌparara Basin waharoa unveiled
A waharoa (gateway) marking the entry to a viewpoint of the Ōparara Basin north of Karamea was unveiled yesterday signalling the completion of a major upgrade to visitor facilities.
Learn moreWest Coast summer campaign underway
Development West Coast's summer campaign is focused on driving awareness for the Coast as a visitor destination.
Learn moreMonumental Ancestor: Wētā Workshop Unveils New Zealand's Largest Masterpiece
Descendants of the Poutini Ngāi Tahu Warrior Chief, Tūhuru, have travelled to Wētā Workshop in Wellington to bless the first-ever hyper-realistic representation of their ancestor, as part of the eagerly awaited tourism experience, the Pounamu Pathway.
Learn moreOkarito Plant Project
In South Westland a new business-led initiative, the Ōkārito Plant Project, is quietly making a difference.
Learn morePike29 Memorial Track opening confirmed
The Pike29 Memorial Track is opening on 17 February 2024.
Learn moreHeaphy Track reopens
After almost two years of closure due to damage from Cyclone Dovi, the Heaphy Track in the South Island's Kahurangi National Park has finally reopened, and it's not just nature enthusiasts who are celebrating.
Learn moreThe West Coast Pie Company goes national
The West Coast Pie Company is set to go national with an exciting new campaign in partnership with Development West Coast and Monteith’s.
Learn moreInternational visitors and wildlife return to the West Coast
The West Coast has achieved a significant milestone. Not only has international visitor spending surpassed pre-pandemic levels, but iconic hotels are also reawakening and nature is presenting its own spectacle with the return of the endangered Kōtuku and Tawaki penguins.
Learn moreInformation and resources
Destination Management Plan
The Destination Management Plan (DMP) sets a clear direction for tourism on Te Tai Poutini | the West Coast.
Learn moreWorking with Tourism Trade
The tools to help you understand why this relationship is vital to your business.
Learn moreWest Coast Regional Events Fund
Supporting existing events to continue to operate or supporting new events to form.
Learn moreRegional Toolkit Oct 2023
Download the West Coast Regional Toolkit to our Untamed Natural Wilderness.
Learn moreWest Coast Destination Insights Dashboard
Keep up to date with the latest insights into visitation, visitor spend, accommodation, border crossings and more for the West Coast as a destination.
Learn moreUpcoming Industry Events
TRENZ 2024
TRENZ is New Zealand’s largest international tourism business event and most important event of the year on the tourism events calendar.
Learn moreKiwi Link India 2024
Kiwi Link India 2024 provides a unique opportunity for representatives of the New Zealand tourism industry to educate and establish business relationships with key product managers and front line travel sellers from India.
Learn moreKiwi Link South East Asia 2024
Kiwi Link South East Asia 2024 provides a unique opportunity for representatives of the New Zealand tourism industry to educate and establish business relationships with key travel sellers from throughout South East Asia.
Learn moreWest Coast Roadshow – Australia 2024
Development West Coast is delighted to invite you to participate in the 2024 West Coast Roadshow event held in Australia.
Learn moreOther useful resources
For any enquiries or assistance, please contact:
Development West Coast (DWC) Tourism and Destination Management team
Development West Coast is a member of The Tourism Export Council New Zealand (TECNZ)