A wild and pristine paradise bursting with remarkable scenery and wildlife, the West Coast is a rugged and beautiful coastline nestled between rainforest and pounding surf.

In an increasingly developed and hectic world the West Coast of the Southern Alps remains one of the world’s special places. Famed as New Zealand’s pioneer heartland, the West Coast is a vast and rugged region characterised by dramatic landscapes and rich human history. Within the 550 kilometre-long region – no wider than 70 kilometres at any point – the mountains look closer, the lakes clearer, the rivers larger and faster, and the forests more lush than anywhere else in the country.

With a rich environmental heritage, the West Coast of the Southern Alps boasts five national parks, which offer an array of scenic wonders including New Zealand’s highest mountains, lowest glaciers, most exquisite lowland rainforests (with the tallest trees), wildest beaches, longest caves and most stunning natural rivers. With a resident population of only 33,000, visitors can easily lose themselves in the splendour and outdoor wonderland that is the Coast. For those with the time and the inclination, the West Coast of the Southern Alps offers travellers a unique, unforgettable and utterly uncrowded visitor experience.

Highways around the Coast are easy to drive and there are regular air-links with Christchurch and Wellington via three airports. One of the world’s great rail journeys, the TranzAlpine, begins and ends in Greymouth, and the breathtaking Coast Road, which winds its way south from Charleston, is rated by Lonely Planet as ‘one of the top 10 coastal drives in the world’.

Regional Highlights

Unforgettable Sights

Denniston Incline Now abandoned, the settlement of Denniston was once New Zealand’s largest coal producer. Buller Gorge Rugged, bush-lined Buller Gorge forms a stunning backdrop to the drive along State Highway 6. Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes When the wind blows and the tide is high, geysers of seawater shoot from the rocks. Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers Huge glaciers nestled in valleys lined with lush green rainforest are a remarkable sight. Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve Spectacular turquoise waters 33 km from Hokitika.

Adrenaline Rush

Hukawai Glacier Centre (Franz Josef) Scaling the ice-climbing wall is a test of skill and nerves. www.hukawai.co.nz White-water rafting Experience the thrill of Grade 3 to 5 rapids in the Buller River Gorge. Black-water tubing Hurtle through underground caves and canyons at Charleston on nothing more than tyre inners. Haast River Safaris (Haast) Encounter an untouched landscape on the Haast River. www.haastriver.co.nz Caving and canyoning at Charleston Underground adventures from black-water rafting to glow-worms. Outdoor adventure (Wesport) Enjoy quad bikes, jet boats, white-water rafting and horse riding. www.adventuretours.co.nz

Relax & Indulge

Glacier Hot Pools (Franz Josef) Relax and unwind in one of three hot pools or hire your own private pool, fed with pure local glacier water, surrounded by native bush. www.glacierhotpools.co.nz Scenic walking Try one of the West Coast’s many excellent walking tracks such as the stunning Lake Matheson walk. Visit craft studios Watch talented artisans create stunning sculptures; in some places you can try making your own creation. TranzAlpine Traverse the Southern Alps aboard this world-famous rail journey from Christchurch to Greymouth. www.tranzalpine.co.nz

Luxury

Lake Brunner Lodge (Kumara) Luxury accommodation surrounded by protected wilderness. www.lakebrunner.co.nz

Culture

Shantytown (Greymouth) A fascinating glimpse into life in colonial New Zealand. www.shantytown.co.nz Jade Country (Greymouth) Jade gallery showcasing beautiful individually designed jade sculptures. www.jadecountry.co.nz Coaltown Museum (Westport) A glimpse into life in a previous era, with exhibitions about the coal and gold industries, phone +64 3 789 8204.

Natural New Zealand

Heli-hiking Heli-hike your way around ancient rivers of ice on a West Coast glacier. Visit the Kotuku (White Heron) Colony (Haast) Take a guided tour to the breeding ground of the rare and elegant White Heron. Walk the Heaphy Track Located in Kahurangi National Park, the Heaphy Track is accessible from the south at Karamea. Kayaking the Pororari River The Pororari flows through lush rainforest beneath towering limestone cliffs.

