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Home , Arahura River, Hokitika Gorge, Lake Matheson, Oparara Basin

WEST COAST WEST COAST Tour the Wild West Coast

xplore ancient limestone cliffs, rainforest, clean rivers and lakes, Eglowworm caves and old bush native wildlife, rugged beaches and tramways in Charleston, check some of the world’s most accessible out the Pancake Rocks and see the glaciers. It’s hardly surprising that mighty blowholes at Punakaiki, or popular pursuits on the West Coast NATURE IN ITS ELEMENT enjoy the Coal Creek Falls Walkway include walking, river journeys and as you immerse yourself in the exploring local wildlife. THE VIEWS ALONG ‘THE GREAT COAST history of Runanga, where old OPARARA BASIN The past is never far from daily mining roots run deep. BULLER GORGE ROAD’ (WESTPORT TO ) ARE life along this coastline, with State PUNAKAIKI PANCAKE SIMPLY SPECTACULAR. THIS INCREDIBLE Here on the West Coast there is Highway 6 being the main coastal ROCKS AND BLOWHOLES JOURNEY, FLANKED BY THE WILD more protected land than in any route since the gold-mining days, TASMAN SEA AND THE TOWERING, other part of , with and there are endless opportunities FRANZ JOSEF AND only one per cent of the country’s to explore the rich heritage of this SNOW-CAPPED SOUTHERN ALPS, WAS FOX GLACIERS population living on nine per cent of region, New Zealand’s pioneer NAMED ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP 10 WALK the land. Enjoy the remoteness and frontier. COASTAL DRIVES BY LONELY PLANET. absorb the natural delights of lush OKARITO LAGOON Gorge © BackpackerGuide.NZ

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Brewery tour tasting © BackpackerGuide.NZ SENSATIONALLY SCENIC Buller District

Palmerston Street, Westport, West Coast INSET: Punakaiki/Pancake Rocks WESTPORT BOTH © davidwallphoto.com Greymouth

