Doctors, nurses, and allied health staff frequently seek opportunities in New Zealand and internationally to advance their careers, broaden their experience, or pursue desired specialisations. Sometimes, the process of transitioning to a new environment can be daunting, so gathering information about the new destination can be a big help!
In this West Coast location guide, we aim to highlight the benefits and attractions of the area along with its primary healthcare facilities. This post is part of a wider series showcasing what working in New Zealand is like.
About The West Coast – Everything You Need To Know
The West Coast is a region of New Zealand located on the western side of the South Island. The entire area is contained in a narrow strip almost the whole length of the South Island (from the Kahurangi National Park in the North to Mount Aspiring National Park in the South) and is largely defined by its mountainous border to the East and oceanic borders to the East. The main towns on the West Coast are Westport, Greymouth, and Hokitika.
The West Coast is one of the more remote and most sparsely populated areas of the country and is well known for its charismatic locals and traditional Kiwi hospitality, plus Greenstone and timber production. The region is also famous for its gold and coal mining history, retaining this historic character and pioneering spirit even today!
Cost Of Living On The West Coast
Is living on the West Coast expensive? The short answer is – no. Housing costs in Hokitika, Greymouth and the surrounding areas are very affordable compared to the main centres. The average regional house price (based on 2024 data) for the West Coast sits around the $430,000 mark (compared to just over $900,000 NZ-wide)
One of the most expensive suburbs on the West Coast is Paroa, which has a median house price of around $630,000, and the least expensive suburb on the West Coast is Runanga, which has a median house price of around $300,000.
Lower housing costs mean average daily living costs on the West Coast are likely to be significantly lower than that of the main centres. However, public transportation is a little less on point, and you will have to travel 3-5 hours by car to get to any of the other main centres in the South Island (Christchurch, Nelson, Queenstown and Dunedin).
Essential services such as electricity and internet are readily available with a variety of pricing/plan options from the leading providers, including Spark, 2Degrees, and OneNZ (formerly known as Vodafone). These services are generally charged at similar rates right across New Zealand, but don’t be afraid to shop around for the best deal!
The West Coast’s relative affordability, coupled with its strong sense of community and immediate access to some of the most stunning outdoor landscapes, makes it an attractive option for those looking to escape the population and housing pressures faced in other parts of the country.
West Coast Demographics
According to the Stats NZ, the West Coast is the permanent home of approximately 33,390 people. However, the Coast is a popular holiday and tourist destination, so you will find popular spots a little busier in peak holiday times.
The median age for people living on the Coast is 48.1, according to 2023 census data, compared to 38.1 for New Zealand as a whole. The West Coast is predominantly European, with Māori, Asian and Pacific peoples making up the majority of the remaining ethnicities.
Transportation On The West Coast
The main roads in and out of the West Coast region are State Highway 6 which stretches from the Buller Gorge in the North right down to Haast in the South. State Highway 73, that provides the main transit avenue via Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch and Canterbury.
The Midland railway line also provides freight and passenger services into the region with its TranzAlpine train service running daily trips between Christchurch and Greymouth.
There is a small airport located in Hokitika that operates various domestic flights between Christchurch and Hokitika. Tourism charter flights (helicopter and fixed-wing) are also readily available for other destinations around the South Island.
West Coast Weather And Climate
The West Coast region is subject to periods of very high rainfall due to its proximity to the Southern Alps and the prevailing north-westerly wind patterns averaging approximately 170 days of rain per year or 2000–3000 mm annually in coastal locations, making it the wettest region in New Zealand (most areas of New Zealand have between 600 and 1600 mm of rainfall, spread throughout the year).
Average temperatures usually hover around 17-25 degrees. July and August are the coldest and wettest months, with temperatures of around 10 to 15 degrees commonplace. High levels of rainfall are typical throughout the year, with intermittent storms and heavy rain that can sometimes disrupt daily activities.
Education Services On The West Coast
Approximately 30 early childhood education centres are located throughout Buller, Grey and Westland districts, along with the usual selection of primary and secondary schools (zoning restrictions may apply).
The Tai Poutini Polytechnic is the only tertiary and community education provider located on the West Coast, it provides a variety of courses suited to local industries such as agriculture, tourism, mining, forestry, and conservation. For students who wish to study at the university level, many choose to travel to Christchurch.
