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Rich & Elaine's Overseas Adventures
New Zealand’s West Coast Adventure
At least once a year we personally need a West Coast fix. This isolated pristine coast stretches between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea, and we never tire of the rawness of the beauty, the pristine rain forests, the wild surf beaches and the icy glaciers that spill into the Tasman Sea.
The West Coast is a sparsely populated playground amidst spectacular snow capped mountains, wildlife colonies, mining history, excellent fishing and black water rafting that all make New Zealand’s West Coast adventure a don’t miss.
Whether you choose to take your own rental car, campervan or join a guided tour, this New Zealand West Coast adventure is high on the list of New Zealand's 101 Must-Do’s. This trip can be done via Christchurch to Queenstown or visa versa, or a loop adventure from Christchurch needing a minimum of 4 days, more is better.
Travelling from South to North
 You arrive at Haast Township after travelling over the scenic Haast Pass through the Southern Alps from Wanaka. A side trip up the Haast or Waiatoto Rivers in an enclosed jet boat exposes you to the vast expanse of wilderness, culture, history and geology in a World Heritage area. North of Haast drop into The Salmon Farm and Café specializing in deliciously fresh and smoked salmon straight from the pure west coast waters. We recommend the salmon pate.
The West Coast Glaciers, Fox and Franz Joseph are in close proximity to each other spilling giant rivers of ice through dramatic glacial valleys. Both glaciers are easily assessable to the base on foot, guided glacial hikes and heli-hikes are available. There are great café’s, restaurants, and a variety of good accommodation in both townships. Six kms west of Fox Township is Lake Matheson, famous for its mirror-like reflections of Mt Cook, there is a well graded loop track with spectacular views around the lake edge.
Thirty minutes north of Franz Joseph Glacier near Whataroa is the White Heron Sanctuary, it is advisable to book ahead to see these native Herons, Royal Spoonbills and Little Shags in their natural environment.
 At the sea side town of Hokitika, drop into New Zealand Greenstone and see jewelry being designed and manufactured. Also see hand blown and free form glassware at the Hokitika Glass Studio. The National Kiwi Centre is also located at Hokitika; see live Kiwis in a nocturnal display, also giant eels and tuatara lizards. And of course the annual March Hokitika Wild Food Festival is an event of a life time.
Between Greymouth and Westport are the famous New Zealand West Coast Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blow holes formed 30 million years ago from fragments of skeletons and shells. These stacked rocks have been sculptured over millions of years by wind rain and sea water. Take a side trip north of Westport to the historic Denniston Coal Mine where there is great information telling the stories of the lives and hardships of these hardy settlers to  New Zealand’s West Coast.
For those hardy New Zealand West Coast travelers with a bit more time to spend should take the drive from Westport north to Karamea. This drive through the luxuriant podacarp rain forests is the icing on the cake. Karamea is a haven between the mountains and the sea it caters to bird watchers, botanists, geologists, hikers, cavers, hunters and fishermen. It is the gateway to the Heaphy Track a 4 to 5 day traverse across to Golden Bay. There are many excellent walking tracks and all the cafes and pubs specialise in whitebait patties a seasonal New Zealand West Coast delicacy that all Kiwi’s love.
No New Zealand West Coast adventure is complete without a trip through the Buller River Gorge, offering rafting, jet boating, trout fishing and white baiting. It is a spectacular drive with lots of short walking tracks along the way. We hope you, like us, will cherish this special part of New Zealand.
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