ituated where the mighty Buller River meets the sea, Westport The largest town on the West Coast, Greymouth is the commercial Swas first a gold town and then a coal town, with New Zealand’s centre of the region and the ideal base for exploration. The boom only bituminous coal mine still operating here. Nowadays Westport PUNAKAIKI time for the town was in the 1860s with the gold rush and it’s is known for its adventure activities, the back-country Old Ghost the character gained from these days, along with a still-present unakaiki is the gateway to diverse Paparoa National Park and Road cycle trail, awesome scenery, local arts and excellent dining. pioneering spirit, that makes Greymouth such an appealing town. Pits dramatic limestone formations including the Pancake Rocks Visit the Coaltown Museum for stories of the Pakeha settlers who created and Blowholes. They were formed from the skeletons of marine life Greymouth’s numerous greenstone rainforest lake and the water economic prosperity with the mining and exporting of coal. The town offers deposited on the sea bed then covered by layers of mud and clay. galleries display a range of playground of the Central West an eclectic mix of art and crafts, antiques, collectibles and jewellery. Twenty Earthquakes raised the sea level and formed cliffs and the sea, wind sculptures and jewellery and have Coast – are only a short trip away. minutes drive to the west is Tauranga Bay/Cape Foulwind where a walk and rain then sculpted them into the rock formations we see today. the opportunity to view carvers at Other activities here include white- leads to New Zealand’s most accessible fur seal colony. About 45 minutes When there are strong ocean swells at high tide, the sea thunders work. Shantytown, an authentic water rafting, kayaking, dolphin north of is Oparara Basin, a labyrinth of limestone arches and through the rocks creating huge water spouts or blowholes. The Oparara Arch, Karamea 1860s gold-rush town, and some watching, scenic flights, and to top caves in pristine forest. View the skeletal remains of extinct native birds and © BackpackerGuide.NZ drive here is spectacular; look out for taiko (Westland petrels), , of the South Island’s best trout it off, a brewery tour and tasting at limestone landscapes on a guided tour of the Honeycomb Hill Caves. fur seals and Hector’s dolphins off-shore. fishing at Lake Brunner – a stunning Monteith’s Brewing Company. KARAMEA scented speargrass • 97km NE of Westport on SH 67 GREYMOUTH 250km NW of Christchurch on SH 6 40km SW of Greymouth on SH 6 GREYMOUTH HOKITIKA • Seconds to beach and GREYMOUTH KIWI glowworm dell, 900m Relax & Enjoy HOLIDAY PARK & MOTELS to town Your Outdoor Experience • Motels, cottages, power • 3km south of Karamea. sites & standard cabins Sheltered native bush setting. 252 Revell St, Hokitika HERITAGE PARK   • Ample parking for • Adjacent to estuary access WEST COAST NEW ZEALAND Ph: +64 3 755 8773 to river. Popular for fishing/ vehicles. Secure bike Fax: whitebaiting. +64 3 755 8772 storage. Large group/ E: [email protected] • Internet kiosk & WiFi family units Relaxing surroundings... www.252beachside.co.nz • Tariff (2 persons): motel $95 318 Main South Rd, Greymouth • Free WiFi • Pet-friendly (1 night surcharge $5), cabin • 1min walk to beach • Motel units Sky TV P. +64 3 762 6768 $40-$58, power site $33, tent • FREE Unlimited WiFi • Standard cabins E [email protected] • Full cooking facilities • FREE hot spa & BBQs • Powered and tent sites site $30. • Hot showers included • Laundry • Kitchen/TV lounge • Children’s playground Tariff: (2 persons) Cottages Maori Point Rd, RD 3, KARAMEA • Ph: +64 3 782 6758 • Fax: +64 3 782 6738 • Access facilities • Pets by arrangement RESERVATIONS and Motels ($100-$170), Mob: +64 275 826 158 • Email: [email protected] • www.karamea.com Standard cabins ($60-$70) Phone for reservations: 0800 101 222 www.greymouthkiwi.co.nz FREEPHONE: Power sites ($35-$45). 0508 252 252 Seasonal rates apply WESTPORT after Westport, Ireland • 104km NE of Greymouth JACKSONS 63km SE of Greymouth WESTPORT JACKSON’S RETREAT WESTPORT KIWI ALPINE HOLIDAY PARK HOLIDAY PARK & MOTELS VOTED BEST IN NZ Beachfront Accommodation A tranquil haven set in SH 73, Jacksons, Arthurs Pass West Coast native bush Phone: +64 3 738 0474 Email: [email protected] T • Direct Beach Access • Motels • Self-contained units www.jacksonsretreat.co.nz • Opposite Glowworm Dell • Ensuite chalets • Std chalets/cabins Ride the steam train, pan for gold, watch the holographic show Accommodation for all Travellers • Powered & Non-Powered • Tent/power sites • TV lounge Sites • Undercover RV/Tent Sites • Self-contained & Cosy • Small Farmyard with • Playground • Internet facilities available and get an old time photo. Over 30 shops and buildings to Cabins • Exceptional 5-star luxury facilities Animals • 18 hole mini-golf course on site FREE BBQ, • WIFI • Camp Pantry • Kitchen/dining area • Covered BBQ area explore and lots of fun for kids! Special family prices. BIKES & HOT Westport Your NZ alpine camping experience starts at 16 Richards Drive, Hokitika • Apartments, Chalets, • 5ha of native bush • Dump station SHOWERS Kiwi Jacksons with abundant rainforest wildlife, Email: [email protected] Cabins, Powered and • 10-15min walk to town centre Holiday Rutherglen Road, Paroa (10km South of Greymouth). on-site walking tracks, glow worms & Non-Powered Sites 31-37 Domett Street (PO Box 294), Park spectacular views of the mighty Westport • F +64 3 789 7199 Open 7 days 8.30am - 5.00pm. Phone +64 3 762 6634 EXCLUSIVE . We have it all – MOTELS & HOLIDAY PARK • Free WiFi ON-SITE E [email protected] WALKING fishing, tramping, hiking, biking, TRACKS & hunting, skiing or just relaxing shantytown.co.nz GLOW 0800 744 646 www.shiningstar.co.nz For reservations: +64 3 789 7043 www.westportholidayparks.com WORMS BOOK NOW

