WILD ABOUT NEW ZEALAND - WILD WEST COAST EPISODE GUIDE 2013
Episode Five: “Wild West Coast” – Westland Tai Poutini, Paparoa and Kahurangi, Wild About New Zealand Series. Aired: Tuesday, October 1st, 8.30 on TV ONE
By Gus Roxburgh
The Wild About New Zealand Episode guides provide a simple overview for viewers on planning a trip to the National Park featured in the TV series. What can you visit? What is easily accessible? What needs more planning and preparation? Plus top tips on things to do in and around the National Parks. The guides are written by series presenter, Gus Roxburgh who spent 18 months on adventures – both big and small, in all our National Parks featured in the series. The information is designed to get New Zealanders to move from the inspiration of the TV series to action - and head out to explore our world renowned National Parks.
Gus is presenter of the TV series, Wild About New Zealand, and principal author of the book of the series being published by Random House in October 2013
Content developed with West Coast Official, Department of Conservation and Jasons Travel Media.
For more information on the Abel Tasman National Park please visit: Wild About New Zealand Travel Information Web Site
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Episode Guide Sections :
i. Essential Travel Information incl. Why You Should Visit, What is So Special, Getting There & 5 Top Things to Do ii. Expanded Itineraries incl. Gus’ Picks for 1 and 2 Day Trips to Westland, Paparoa and Kahurangi National Park
‘WILD WEST COAST’ – WESTLAND, PAPAROA AND KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK
Westland National Park by Gareth Eyre
ESSENTIAL WESTLAND, PAPAROA AND KAHURANGI TRAVEL INFORMATION Why You Should Visit and What is So Special Getting There Gus’ Top 5 Things to Do in Westland, Paparoa and Kahurangi
AS SEEN ON TELEVISION – WILD ABOUT NEW ZEALAND.
Areas of Westland, Paparoa and Kahurangi seen in the October 1st episode of Wild About New Zealand that can easily be visited (for marked locations you may need specialist equipment and experience and/or travel with an specialist guide):
Westland Tai Poutini National Park including:
Franz Josef Glacier Fox Glacier
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Paparoa National Park including:
Pancake Rocks of Punakaiki Exploring Okarito
Kahurangi National Park including:
Walking the Heaphy Track
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT THE ‘WILD WEST’ – WESTLAND, PAPAROA AND KAHURANGI
By Gus Roxburgh
With three national parks the Coast is nirvana for those seeking a bit of the ‘park life’. Starting in the south Westland/Tai Poutini national park stretches from the snowy heights of the main divide to the wild waters of the Tasmam where the Taniwha Poutini swims protecting both the people and the Maori, or lifeforce, of the pounamu greenstone found in so many of the rivers of this region. This Park is also part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, a UNESCO designated area of global ecological importance that also encompasses Aorkai/Mt Cook, Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks.
Further north the tiny Paparoa National Park has been called the ‘limestone landscape’ by reknowned photographer and conservationist Craig Potton, and for good reason. Here craggy escarpments burst from the impossibly vivid green native bush and there’s as much to discover below the ground as above. Filming in Cataract Myopia, one of the many thousand sinkholes or tomos that pepper this porous landscape, we entered an underworld experienced only by a select few to find the drama of the landscape above the surface is reflected by the unseen beauty below.
Finally to the north is Kahurangi, our newest national park and a sprawling wilderness that Emeritus Professor of Botany, Sir Alan Mark, describes as an “ark from the Pleistocene epoch”, for within it’s boundaries lies the countries largest variety of habitats, landforms, plants and animals.
The Wild West Coast is the perfect place for a road trip taking in this stunning trifecta of national parks.
TOP FIVE – Gus’ Top Five Things to do in Westland Tai Poutini National Park
1. Walk to Lake Matheson just before sunset for the photograph of a lifetime. 2. Tramp up the scenic Copeland Valley and dip in the hot pools at Welcome Flat 3. Kayak the Okarito estuary and cruise slowly by the nesting White Herons. 4. A guided trek among ice caves and crevasses on Franz Josef Glacier. 5. The Fox Glacier Valley Walk, to get up close to this amazing river of ice.
