Planning a weekend on the West Coast? With its treasure trove of amazingly scenic locations, long list of must-do adventure activities, unique wildlife and rich heritage, it’s no wonder the West Coast is renowned as one of New Zealand’s most popular and best loved tourist destinations. If you’re planning a trip West here a few places that may just tickle your fancy…
Franz Josef Glacier is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Area of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, also known as Glacier country. One of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations, Franz Josef boasts spectacular views of the glaciers, lush rainforest and the imposing Southern Alps. One of the unique features of Franz Josef and other glaciers in the region is the accessibility for the public. The best way to experience Franz Josef Glacier up close and personal is by taking a guided walk. To enjoy some quality relaxation time amongst your busy travel itinerary, visit the Glacier Hot Pools complex located in the Franz Josef township. Punga Grove offers convenient and luxurious Franz Josef Glacier accommodation in the heart of the village.
The riverside township of Greymouth is the largest settlement on the Coast and has a variety of activities on offer to delight both children and adults alike. Greymouth’s iconic Monteith’s Brewery has recently had a multi-million dollar revamp and is open from 10am to 7pm for tastings, delicious tapas and their selection of boutique beers and cider. Shantytown is another must do activity – head there for a taste of what life was like when the area was a prosperous goldrush centre.
The stretch of State Highway 6 linking Greymouth and Westport hugs the coastline and offers spectacular views of the Tasman Sea and coastal forest. The trip takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes and is considered by Lonely Planet to be one of the 10 most scenic coastal drives in the world. Halfway along this route is Punakaiki, with its magnificent natural blowholes known as the Pancake Rocks. These curious looking limestone formations can be viewed along a 20 minute loop track accessed from the highway. If you time it correctly and head down there at high tide, you will catch an impressive spectacle.
Halfway between Greymouth and Westport is Punakaiki with its famous Pancake Rocks. These curious looking limestone formations can be viewed along a 20 minute loop track accessed from the highway. If you time it correctly and head down there at high tide, you will catch an impressive spectacle.
Westport, located on the Northern bank of the mighty Buller River, and its surrounds are dominated by lush native bush, rugged coastline and rivers. The drive through the Lewis Pass to Westport is spectacular, offering incredible views down to the Buller Gorge. Look out for Hawk's Crag, where the cliff leading down to the gorge was carved out to allow a road to be built. Other highlights are Cape Foulwind, the location of a seal breeding colony and Tauranga Bay a brilliant surf spot. For friendly West Coast hospitality head to the Star Tavern at Cape Foulwind.
Those in search of some authentic Kiwi wilderness should head to Karamea, located at the end of a no-exit highway accessible from Westport. Nestled between rainforest and the Tasman Sea, one of the special features of the area are the limestone arch formations – two highlights are the Oparara Arch or the Moria Gate Arch. Karamea is also the Southern entrance of the Heaphy Track, a multi-day walk through the Kahurangi National Park. Each year from a limited season from May to September you have the option of mountain biking the Heaphy track. If you don’t fancy walking or biking the whole 78 kilometres, shorter trips include the Fenian Track, Mt Stormy and the first leg of the Wangapeka Track.
Blackball is the rough diamond of the West. Once a vibrant mining hub, the major reminder of Blackball’s past is the Blackball Hotel, once named the ‘Blackball Hilton’. The walls are covered with stories and mementoes of the old mining days. At the Blackball Hotel you can also try some of the local delicacy Blackball Salami.
One way to fully experience the rugged beauty of the West Coast is to embark on one of New Zealand's "great walks" which are located around the area. Check out the Department of Conservation (DOC) website for a full list of the many short walks or tramps in the area.
Whether you are keen for a holiday on the Coast focused on relaxing and enjoying the scenery or want to partake in one of the many adventure activities on offer, you are guaranteed to fall in love with the wild West Coast.
