Sights & Activities
Unforgettable Sights
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes – when the wind blows and the tide is high, geysers of water shoot from the rocks.
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers – huge glaciers nestled in forested valleys are a remarkable sight.
Adrenaline-rush
Heli-hiking – heli-hike your way around ancient rivers of ice on a West Coast glacier.
Whitewater rafting – experience the thrill of grade 3 to 5 rapids in the Buller River Gorge.
Relax & Indulge
TranzAlpine – traverse the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine rail journey from Christchurch to Greymouth.
Visit craft studios – watch talented artisans create stunning sculptures.
Top Picks
Culture
Shantytown, near Greymouth – a glimpse into life in colonial New Zealand (
www.shantytown.co.nz).
Road Trip
The Coast Road, which starts at Charleston and ends just north of Greymouth, hugs the ruggedly beautiful coastline.
Luxury
Lake Brunner Lodge – luxury accommodation surrounded by protected wilderness (
www.lakebrunner.co.nz).
Inexpensive or free
Glow-worm spotting – look for glow-worms that appear in damp areas of bush when darkness falls.
Culinary experience
Wildfoods Festival, Hokitika – for those visiting in March, this annual event is famous for adventurous ‘bush tucker’ (
www.wildfoods.co.nz).
Exclusive Dining
The Bay House Café & Restaurant, Westport – watch the waves rolling in as you sample award-winning Aotearoa cuisine (
www.bayhousecafe.co.nz).
Casual Dining
Karamea Village Hotel – from family dining to à la carte, including local delicacies such as whitebait (t. +64 3 782 6800).
Swishy Bar
West Coast Wine Bar, Hokitika – relax in warm, intimate surroundings and enjoy a cocktail or freshly brewed liqueur espresso (
www.westcoastwine.co.nz).
Cosy Pub
Haast World Heritage Hotel – top class pub with great food (
www.world-heritage-hotel.com).
Shop or Gallery
Bonz ‘n’ Stonz, Hokitika – jade, bone, paua or mother of pearl carved on site (
www.bonz-n-stonz.co.nz).