TOP FIVE – Gus’ Top Five Things to do in Paparoa National Park
1. If the surf is up, take an impromptu shower at Pancake Rocks and blowholes 2. Kayak up the Pororari River through limestone gorges and rainforest 3. Explore the hidden depths of the Nile River caves 4. Meet the bold and feisty Westland Black Petrels at their nest colony 5. Trek in the footsteps of the gold miners 3 | P a g e Wild About New Zealand Episode Guide
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TOP FIVE – Gus’ Top Five Things to do in Kahurangi National Park
1. Tramp the Heaphy Track - the longest of NZ’s 9 Great Walks. 2. Mountain bike the Mount Arthur Tableland circuit 3. Chopper in and raft out down the Karamea River 4. After dark at Kohaihai, searching for giant carnivorous snails. 5. Exploring cave systems of Oparara Basin. Caves for all levels of experience.
More Information on the ‘Wild West’ – Westland, Paparoa and Kahurangi National Park:
Wild About New Zealand Westland Visitor Park Page: http://www.wildaboutnewzealand.co.nz/westland-national-park/ Wild About New Zealand Paparoa Visitor Park Page: http://www.wildaboutnewzealand.co.nz/paparoa-national-park/ Wild About New Zealand Kahurangi Visitor Park Page: http://www.wildaboutnewzealand.co.nz/kahurangi-national-park/ West Coast Official: http://www.westcoastnz.com/ Jasons Encounter Outdoor Adventure Guide: http://jasons.co.nz/west-coast/activities-attractions DOC Westland National Park: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/westland-tai-poutini/ DOC Paparoa National Park: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/paparoa/ DOC Kahurangi National Park: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/kahurangi/
Gus is principal author of Wild About New Zealand – the book of the series being published by Random House in October 2013
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Expanded Itineraries
One, Two and Four Day Suggested Itineraries.
Westland National Park by Julian Apse
WESTLAND NATIONAL PARK
ONE DAY– Gus’ suggestions for those with one day in Westland Ta Poutini
Walking to the Fox Glacier - the track winds its way up valley though a chaotic jumble of rocks, all put there by the glacier as it carved bits off the Southern Alps on its grinding descent. The return trip takes about an hour and is 2.6 kilometres. For those with deeper pockets, helicopter onto the Franz Josef glacier where you’ll be dropped with a guide can explore deep blue ice caves and gaze into deep crevasses.
Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman are reflected in the tranquil waters of Lake Matheson, which was also the terminus of the Fox Glacier when at its maximum during the ice ages. The lake is now surrounded by kahikatea forest, which you wander through to access the view points. Great at dawn or dusk, the track around the lake is 2.6 kilometers and takes 1 hour 30 minutes.
Alex Knob Track is a steady climb through lowland forest up to sub alpine cedar and tree daisy forest then alpine meadows which offer spectacular views of glaciers, mountains and seascapes. This 17 kilometre return journey for experienced, well equipped trampers takes 8 hours. More: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/west- coast/glaciers/alex-knob-track/
Kayak the Okarito Lagoon down to the breeding colonies of kotuku (white heron) and royal spoonbill. As you paddle quietly beside the nesting trees, birds will continue tending their 5 | P a g e Wild About New Zealand Episode Guide
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young oblivious of your presence. The reserve is by permit only and is open from late October to late February. You can also cruise the lagoon by jet boat (which slows to a crawl when passing the colony).
TWO PLUS DAYS – Gus’s suggestions for those with a couple of days in Westland Ta Poutini
Walk into the Welcome Flat to overnight in the hut and soak in the natural hot pools and gaze at the looming Southern Alps and stars above. The track through rata forest was built over 100 years ago to provide access for keen and able tourists to get from the West Coast, over the Southern Alps to the Hermitage Hotel. From road to pools is 18 kilometers one way and takes 6-7 hours.
Paparoa National Park by Christian Michel
PAPAROA NATIONAL PARK
ONE DAY – Gus’ suggestions for those with one day in Paparoa
Punakaiki, Pororari River loop – a short easy walk visiting limestone cliffs and canyons.
Kayak the Pororari River – through limestone gorges and native forest. No experience necessary and great for kids. Or, you can walk the track beside the river.
Fox River track - takes you upriver to the spectacular ballroom rock overhang. Bring a bright torch to see fantastic and fragile stalactite and stalagmite formations. It isn’t too difficult but wear descent footwear.
Truman Track and beyond – a great walk down onto the beaches where penguins nest. Marvel at overhangs and caves of fossils and magic twilight grottos.
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Bullock Creek Track – a great tramp if you want a big, challenging day out in wonderful limestone landscapes with numerous river crossings. Don't attempt during flood.
TWO DAYS PLUS – Gus’s suggestions for those with a couple of days in Paparoa
The Inland Pack Track – crosses the Punakaiki, the Pororari River and the Bullock Creek River, the start point for Mt Bovis and Cave Creek walks. Head to the forested limestone canyon of Dilemma Creek. No huts, so take a tent and overnight at the Ballroom Overhang. Take the Fox River track out and visit the Fox River Cave.
