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Now is the time to be paying a visit to the West Coast. The West Coast occupies a stretch of coastline equal in distance as Auckland to Wellington! You will need to allow time to take in all the unique offerings of the West Coast of the Southern Alps, ‘coast time’ as locals may tell you, no need to rush!
From Karamea in the north you can view the largest limestone arches in the southern hemisphere at Oparara Basin. Heading south, Denniston, location of the historic incline and mining settlement, spectacular Punakaiki Pancake rocks with their iconic “blowholes”, step back in time at Shantytown just south of Greymouth, craftsmanship of Jade (pounamu) carving in Hokitika, the awe inspiring glaciers at Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and visit the majestic World Heritage Area in South Westland, there’s something for everyone.
Wherever you travel on the Coast you are never far from water. Rivers, lakes, lagoons and the ever present sea are the backdrop for exploring the land. Lake Brunner, Mahinapua and Kaniere offer travelers opportunities to experience some of the best freshwater sport fishing in the world. For wildlife enthusiasts there’s the seal colony at Tauranga Bay and near Lake Moeraki, south of the glaciers, you will find the only place in the world to host the world’s rarest penguin - the Fiordland Crested Penguin. If it’s the Kiwi that you want to see, then Okarito is the place for you, with guided tours in their natural habitat available.
The West Coast offers you the ‘real’ New Zealand, in it’s natural and unspoiled state.
West Coast Tourism |
Local Knowledge
Glacier Country on the West Coast of New Zealand consists of the two mighty glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef. It stretches from State Highway 6 from Whataroa (north of Franz Josef Glacier) to Bruce Bay and Lake Paringa (south of Fox Glacier) and includes the Glacier villages of Fox and Franz Josef and the coastal hamlet of Okarito.
Fox and Franz Josef Glacier villages are a world heritage area and are about 25 minutes drive apart, both offer visitors their own unique West Coast flavour. Both Glaciers have companies offering guided trips for all fitness levels so be sure to try one out for an amazing experience you will never forget.
‘The two mighty glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef, unsurpassed views of New Zealand’s two highest mountains Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman and the lowland rainforest of Westland National Park and Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area’
Get a hard copy of the New Zealand North And South Travel Guide,
- Including central city maps.
- Accommodation
- Places to stay
- Things to do
Click here to order your FREE copy now
For further information contact West Coast Tourism beareu by using the link below.
