At Cape Foulwind and Tauranga Bay you can explore the coastline and visiting the main attraction - the New Zealand fur seal. A close but safe view allows you to watch the seals swimming, dozing in the sun and feeding their young. Location: Cape Foulwind and Tauranga Bay are on the coastline about 16 km southwest of Westport.
Denniston was the main township of a collection of mining towns built to service the nearby coal mines. It offers magnificent views down to the coastal plains of the Karamea Bight and the mouth of the Waimangaroa River. Location: The turnoff to Denniston is at Waimangaroa, 15 km north of Westport along State Highway 67.
The area around the Fox Glacier township offers visitors a rare opportunity to easily acess a dynamic glacial environment in a forested area while within driving and walking distance from the main highway. Location: Fox Glacier township is situated on SH6, 171 km south of Hokitika.
The Franz Josef Glacier offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience a dynamic glacial environment, in a temperate environment, while being within easy driving and walking distance from the main highway. Location: Franz Josef Glacier is located in Westland National Park on the West Coast, 5 kilometres from Franz Josef township.
The newly built Grassy Flat Hut lies 12 km up the Styx River. Grassy Flat historic site was once a thoroughfare for prosepctors during the gold rush days. Location: Grassy Flat Hut sits 12 km up the Styx River on the true left valley side.
If you want a physical challenge and have the necessary skills and experience have a backcountry adventure in the Greymouth area! Location: Backcountry opportunities can be found in the Greymouth Area in the coastal ranges and the mountain ranges of the Southern Alps.
The area surrounding Greymouth offers walks that provide great views of the sea, examples of native forests, waterfalls and coal and gold mining history. Location: Greymouth is located on the West Coast, South Island.
A diverse region, Haast stretches from Knight's point to the Cascade Valley and inland to the forest-lined Haast Pass. You'll find varied scenery, chances to view wildlife and many recreational opportunities. Location: The Haast region stretches from Knight's Point in the north to Jackson Bay Okahu in the south and inland to the forest-lined Haast Pass.
Lake Brunner is a great area to get out and explore with recreational acitivites such as boating, walking, and fishing. Location: Lake Brunner is located 37km from Greymouth.
Lake Kaniere is one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand. There are several picnic places and one camping area, numerous short walks including two walkways and the lake offers opportunity for a number of water sports. Location: Lake Kaniere is 19 km east of the town of Hokitika on the West Coast.
Lake Mahināpua is a scenic reserve that offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, walking and water based activities. Location: Lake Mahināpua is located 10 km south of Hokitika on the West Coast.
The Moeraki Valley offers good tramping for the fit and experienced. The U-shaped valley is typical of those carved out by glaciers during repeated glacial periods, the most recent about 14,000 years ago. Location: Drive 40 km north of Haast Junction to where the Haast to Paringa Cattle Track is located at a small car park just past Mimi Creek.
Nelson Creek is an excellent spot to go walking, camping and exploring. With historic water races, tunnels, recreational gold fossicking and a number of short walks, there is plenty to do. Location: 25 km from Greymouth.
Ōkārito is a coastal settlement bounded by ocean, estuary, sea cliffs, lush forest and unsurpassed views of the Southern Alps. Thousands of native birds visit the lagoon and many make their home in the vicinity. Location: Drive 15 km north from Franz Josef Township on State Highway 6 to an Ōkārito Forks turnoff signposted on the left. Drive 13 km along a sealed road to Ōkārito.
Oparara Basin is one of the finest features of the Kahurangi National Park. The 35 million-year-old complex of limestone caves, arches and channels is popular with walkers, cavers and nature lovers. Location: The basin is about 20 km north of Karamea.
The famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are just a 20 minute loop walk from where you park your vehicle on the main highway at Punakaiki. Location: These are located at Dolomite Point, near the little settlement of Punakaiki which is located on SH 6, 40 minutes drive north of Greymouth and 50 minutes south of Westport.
Reefton is surrounded by the 180,000ha Victoria Conservation Park, named after the Victoria Ranges that run almost its entire length. It's a quintessentially kiwi town, with a heritage character that alludes to its colonial past. Location: Reefton can be accessed from Christchurch via Springs Junction or from Nelson via Murchison. The West Coast towns of Westport and Greymouth are both within an hour's drive.
Ross Bell Tower on the West Coast is a historic landmark in the Ross town. The tower has been restored and rebuilt by DOC, and you can hear the bell being rung on special occasions. Location: The tower is located in the West Coast town of Ross, a 25 minute drive south of Hokitika.
This ancient kahikatea swamp forest provides a glimpse back in time to what much of the West Coast may have looked like prior to human settlement. Location: Located near Haast.
The Southern Paparoa Range contains gold mining history, beautiful native forests and panoramic views from the Main Divide to the Tasman Sea. Location: The Paparoa Range is located north of Greymouth and are accessible via a range of tracks, the most popular being the Croesus and Moonlight Tracks. See the tracks and walks section below for more detailed directions to the start of these walks.
The Springs Junction-Lewis Pass area provides visitors with a number of recreational opportunities. Location: Springs Junction is located 43km east of Reefton. The Lewis Pass is between Springs Junction and the Boyle Village.
Situated south of Jackson Bay, Stafford Bay is along an old road constructed in 1876, and leading from Jackson Bay to the Smoothwater River, over Stafford Saddle and onto the Cascade Plateau. Location: Approximately 50 km south of the Haast Junction you will find Stafford Bay signposted at a roadside car park 500 m before the Jackson Bay wharf.
Victoria Forest Park is the largest park of its type in the country. There is access to the park via a network of tracks, many dating from the mining days with relics amid regenerated forest. Location: Access is via the State Highways that surround and dissect the Park as well as a number of secondary roads.
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Paparoa National Park
Kahurangi National Park
Stop the spread of didymo Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code: 1. Plan your trip 2. Tell someone 3. Be aware of the weather 4. Know your limits 5. Take sufficient supplies
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