On a Budget

Glow-worm spotting Look for glow-worms that appear in damp areas of bush when darkness falls.

The Iconic Experience

Walk rivers of ice in glacier country A unique and unforgettable opportunity afforded by the most accessible temperate-zone glaciers in the Southern Hemisphere.

Dining & Shopping

Exclusive Dining

The Bay House Café & Restaurant (Westport) Watch the waves roll in as you sample award-winning New Zealand cuisine. www.bayhousecafe.co.nz

Casual Dining

Karamea Village Hotel (Karamea) From family dining to à la carte, including West Coast delicacies such as whitebait, phone +64 3 782 6800.

Stylish Bar

West Coast Wine Bar (Hokitika) Relax in warm, intimate surroundings and enjoy a cocktail or freshly brewed liqueur espresso. www.westcoastwine.co.nz

Cosy Pub

Denniston Dog Restaurant and Bar (Westport) Interesting historical memorabilia and great food. www.dennistondogwestport.co.nz

Culinary Experience

Wildfood Festival (Hokitika) For those visiting in March, this annual event is famous for adventurous ‘bush tucker’. www.wildfoods.co.nz

Shop or Gallery

Bonz ‘n’ Stonz (Hokitika) Jade, bone, paua or mother of pearl creations are carved on site and visitors can craft their own. www.bonz-n-stonz.co.nz

Suggested Itineraries

2 days on the West Coast

Day 1 Paparoa National Park – Franz Josef
Day 2 Franz Josef – Wanaka
On Day 1, join Norwest Adventures Limited Rafting for a cave rafting adventure in Paparoa National Park. Afterwards, visit Punakaiki, famous for its Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, and explore Shantytown, a premier heritage experience. Drive to Franz Josef. On Day 2, take a Twin Glacier flight with Fox & Franz Josef Heliservices. Visit Hukawai, an indoor ice-climbing wall and complete glacial experience. Drive to Wanaka.

5 days on the West Coast

Day 1 Buller – Greymouth
Day 2 Greymouth – Fox Glacier
Day 3 Fox Glacier – Haast
Day 4 Haast – Fox Glacier
Day 5 Fox Glacier – Hokitika
On Day 1, go jet boating with Buller Adventure Tours then join Norwest Adventures Limited for a cave rafting adventure. Visit the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki, ending the day at Greymouth. On Day 2, join On Yer Bike Adventures for an off-road adventure. Experience pioneering history at Shantytown before driving to Fox Glacier. On Day 3, join Fox Glacier Guiding for a guided glacier walk. Drive to Haast and take a river cruise with Haast River Safaris. On Day 4, drive to Franz Josef and take a scenic flight before visiting Hukawai indoor glacial experience. On Day 5, drive to Okarito to see the White Heron colony. Drive to Hokitika and visit local art and craft shops. Depart from Hokitika Airport.

Road Trip

The Coast Road, which starts at Charleston and ends just north of Greymouth, hugs the ruggedly beautiful coastline.

Transport

Airports

Westport Airport and Hokitika Airport are serviced by Air New Zealand Link, providing domestic air links with Christchurch and Wellington. There are no direct international flights to the West Coast.

Roads

Greymouth is three hours, 10 minutes’ drive from Christchurch via the spectacular Arthur’s Pass. The West Coast is also accessible from the Nelson region in the north and Central Otago in the south. Several coach companies provide regular services.

Rail

Greymouth is the rail terminus for the West Coast – the TranzAlpine offers a daily service between Christchurch and Greymouth. www.tranzscenic.co.nz

Further Information

Tourism West Coast

Trade Contact Tina Chiffers
Phone +64 3 768 6675  Fax +64 3 768 7680
Email info@west-coast.co.nz
www.west-coast.co.nz

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