Things to Do in West Coast

• Karamea
  At the top of the West Coast, Karamea is the gateway to Kahurangi National Park and the Heaphy Track.
• Westport & the Buller Gorge
  These are the first dramatic stops for visitors driving from Blenheim or Nelson. The mighty Buller and Karamea Rivers dominate the area, flowing out of the mountains of Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes National Parks. Westport Information Centre has information about the northern West Coast.
• Reefton
  A key goldmining town during the 1860s, Reefton is close to a network of miners' tracks, abandoned mines and historic sites within the beech forests and granite mountains of Victoria Conservation Park.
• Paparoa National Park
  A 30,327 hectare park that features coastal forest, limestone canyons, caves and underwater streams as well as a spectacular coastline.
• Pancake Rocks
  Paparoa's best known highlight is the Pancake Rocks (Punakaiki) - so named because the stratified limestone formations look like stacks of giant pancakes. In heavy seas, water rushes into chasms and chambers beneath the rocks, creating spectacular blowholes and waterspouts.
• Greymouth
  The West Coast's main town is well serviced with facilities and provides a good base for exploring the surrounding districts, including the towns of Moana and Blackball.
• Shantytown
  Visitors can try their hand at panning for gold or ride a restored 1897 steam train at this replica 1860s gold rush town near Greymouth.
• The TranzAlpine
  One of the world's great rail journeys, the TranzAlpine travels across the Southern Alps between Greymouth and Christchurch, passing through Arthur's Pass National Park and rewarding travellers with magnificent alpine scenery.
• Lake Brunner/Moana
  The popular resort of Moana, nestled at the edge of the Lake Brunner, has good fishing, boating and forest walks on the lake shores.
• Hokitika
  Known for its arts and crafts, especially pounamu (NZ jade or greenstone) jewellery, Hokitika was originally established as a busy goldmining and port town. Hokitika's popular Wild Foods Festival in March celebrates the West Coast way of life with local food, music and entertainment.
• Ecoworld
  See live kiwi, tuatara, opossums, native fish and giant eels.
• West Coast Historical Museum
  The region's goldmining history is richly presented at Hokitika, with relics, photographs, memorabilia and audiovisuals.
• Lake Kaniere
  Just 20km east of Hokitika, the lake offers waterskiing, paragliding, powerboat racing, fishing and walks. The popular Lake Kaniere Walkway (13km) takes 4hrs.
• Lake Mahinapua
  An ideal base for yachting, fishing and swimming and close to the 18-hole Hokitika Golf Links. The vintage paddleboat Takutai Belle cruises the lake.
• Whataroa White Heron Sanctuary
  New Zealand's only breeding colony of white heron (kotuku). Nesting season is from November to March.
• Franz Josef Glacier
  Famous as one of the world's most low-lying glaciers, Franz Josef is a short (30min) walk from the carpark, offering fine views of the snow-capped peaks behind. The DOC Visitors Centre has details of short walks.
• Fox Glacier
  Along with the Franz Josef, this frozen river of slow-moving ice is one of New Zealand's key attractions. The Fox Glacier Visitor Centre has displays and leaflets on short walks around the glacier.