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West Coast New ZealandAdventure-Fun-and a Scenic Wonderland!The West Coast New Zealand , or officially - Westland, of the South Island is just beautiful. A long narrow strip of land running the length of the country, it is bounded on one side by the Tasman Sea and on the other by the awe inspiring Southern Alps. So you can be sitting on the beach, or even braving the waves, admiring magnificent snow covered mountains at close range. New ZEaland's West Coast boasts five National Parks. The Fiordland area with its rainforests and fiiords or Sounds as we call them, being a UNESCO heritage site. Considered perhaps something of a time capsule for the rest of the country, the West Coast people are distinct in character. Coal mining and forestry have been two of the main industries. Forestry has diminished somewhat as the government has put a cap on cutting native trees and closed down a major timber mill. There are many who produce arts and crafts, and others who just want to live the simple life, away from the madding crowds. With the natural attributes the West Coast has to attract visitors, tourism is also a major industry. Pounamu or Green stone ( New Zealand jade) is a semi precious stone found in the rivers and streams, which provides the material for the production of stunning greenstone jewellery, and carved ornamental pieces. Title to the greenstone, which can be huge rocks, has been given back to the local Maori tribe quite recently. For tourists there is much to do and see in this beautiful part of New Zealand. You can reach it via
Arthurs Pass stop and view the viaduct, and enjoy lunch in Arthurs Pass Store.
Lewis Pass have a hot swim at the Maruia Hot Pools
Porters Pass Arthurs Pass is the better known route but Porters is slightly higher.
Haast Pass - takes you through to Wanaka and Queenstown . They are all different, and very scenic.
The West Coast features New Zealand's most beautiful rain forest, beech forests, lakes, rivers, mountains, beaches, - an area just made for those people looking for a variety of outdoor activities.
You will find plenty of opportunities on the West Coast of New Zealand for : Kayaking
Caving
Hikes and tramps.
Located right at the top of the coast, the road is the end of the line from this side, when you reach Karamea. It is a stunning spot, and the start (or end depending on which way you are going) , of the Heaphy Track. You can enjoy walking part of the track, and crossing the swing bridge, to get a feel for the tramp others take 4-5 days to do. Visit the Oparara Glow Worm Caves in the area.
Punakaiki Rocks are amazing with their layered formations worn by the sea over time. The area is covered in the West Coast's New Zealand Nikau palm trees, which create a spectacular sight. There is a lovely walk around the cliff edge, overlooking the rocks, beaches either side, and a Nikau forest.
New Zealand's main West coast towns are Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika. Westport and Greymouth are pleasant towns to stop, with good cafes and shops to browse. Greymouth The Tranz Scenic Alpine train arrives at Greymouth from Christchurch. If you are travelling with children they will definitely want to see Shantytown, near Greymouth. This is a working replica of a town in the gold mining days, which is how the West Coast was first settled. They had a comparatively large population in the 1880s when pioneers ventured into what was a real wilderness area, to pan for gold. Also interesting would be the Little Earth Model Village - indoor and outdoor model villages of the area.
Situated about half way down New Zealand's West Coast,Hokitika is a great little town. Right on the beach, there is glass blowing, a greenstone factory, and several shops specialising in jewellery and crafts. The French Cafe, produces a great coffee, and excellent evening meals. The historic pub is also a popular spot. Visit the National Kiwi Centre to see live kiwis. Hokitika is where the annual Wild Food Festival is held in February. The place is then invaded by about 15,000 people for a fantastic, novel, one day food event, featuring samples of all kinds of weird and wonderful things to eat from huhu grubs to possum. Entertainment is provided throughout the day and into the night, and the groups of young people come dressed as various well known New Zealand identities, all adding to the fun. Extra camping areas are set up to accommodate the influx.
The Kotuku (white heron) can be found in only one place in New Zealand.The West Coast at Whataroa Sanctuary You take a jet boat out to an area where they nest, and after a board walk through beautiful native bush, you can see these stunning white birds en masse. It really is well worth the trip. This is the only place in New Zealand where these gorgeous birds are found. Seal colonies at Cape Foulwind or Gillespies Beach about 25 kilometers from Fox Glacier are a great sight. ( Be warned the smell can be STRONG!)
New ZEaland's West Coast glaciers are truly spectacular. Experiencing the Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers are a MUST. They are one of the West Coast indeed New Zealand's most famous, and oft featured scenic treasures.These glaciers make a truly awesome sight. There are numerous tours, flights and various ways of viewing these magnificent ice rivers. You can do guided walks on the ice. The town is well set up for tourists to experience a unique mountain experience. NOTE: Do take notice of the signs! The rangers have been concerned at some people ignoring signs and venturing onto dangerous ice areas. Lake Matheson is a favourite calendar photo. If the conditions are right, you can get an almost perfect reflection of the mountains. From Haast township , you can take the Haast Pass through to Queenstown and Wanaka. West Coast Walks,Hikes, and TrampsWith over 200 walks on the West Coast, New Zealander's and tourists can enjoy hikes varying from 30 minutes to 5 days I will not try and list them all. Below are a few suggestions, and links for further information. Walking the rainforests, beaches- mostly stone rather than sand, tramping tracks and trails makes this a wonderful area for keen hikers. Lake Kaniere Walkway a n 8 hour return hike The Heritage Trail Mahinapuha Walkway Ross Goldfields water race walk learn about the gold history of the area Franz Joseph
Douglas Walk Fox Glacier Lake Matheson Fox Glacier Valley Walk 1 hour easy Lake Moeraki Haast Area Smoothwater Bay 2 hours moderate Ship Creek Pioneer Track Hapuka Estuary
Outdoor Adventure ActivitiesClimbing Hukawai Glacier Centre Fox Glacier Guiding White Water Rafting Buller River 4WD Buller Black Water Rafting and Caves Charleston -
http://www.caverafting.com/
Quad Biking and 4WD Buller Horse Trekking Franz Joseph Glacier area
Helicopter Flights There are several choices of helicopter flights over the glaciers, and scenic sights. West Coast New Zealand AccommodationYou will not have any problem finding accommodation. With tourism being West Coast New Zealand's major industry, there are any number of :
camping grounds cabins self contained motels and units B&Bs Farm or homestays Hotels
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