Cave rafting the Nile River cave system. A guided adventure in a wetsuit and a rubber tube. Float down an underground river lit by one of the best displays of glowworms in NZ. If this isn’t your style, you can also explore other parts of this awe-inspiring cave system on foot.
Kahurangi National Park by Phil Le Cren
KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK
ONE DAY – Gus’ suggestions for those with one day in Kahurangi
Horse Trek along Wharariki Beach – one of several treks available, but this beach ride takes you through caves and past seal pups playing in rock pools and finally ends up on Puponga Farm Park with views of the National Park. Would suit older children (10+).
River Rafting the Buller River Gorge – its fun and its furious. From Murchison, the ‘whitewater capital’ of New Zealand, the Buller River picks up the power of a number of other rivers and then plunges into the Buller Gorge… get set for some great class 2 to class 4 whitewater rafting. This fast and furious ride contrasts with the tranquility of Pink Granite Canyon.
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Walks from the start of the Heaphy Track at Kohaihai. Scott’s Beach (2,4, or 8 hour loop options); Nikau Loop 40 min, Katipo Creek 3-5 hours; On some of these walks you may encounter NZ’s giant carnivorous snails (totally protected).
TWO DAYS PLUS – Gus’s suggestions for those with a couple of days in Kahurangi
Clamber up Mt Owen, at 1875m, it is the highest point in the park. Spectacular geology, birdlife and on a good day the views are brilliant. There are several ways to reach the summit, with the northern route easier than the southern access. From the north, either approach via Granity Pass Hut. Though some might go up and back in a long day, best plan for an overnight in the hut.
Cave exploring at Honeycomb Hill Cave System, Oparara – A guided caving experience in system with 70 entrances plus New Zealand’s largest limestone arches and delicate features like cave coral, petals, pearls and rimstone pools. Oparara caves contain moa bones and a large and varied collection of sub fossil bird bones… many now extinct.
Tramp from Big River to Kahurangi Lighthouse – a real wilderness experience with spectacular coastal views, lots of animals and plants of interest and comfy DOC huts to stay the night. This one can take 2-4 days depending how much exploring you do along the coast and around Kahurangi Point..
Walk (or bike in winter only) the Heaphy Track – this track has it all and you can walk it from either end. From the west you begin on golden sand beaches alongside roaring seas (check tides). Then push on up through nikau palm glades, into lush, ancient forests rich in bird life… at night you will hear (and maybe see) rare Great Spotted Kiwis. The track then crosses tussock downland (be careful in fog). Every day is wonderfully different. It is a well- made track. Allow 4-6 days. More: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks- and-walks/nelson-tasman/golden-bay/heaphy-track/
More Information:
For more information on the Abel Tasman National Park please visit: Wild About New Zealand Travel Information Web Site
Other Resources:
Wild About New Zealand – Westland National Park page Wild About New Zealand – Paparoa National Park page Wild About New Zealand – Kahurangi National Park page Department of Conservation: Westland National Park Department of Conservation: Paparoa National Park Department of Conservation: Kahurangi National Park West Coast Official: http://www.westcoastnz.com/ Jasons Encounter Outdoor Adventure Guide: www.jasons.co.nz
Wild About New Zealand Partner Information & Media:
Working with the Wild About New Zealand television series on TVNZ’s ONE are a number of partners responsible for important parts of the programme or related media:
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WILD ABOUT NEW ZEALAND - WILD WEST COAST EPISODE GUIDE 2013
Wild About New Zealand Television Series on ONE. Tuesdays 8.30 pm starting September 3rd 2013. New Zealand on Air (the TV series was funded from NZOA’s Platinum Fund). Gus Roxburgh - More information on Gus Roxburgh – presenter of the series. Department of Conservation National Park Information - DOC’s detailed information on each National Park NHNZ - the iconic New Zealand based production company who worked with TVNZ creating the TV series Wild About New Zealand Book - The book of the series published by Random House, October 2013 Wild About New Zealand Visitor Information - supporting web site offering visitor information and deals Jasons Encounter – New Zealand Outdoor Adventure Activity and Attractions Information Wild About New Zealand Outdoor Safety Videos - outdoor safety videos sponsored by Macpac Macpac Outdoor Equipment - Outdoor equipment sponsor to the series and the related Outdoor Safety Videos Wild About New Zealand Facebook Page - for behind the scenes on production and visitor information
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