Top 6 Things To Do On The West Coast
‘The Coast’, as the locals call it, stretches over 600km in length and spans 23,246 square kilometres, taking in five huge National Parks, offering convenient access to the Southern Alps and miles and miles of rugged coastline, not to mention the abundance of wildlife and native plants – so it’s no surprise that the region welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists per year.
Whether your passion is scenic flights, hiking, jet boat safaris, cave rafting, quad bike tours, birdwatching, or just exploring the history of the area – the West Coast has something for everyone!
- Pancake Rocks Punakaiki. A popular tourist spot, stopping by to check out the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks is a must-do on the Coast. These ancient limestone stacked rocks have been slowly carved out from layers of the sea bed by waves and sea spray over millions of years, with erosion removing the softer layers of rock and leaving the stacks of harder limestone. Visit at high tide for the best action (the ‘blowholes’ create a huge wall of sea spray).
- Franz Josef And Fox Glacier. Whether you choose to explore the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers on foot, by air or on a guided on-ice tour you will not be disappointed! Descending down from the Southern Alps and into the forest below, terminating just 300 metres above sea level, these are two of the most accessible glaciers in the world, and they are both located on New Zealand’s West Coast!
- The National Kiwi Centre Hokitika. The perfect family-friendly activity for a rainy day, the National Kiwi Centre in Hokitika allows visitors to interact with Kiwi, tuatara, giant eels, crayfish, frogs, turtles and even the elusive West Coast whitebait! Enjoy this fun-filled learning experience suitable for all ages any day of the week!
- West Coast Treetop Walk And Zipline. Want to see what it’s like to experience life with the birds up in the treetops? The Hokitika Treetop Walk and Zipline is the place for you! At a length of 450 metres, the 20 metre high treetop walkway takes you through the forest canopy offering a unique perspective and birds eye view. Climb 106 steps to the top of the Hokitika Tower (47 metres above the forest floor) for an expanded viewpoint, then head down the zipline adventure for some adrenaline-pumping fun on the way down.
- Shantytown Heritage Park. Interested in learning more about the history of the West Coast? Head on over to Shantytown Heritage Park in Greymouth and explore the faithfully recreated 1900s pioneer town. Hop on a steam train ride, browse the onsite museum, or even try your hand at Gold Panning. This interactive and educational attraction is a favourite for all ages, and you can even bring along a picnic to have on the lawns!
- Lake Brunner. A popular retreat from the summer heat, Lake Brunner is a great place to relax and unwind on the weekend or over the holidays. Enjoy fishing, boating, swimming and kayaking out on the water, or if you prefer your feet remain on dry land, head out on one of the many beautiful walks in the area and explore the native Kahikatea forests. Nestled on the northern shores of Lake Brunner, the settlement of Moana provides the basics for visitors with a camping ground and a store.
Healthcare Facilities On The West Coast
Due to the remote nature of the West Coast region there are two main health services (Greymouth and Buller) and several smaller healthcare facilities operated throughout the region to better serve the population distribution.
The Te Nikau, Grey Hospital And Health Centre provides centrally located hospital services for Greymouth. Its purpose-built facilities provide integrated services across its 8,500-metre premises, including 56 in-patient beds, three operating theatres, radiology, laboratory services and an integrated family health centre. It also houses a 24/7 emergency department, critical care unit, acute and planned medical and surgical services, maternity services, paediatrics and outpatient care, as well as geriatric assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services.
The Buller Health Centre provides health services for Westport and Northern Buller with a 24/7 emergency department, general practice, acute care, primary birthing and postnatal care, palliative care, and child dental services.
There are also smaller community-based health centres and clinics situated in Karamea, Moana, Hector, Reefton, Fox Glacier, Franz Joseph Glacier, Haast, Whataroa and Hari Hari.
Working On The West Coast
The West Coast provides excellent opportunities for creating the perfect work-life balance. Having the beautiful forests and mountains right on the doorstep, along with affordable housing and interesting job opportunities, is the perfect combination for building that idyllic and authentic New Zealand experience.
Agriculture (dairy farming in particular) is a key industry on the West Coast, along with timber, mining and tourism. Employment opportunities in these industries can fluctuate depending on the season and work available. For this reason, part-time work is readily available in most instances.
The West Coast offers an amazing lifestyle and recreational activities coupled with plenty of professional career opportunities in healthcare. If you love a rural setting and the great outdoors, then this might just be the place for you! Contact the medical recruitment specialists at Triple0 to learn more about job opportunities on the West Coast of New Zealand today!
