If you’re visiting New Zealand’s West Coast and have tired of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, consider spending a half-day driving to Gillespies Beach. It’s an epic beach and there is plenty to keep you busy on the drive there. Gillespies Beach is found 30 minutes from Fox Glacier Village and 60 minutes from Franz Josef Glacier Village.
As you leave Fox Glacier Village, you pass first through flat, West Coast farmland filled with dairy cattle and sheep. Consider stopping at Lake Matheson.
This lake was formed almost 14,000 years ago as the Fox Glacier retreated and left in its wake a massive crater. It’s a kettle lake and has no streams running in or out of it – essentially, it’s a big puddle which is topped up by rain. Thanks to Lake Matheson’s dark brown water, you can get excellent reflections of the Alps on a calm day. From the carpark, it’s about a one hour walk around the lake. After your walk, check out the Lake Matheson Cafe which has excellent views, does great coffee, and offers West Coast themed food.
As you leave Lake Matheson, watch behind you for a chance to view Fox Glacier. Shortly after leaving the lake, the condition of the road deteriorates quickly. It’s a single track, unpaved, and windy road through dense Westland National Park rainforest. Gillespies Beach is about 10 kms past Lake Matheson.
This windswept, black-sand beach is scattered with driftwood, massive boulders left by the glaciers, and has a torrential surf on a stormy day. Even on a calm day there are dangerous riptides, so swimming is not recommended (assuming you could brave the frigid water). If you arrive on a clear day, you’re afforded beautiful views of the Tasman Sea on one side, and the magnificent Southern Alps on the other. The view of Mt. Cook is the greatest I’ve seen anywhere on the island.
From the beach, you have a couple of different walks available to you. I recommend the three hour return walk to Galway Beach where you can view a seal colony. Otherwise, consider spending the night at Gillespies beach where the Department of Conservation manages a donation only campsite.
You’ll go to sleep with the sound of the surf and an unforgettable sunset.
Backpacking Matt 
Wow, stunning! I always wanted to visit the South Island, but the last time I was in NZ (Feb) we only had a short time, only stayed in the North Island. I want to go back there though!
Lovely pics from a lovely part of the world, Matt. The West Coast is gorgeous, and quite under-rated by most travellers I think. Other than Milford Sound and maybe the glaciers, it seems to get forgotten about. With so many places like those you show and talk about, it’s a mystery as to why…
@Dina, If you’re ever back, forget the North Island and head straight to the South. It’s a different world down here – in my mind, a better one!
@Dave Thanks Dave! The West Coast is a pretty special place. Very few places in the world have the sea and snow capped mountains separated by rain forests and 60kms. And with 30,000 people in a 600km x 70 km area, it’s not hard to get away from the crowds.
Great photos, I have always wanted to go to New Zealand but it is kind of difficult to get to by any means other than flight… a long one.
Incredible scenery! I seriously need to take a trip out to New Zealand. How long do you think that flight would be from New York? Lol I love the photo of Mount Cook from Gillespies Beach. I bet it was so breathtaking in person.
I’ve been wanting to go to New Zealand for so long and I can’t wait to get there, just got to spend a year in Asia first.
The lake views always seem so amazing.
These pictures are fantastic! Hubby and I are looking to go to NZ at some point… this makes me want to get there a little bit faster. <3
@Mike It sure is a long ways, but well worth the trip!
@Monica Thanks, Monica. I’ve seen Mount Cook from a couple different places, and Gillespies Beach is definitely one of my favorite spots. I drove to Mount Cook Village yesterday as well … an amazing drive that almost takes your breath away!
@Poi Enjoy budget friendly Asia, as NZ definitely isn’t budget friendly! Maybe we’ll see you in a year …
@Erica Thanks Erica. Glad you enjoyed the shots – sooner you get here the better!
Always wanted to check out NZ – this is 2nd best, so I’m living vicariously through your travels! Thanks, mate!!!
Glad to hear it Straper. Cheers for the comment. Keep checking back for more …
Hey Matt, now I will have my chance to see all of this!
Yes you will! Just cross your fingers for a sunny trip down the Coast.
I like Dina have only visited the North Island but we have driven it from top to bottom…..Roturoua and Wellington most memorable….Stunning photos and I shall have to go back to the South Island, you being the hundredth person to advise that ;)!
Hi Farnoosh – thanks for the comment. The North is just as impressive as the South Island in my opinion – just in different ways. They’re two drastically different places! I’m sure you’d enjoy yourself if you came back!
What a gorgeous place. Your photos are stunning. I spent a week in NZ many many years ago. I really do want to go back and see more.
Hi Nancie, thanks for the comment! The West Coast is really a special place – with the sea, the mountains, rain forests, glaciers, it’s a whole mix of geography within a small area.
Hi Matt
Bruce from the Coasters club http://www.thecoastersclub.co.nz
We send an email out to 30,000 every friday and have about 15000 members
Would you consent to us sending your blog out on a friday email
Thanks Bruce – work away!