112 PAGE 11 - SOUTH ISLAND MAP 113 WEST COAST WEST COAST night-time stroll (with torch) lacier Country offers you a rare opportunity – the chance to north of town will take you to IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO BUY POUNAMU (GREENSTONE A experience a dynamic glacial environment in a temperate the glowworm dell for a close G OR JADE), YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE climate that’s close to the main highway. encounter with these creatures. Dynamic AS THERE IS A WIDE RANGE OF EXPERTLY CRAFTED Although 140 glaciers flow from the Southern Alps, only the Franz Josef and JEWELLERY AND SCULPTURES SOLD HERE. Experience life with the birds Fox glaciers reach the lower rainforests and no West Coast travel would be amongst the ancient rimu and GLACIER COUNTRY complete without seeing them. These huge tongues of ice cut through valleys kamahi treetops on the West Coast and flow down through temperate rainforest to just 270m above sea level in Treetop Walkway 16km south of an accessible wilderness and few sights can match the spectacle of these icy Hokitika. Climb Hokitika Tower, 40m marvels. There is a range of guided glacier walks and climbing experiences above the forest floor, for a bird’s-eye to suit all ages and abilities for both glaciers. Heli-hikes and scenic flights view of alps and ocean. with or without snow landings are also available, as is a scenic skydive for the adventurous. The two glaciers allow different types of glacier experiences, so take the time to visit both. For more information about the 117,547ha Westland/Tai Poutini National Park, visit the Franz Josef i-SITE.

LEFT: hike © West Coast Tourism Hokitika POUNAMU COUNTRY Get inspired by the power and scale Hokitika Beach © BackpackerGuide.NZ RIGHT: Treetop Walkway tower © Birte Becker-Steel / Wilderness Trail Shuttle

okitika is known for its classic West Coast Maori discovered a rich source of pounamu Hbeach, awash with stories and strewn (greenstone) in the , and today you’ll with driftwood. But its beauty extends inland to still find quality greenstone jewellery to buy. Feed the freshwater lakes, unspoilt bush and the magnificent giant eels, which are 85-100 years old, and view a kiwi . Before pioneers struck gold here, as well as a tuatara at the National Kiwi Centre. 0800 800 732 after Emperor Franz Josef of Austria glacierhelicopters.co.nz • 148km SW of Hokitika on SH 6

FRANZ JOSEF HELI HIKE 46 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier Freephone 0800 897 246 www.rainforest.nz

pp* Save $25 The perfect base Rainforest from which to explore New Zealand’s Holiday Park. Glacier Country. Drive in, Promo code AAT for AA special deals. park up, relax.

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Email: [email protected] Web: www.hokitikaglass.co.nz Freephone 0800 807 767 helicopter.co.nz * On presentation of this advert. Valid on direct bookings only, not valid in conjunction with any other offer.

