West Coast Itinerary
We've put together a sample itinerary for your holiday on the West Coast.
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Set between the Tasman Sea and the unbroken chain of the Southern Alps, the
West Coast is a breathtaking 600km of mountains and glaciers, tranquil lakes and unruly rivers, primeval forests and magnificent coastline. The Coast contains the largest area of protected land of any region in New Zealand, accessing five national parks (Kahurangi, Paparoa, Arthur's Pass, Westland and Mt Aspiring).
Nelson - Westport - Punakaiki
From Nelson, scenic State Highway 6 leads to the coastal town of Westport. Continuing southwards is Punakaiki, part of the
Paparoa National Park and famous for the much photographed Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Visitors can see these natural rock formations from a special viewing platform.
Punakaiki - Greymouth
Some 40min further on is Greymouth, centrally located and a great base for exploring. It accesses many of the adventure options this region offers including white water rafting, cave rafting, horse trekking, heli-rafting, 4WD tours, guided wilderness campouts and hiking. The town's key attractions include
Monteith's Brewing Co (phone 03 768 4149), the Jade Boulder Gallery (phone 03 768 0700), and
Shantytown (phone 03 762 6634), an authentic replica 1860s Gold Rush town, where visitors can pan for gold and ride on a steam train.
Greymouth - Hokitika - Mount Cook - Westland National Park
Heading south is Hokitika, where Eco World (phone 03 755 5251) has kiwis, tuataras, native fish and huge West Coat eels. From Hokitika, visitors can take a scenic flight over Mount Cook and Westland National Parks, the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, and the Main Divide of the Southern Alps. In March, the town celebrates the West Coast way of life with its popular Wildfoods Festival.
Hokitika - Lake Brunner
Side trips can be made to the Moana Kiwi House and Conservation Park (phone 03 738 0405) on the shores of Lake Brunner, and the seasonal Whataroa White Heron Sanctuary, home to New Zealand's only breeding colony of white heron (kotuku).
Hokitika - Fox & Franz Josef glaciers
From Hokitika, State Highway 6 leads down to the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, the world's most low-lying glaciers and one of the region's most famous attractions.
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