WESTCOAST NZ
Nature, Adventure, History
Life is relaxed on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, and it's the perfect place to unwind and explore a special place of beauty and history. Take time here - there are a lot of scenic attractions and adventures that you could miss if you rush.
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Stretching 600 kilometres along the western edge of the South Island, the West Coast is a rugged, primeval region of contrasting features - high snow-capped mountains, towering rainforests, lowland river valleys, dramatic coastlines, bizarre limestone landscapes, grinding glaciers, surging rivers and brooding lakes. This is where natural heritage is reserved especially for you in five National Parks and a World Heritage area.
This New Zealand region is 600 kilometres in length and has a population of approximately 35,000. It is home to five of New Zealand's National Parks: Kahurangi, Paparoa, Arthurs Pass, Westland and Mount Aspiring, as well as the South Westland World Heritage Area.
The West Coast abounds with not-to-be-missed natural features, from the Oparara Arches and Seal Colony in the north through to Glaciers and calm mirror lakes in the south. In between, you'll find rain forest, lakes, Pancake Rocks and rugged coastline and beaches.
The Northern West Coast
Karamea - Kahurangi National Park
Karamea at the top of the West Coast is where adventure begins. This is the gateway to Kahurangi National Park, with its unique flora and fauna including the Great Spotted Kiwi, short and long tailed bats (New Zealand's only native mammals), and giant powliphanta (giant land snails). Take a leisurely walk through groves of Nikau palms, or embark on a tramping adventure on the famous Heaphy Track.
Visit the Oparara Basin with its beautiful limestone caves and structures including the spectacular Oparara Arch. A guided tour through the Honeycomb caves will have you spell-bound at the beautiful formations including skeletons of many extinct species.
Westport
Westport is a rare gem, an area beautifully crafted by nature and richly endowed with opportunities. Enjoy the everchanging scenery that is a veritable treasure chest, with its mystical beaches, untamed rivers and gentle streams.
Visit the seals at Cape Foulwind, hear calls of native birds on the Charming Creek Walkway through the Ngakawau River gorge or get really adventurous - jet boating, surfing, mountain biking, tube rafting, whitewater rafting, scenic caving, Argo 8-wheel drive tours, horse trekking and kayaking.
Punakaiki - Paparoa National Park
Spectacular cliffs and caves typify the West's rugged coastline, the best known feature being pancake rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki. These fascinating limestone formations put on a spectacular spouting display in certain sea conditions. Caves in the area can be explored with local guides. The lower Pororari River walk passes through subtropical lowland forest and a limestone gorge, which can also be explored by canoe.
The Central West Coast
Greymouth
Forged by the early Maori in search of precious greenstone, by the spirit of the 1860's gold rush and by the development of road and rail links, the central region is rich in history.
Greymouth is the major town on the West Coast, boasting a range of quality hotels, motels, backpacker hostels and holiday parks with shops from small specialty and tourist shops to national chain stores. Restaurants, cafes and bars provide a hub for entertainment. It is also the terminus for the famous Tranz Alpine train from Christchurch and a busy centre for coaches and shuttles taking visitors on tours to other destinations on the West Coast.
Float through underground streams on a cave rafting adventure. View Hector dolphins, cormorant nesting sites and fur seals on an Ocean Boat Tour or take a horse trek amongst the hauntingly beautiful rain forest. Check out the craft people in their own environment or catch the wonderful sunsets from the beach or the tip-head.
For an experience of early West Coast life, visit Shantytown, a replica pioneering town with its historical train rides, a working gold claim where you can successfully pan for gold, as well as 30 historic buildings including the local saloon, jail, church, hospital and school.
Hokitika
Hokitika was the hub of the early gold rush, with most of the miners arriving through its busy river port to set up calico and tin shanty settlements. Hokitika captures the essence of the West Coast's early development with its Heritage area, local museum and recently restored Carnegie Building.
Greenstone (jade) is a feature in the town's bustling centre of art and craft shops. Many bars, cafes and restaurants make summer seven-day shopping a pleasure. Westland Water World, the Glow Worm Dell and the Takutai Paddle Boat are popular attractions.
Thousands of visitors each year are attracted to the Hokitika Wild Foods Festival which specialises in gourmet bush tucker.
Wild beauty is everywhere - Lake Kaniere, Dorothy Falls, Goldsborough, Hokitika Gorge, Lake Mahinapua and the Hokitika Beach.
The Southern West Coast
Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
The Franz Josef and Fox Glacier townships are located just 5 kilometres from their respective glaciers and uniquely, just 6 kilometres from the pounding surf of the Tasman Sea.
They are nestled in the rainforest at the foot of precipitous mountains and offer a wide range of alpine and adventure activities.
The glaciers each descend 2500 metres in a journey of over 13 kilometres, and are remarkable in that they are so accessible. From the carparks an easy walk, suitable for all ages, will take you to the towering terminal face of either glacier.
Lake Matheson, one of the great scenic icons of New Zealand lies just 6 kilometres west of Fox Glacier township. You may see the unforgettable image of New Zealand's highest peaks reflected perfectly in its mirror-smooth waters. A further 20 kilometres through spectacular rimu forest brings you to the site of an old gold mining settlement of Gillespies Beach.
Haast
The drive from the glaciers to Haast takes you into the heart of the New Zealand South West World Heritage Area, Te Wahi Pounamu, and past picturesque lakes and rivers. Panoramic views from Knight's Point typify the wild and rugged coastline. There are several excellent walks offering an impressive variation of terrain and vegetation