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ox Glacier township offers a more intimate ‘village’ experience Fthan its neighbour Franz Josef. Tucked into the rainforest-clad Fast FOX GLACIER foothills of the Southern Alps, the town is geared up for glacier walks, hikes and flights. There is a range of facilities including cafés Facts & Lake Matheson and restaurants, while the award-winning Lake Matheson Café & Gallery is just 5km away. From the village it’s an easy hike to the foot of the glacier. The first commercial flight in New Zealand was into Lake Matheson © BackpackersNZ.com RIGHT: Warning sign, Fox Glacier valley Haast by pilot Bert Mercer © Department of Conservation PLEASE NOTE in 1934. Flying a DH83 Fox Glaciers are dynamic natural Moth, Mercer started in features and can be dangerous. Hokitika and landed on Always obey the signs and Haast Beach. DO NOT go past the barriers. The Haast Pass DOC rangers change these HAAST (Tioripatea) Highway was signs regularly to show current opened in 1965, the scenic hazards to YOUR safety. If you HAAST IS AT THE HEART OF TE WAHIPOUNAMU UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE 140km road creating a ignore these signs, you are AREA. THERE ARE SMALL SETTLEMENTS, HAAST JUNCTION, HAAST BEACH putting yourself in real danger. vital road link between AND HAAST ITSELF, EACH WITH ITS OWN FRONTIER TOWN ATMOSPHERE. Wanaka and Haast. In 1990, 2.6m ha of ABOVE: Walking near Blue Pools, Haast © BackpackerGuide.NZ southwest New Zealand he road over the Haast Pass is one of the most silvereye, grey warbler, kaka and kiwi all located in the was declared a UNESCO Tscenic in the country. The journey offers a lowland forests. The Haast Highway has numerous World Heritage Area variable landscape of rainforest wetlands, lakes, lookouts, walks and waterfalls, with the Blue Pools of (known to Maori as tumbling waterfalls, glacier-fed rivers and white- Haast just north of Makarora a particular standout. A Te Wahipounamu, the water rapids. gravel path leads to glacier-fed water in deep azure place of the greenstone). Brand guidelines - Motelspools & and Holiday the water is soPark clear you can see right to the This gave international Haast’s attractions are mostly outdoors – fishing, bottom, creating an optical illusion of the brown trout recognition to the area’s hunting, hiking, nature tours, scenic flights, river being suspended in mid air. To the northeast of Haast is outstanding natural safaris and jet-boat rides. The area is also a haven Logo Paringa, a haven for anglers and hunters. Here you can features. for birdwatchers with fantail, tui, bellbird, pigeon, Primary Secondary - whitego bat-spotting background and dine at a boutique salmon farm. FOX GLACIER 23km S of Franz Josef Glacier PARINGA 68km SW of Fox Glacier THE SALMON FARM CAFE & SHOP Set in beautiful native forest overlooking Waituna Creek and the spectacular Merino – Possum – Honey @ Haast Valley. Specialising in fresh and smoked salmon True West Coast Experience The licensed café features a variety of We have a wide range of quality Greyscale only home-cooked food to suit most tastes accommodation to suit individuals, and budgets. couples, families & large groups Feed the salmon, purchase salmon products, • Motels • Self-contained bunk souvenirs and crafts. Free Entry. room & ensuite • Spacious sites for Ph/Fax: 03 751 0837 caravans, RVs and tents Email: [email protected] State Highway 6, Paringa River, 7 DAYS Tariff: from $40-$232 (2p) seasonal South Westland 7834 New Zealand-made Merino Possum www.salmonfarm.co.nz [email protected] clothing, Possum Skin and Fur 0800 624 847 products, Manuka Colours www.haastrivermotels.co.nz Honey, Wild Ferns Skincare HAAST after explorer and geologist • 117km SW of Fox Glacier Yellow Teal Blue products, live working bee Backpacker & Motor Park hive display. Haast Lodge

• Located in the Haast township (just off SH 6) • Come & enjoy our iconic West Coast bar & restaurant CMYK - C0 M16 Y100 K0 CMYK - C100 M10 Y38 K0 CMYK - C100 M62 Y35 K15 • Cosy fire and surroundings RGB• Buses - R255 welcome G210 B0 RGB - R0 G144 B161 RGB - R0 G80 B116 ESRT[6 HEX• Excellent - #ffd200 lunch and dinner menus HEX - #0090a0 HEX - #005073 Pantone• World-famous 109C fish & chips Pantone 320C Pantone 7701C In town location, just a short walk to restaurant, café and playground. • West Coast whitebait here! Santana Large communal kitchen/lounge; backpacker rooms – double/twin/dorm and family • Open 7 days: New opening hours: 10am till late Tahutahi Road, Haast • Ph/Fax: +64 3 750 0791 rooms; van & tent sites. WiFi available. Tariff: $36‑$85 (2 persons), seasonal. (hours may vary over winter season) Font E: [email protected] • www.santana.co.nz Marks Rd, Haast Township • Ph: +64 3 750 0703 • Email: info@ haastlodge.com South Westland, Haast • Ph: +64 3 750 0034 Freephone Reservations 0800 500 703 • www.haastlodge.com Email: [email protected] For everyday use (and supplied to client): The following Adobe typekit fonts haveFree also overnight been used parking for self-contained campervans Poppins Light but are availble to Adobe CS licence holders only 116 PAGE 11 - SOUTH ISLAND MAP 117 Poppins Medium Filson Pro Regular Filson Pro Bold Filson Pro Black

client Haast River Motels & Holiday Park date 26/6/2017