New Zealand’s West Coast is home to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the country and some of the most extreme weather. Stretching from Karamea in the north to Haast in the south, this narrow strip of land between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea is also the wettest part of New Zealand. 

In some places, it receives over 6,000 millimetres of rainfall annually - that’s several times more than other regions of the country. 

So, what causes this unusual climate? 

The key lies in the geography. The West Coast sits directly in the path of the prevailing westerly winds known as the Roaring Forties. These winds pick up moisture from the Tasman Sea and push it eastward. When that moisture-laden air hits the Southern Alps, it's forced to rise. As it rises, it cools, condenses and falls as rain - sometimes in intense downpours. 

This process, called orographic lift, is what makes the West Coast so uniquely wet compared to regions just over the mountains. In fact, places like Hokitika and Westport can receive five to ten times more rainfall than towns just 100 kilometres inland. 

Locals are used to the region’s unpredictable weather. It’s not uncommon to experience sunshine, torrential rain, and a cold wind - all in the same afternoon. The West Coast climate is also marked by relatively mild temperatures, thanks to the ocean’s influence. Frosts are rare, and snow is typically limited to higher elevations. 

While the weather can be challenging with frequent storms and the occasional flooding event - it also gives the West Coast its rugged charm. The landscape, culture, and even the pace of life is shaped by the rhythm of rain and resilience. 

What it means for the land 

This rain-soaked environment creates lush, fertile pastures, supports dense native forests, and feeds a network of rivers and wetlands. It’s a region shaped by water and rich in biodiversity. 

The consistent rainfall and temperate climate mean that grass grows for much of the year, making it an ideal location for farming. Dairy cows can graze outdoors longer than in many other parts of the world, which supports a pasture-based farming model that’s both efficient and natural. 

Why we love being from a place like no other

We’re proud to call the West Coast home. It’s a place where nature makes the rules - wild, wet, and wonderfully unpredictable. But it’s also a place of deep connection, community, and character. The same rain that shapes our weather shapes our way of life - grounding us in something real and distinctly our own. 

The West Coast isn’t like anywhere else. And that’s exactly why we wouldn’t want to be from anywhere else.