Location
In New Zealand, the "West Coast" generally refers to the narrow strip of land between the South Island's Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea.

General
The West Coast is a wild and sparsely populated region with some of the most dramatic scenery in New Zealand. It is an area of soaring mountain peaks, impressive glaciers, tranquil lakes and raging rivers, lush rainforest and a magnificent coastline that stretches for 600km. Most of its natural environment is still intact and preserved in national parks designated as World Heritage Areas.

The Coast's reputation for hospitality is legendary - "coasters" display a sincere friendliness and strength of character as unique as their surroundings. Main

Attractions / Activities
The West Coast region offers a variety of short scenic walks and hiking opportunities, as well as exciting adventure activities for all ages and levels of competence. Anglers will find they are in paradise anywhere on the coast.

Try rafting a subterranean stream through a weird world of stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms. Between Westport and Greymouth is a wild, ruggedly beautiful coastline that features the unique Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki.

Near Whataroa, on the shores of the Okarito Lagoon, is New Zealand's only nesting colony of the white heron (kotuku). Boat trips on this primeval swamp reveal these elegant birds in their natural glory.

Graded glacier trips at both Fox and Franz Josef accommodate every level of fitness and experience, and there are scenic flights and helicopter excursions for those who wish to view the glaciers from the air.

The coast is also strewn with relics of the heady goldrush days of the 1860s, and tracks and walks explore many of the old workings. You can try your hand at gold panning at Shantytown, a replica goldfield town of last century, near Greymouth.

Don't Miss

• Oparara arches and honeycomb caves, Karamea
• Cape Foulwind seal colony
• Coal Town Museum, Westport
• Paparoa National Park and Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes
• Shantytown, Greymouth
• Jade Boulder Gallery, Greymouth
• Lake Brunner/Moana
• Hokitika working artisans and craft galleries
• Hokitika West Coast Historical Museum
• Lake Kaniere and Hokitika Gorge
• White heron sanctuary, Whataroa
• Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
• Lake Matheson

Main Centres

• Westport - the main town in the north with nearby fur seal colony and in the north the Oparara Caves
• Greymouth - the largest town on the Coast for jade crafts and Shantytown
• Hokitika - main town in the south for the West Coast Museum, craft galleries and many historic buildings

Secure Enquiries

Detailed Terms & Conditions of Motorhome Hire