Bruce Bay is a small settlement located approximately 40 kilometres south of Fox Glacier on the banks of the Mahitahi River.

The township of Fox Glacier is 25 kilometres south of Franz Josef and has a population of about 306 and spectacular scenery on offer.

The world famous Franz Josef Glacier is located 5 kilometres from the township in the Waiho River Valley and guided walks and helicopter flights are available all year round.

Haast is a small township situated on the western end of the Haast Pass with around 240 (2013 census) people living in the town and surrounding area.

Hannah's Clearing is a small township south of Haast established to house workers at the Carters Sawmill which operated nearby.

A small settlement approximately 50 minutes from the glacier townships and Hokitika, Harihari has a unique ceramic garden.

Home of the Wildfoods Festival, Hokitika is the hub of Westland and is a small town with a welcoming, cosmopolitan vibe.  

Jackson Bay is a sheltered harbour that's also a nursery for the rare hector dolphin.

Kumara is part of the West Coast Wilderness Trail, a popular tourist attraction for cyclists. Kumara’s most famous resident was Richard Seddon, who opened a hotel and became mayor.

Lake Kaniere is considered one of the best lakes for water sports in the region due to its placid nature and close vicinity to the State Highway.

Ōkārito is situated on the coastline and beside the Ōkārito River Mouth Lagoon, the largest unmodified wetland on the West Coast and home to a large array of birdlife.

Ōtira is a small locality on the western side of Arthur’s Pass, and is mainly a base for tramping and mountaineering.

Ross is a small historic town and the start and endpoint for the West Coast Wilderness Trail.

Whataroa is a base for guided nature tours over summer months, and the only NZ breeding colony of kōtuku (white herons) on the banks of the Waitangiroto River.