West Coast
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West Coast is a long, narrow region running some two thirds the length of the South Island. It has a temperate climate and milder winters than other parts of the South due to the proximity of the Tasman Sea. It is possible to drive the full length of the region – a fascinating journey of some 550 kilometres.
The West Coast with it’s five national parks (Kahurangi, Paparoa, Arthur’s Pass, Westland, and Mt Aspiring) and World Heritage area at Te Wahi and Pounamu, is increasingly becoming a tourist destination. Access to the region is by car, bus or rail (the Tranz Alpine Train runs from Christchurch to Greymouth) or by air from Wellington into Westport and Greymouth, and from Christchurch into Hokitika and Greymouth.
Historically the region has seen a more gradual development than other regions of New Zealand. Maori were the first to cross from East to West in search of greenstone, which they did via the famous Arthur’s Pass. It was not until 1864 that the first Europeans made the same passage led by one Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson (hence the name Arthur’s Pass). The ensuing gold rush saw much increased traffic over the next 40 years or so..
At the northern end of the region Karamea (population just under 1,000) is a 1.5 hour scenic drive from Westport, and is the beginning of the Heaphy Track – one of New Zealand’s great walks, which takes some 3 to 4 days through coastal tracks, forest and high country plateau. Karamea has a mild climate and is an easy going friendly place to visit.
Westport (population under 1,000) can easily be reached in a day by road from Nelson, Picton or Kaikoura, and is the largest town on the north west coast. It is also close to the mouth of the famous Buller River. Charleston some 25 mintues drive south of Westport was a thriving township during the gold rush, but today is sought out for it’s limestone caves.
Moving further south one passes through Reefton, with it’s beech forests and their abundant birdlife, and then Punakaiki, famous for the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. A little further and you come to the mouth of the Grey River, named after Sir George Grey (a Governor of New Zealand), and the largest West Coast town of Greymouth.
Greymouth is a commercial centre for the region and provides tourists with various outdoor activities, arts and crafts, and local museums. Greymouth has a population of around 10,000 people. The ever popular Tranz Alpine Train runs daily between Christchurch and Greymouth via Arthur’s Pass.
Greymouth is fast becoming a popular base for tourists to the region. Within the Grey district it is possible to have all the exhilarating leisure activities you could wish for and then relax back at base. There is lots of history too, with the gold rush "Shantytown" experince not far away. Arts and crafts have grown up on the early jade carvings, and now there are potters and sculptors. Also, woodcrafts and artists thrive in the relaxed west Coast environment.
Some 40 kilometres south of Greymouth we come to the final town of the region - Hokitika, a town that exudes heritage and west coast culture! Here they say you can experience anything from "mild to wild"! Hokitika is sandwiched between the ocean and the alpine mountains, and enjoys a mixture of both. You can explore the beauty of the Rimu Forest and sheer cliffs in the Hokitika Gorge, or seek out some local pounamu (greenstone jade) or even the "ruby rock" a kiwi gemstone only found in this area.
In Hokitika you can play golf on a true "links" golf course,learn to flyfish, go hunting, drive a classic sports car, spend time on the beach, see live kiwi birds at the National Kiwi Centre, or enjoy the town's array of arts and crafts and later relax in a bar or restaurant. If you are here in March you could attend the Wildfoods Festival - a celebration of the west Coast food, lifestyle and hospitality.
Inland the West Coast region has several lakes including Lake Brunner, an area that is gaining attention from visitors - especially fishermen, who come here to fish for the celebrated Brown Trout in the pristine rivers and lakes. The small township of Moana lies at the northern end. Lake Brunner is certainly worth the detour !
Travelling further inland will bring you to Arthur’s Pass, and the highest road link across the Southern Alps. This area is also now a National Park of over 100,000 Hectares, and Arthur’s Pass Village provides a good base for touring the park.
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