WEST COAST WILDERNESS Trail WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL

Mixing rich history with outstanding wilderness - Totara Bridge, Ross © Jason Blair / katabatic.co.nz

TRAIL INFO

GREYMOUTH ROSS 4 Days 132km

4 days 132km Experiences along the trail include gold panning, rafting, jade, wood TRAIL GRADES: and bone carving studios, fishing GREYMOUTH TO KUMARA and scenic flights, as well as the GRADE 2 (EASY) 29km section chance to view unique sculptures, that crosses the Taramakau River In the midst of the Southern Alps on the West glass blowing and the work of before heading inland. A short Coast lies a series of tracks carved by local potters, artists and other detour exists to Shantytown. craftspeople. You can explore the KUMARA TO COWBOY pioneering gold miners. West Coast rainforest and wetlands PARADISE GRADE 2 (EASY) at the West Coast Treetop Walk or 34km section with a gentle climb oday these old tracks, and the narratives of characters West Coast Scenic Waterways. over the Kawhaka Pass. together with extensive water along the way. The trail can be enjoyed equally COWBOY PARADISE TO races, logging tramways and A landscape of epic proportions ridden in either direction between HOKITIKA GRADE 2 (EASY) T 36km easy ride over Pyramid historic railway lines, form the West is revealed on this four-day Greymouth and Ross, and can Hill to Lake Kaniere, stunning Coast Wilderness Trail. adventure: dense rainforest, be enjoyed year round (just Kaniere waterace section then There is something thrilling about glacial rivers, lakes and wetlands, pack an extra layer of clothing). on to Hokitika. riding this trail: this is where much a wild driftwood-strewn coastline Accommodation is available in HOKITIKA TO ROSS of New Zealand’s colonial history and views all the way to the all towns along the way. Bike hire GRADE 2 (EASY) SECTION. began. It weaves a unique trajectory snow-capped mountains of the and trail transport is based in 33km section incorporating through stunning scenery, history Southern Alps. Greymouth and Hokitika. the Treetop Walkways, West Coast Scenic Waterways and outstanding high-value Mahinapua Creek wetlands. look out for... Lake Kaniere MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: A West Coast beauty, There are many areas of the trail Mahinapua Scenic Reserve rich array of native fish and birds. Lake Kaniere is surrounded where there is limited mobile The stunning scenery of this important by snow-capped mountains This impressive wetland area was phone coverage, or none at all. reserve can be enjoyed on the trail by formed through the meeting of the and offers opportunities joining a West Coast Scenic Waterways Hokitika glacier and the Tasman Sea. for water sports, picnics DRINKING WATER: Take a drink cruise or by the 20m-high walk among The resulting swampy margins of the and short walks, bottle with you. You can buy the canopy complete with 40m-high lake and creeks and the surrounding including the track to water at any of the overnight tower at the West Coast Tree Top forests are the perfect habitat for the Dorothy Falls. locations. Walkway. kahikatea, rimu and matai trees, and a 89 Along the Arahura River 6 © Birte Becker-Steel / Wilderness Trail Shuttle MAP LEGEND Tasman Sea r 7 PANCAKES, ANYONE? Grey Rive open section GREYMOUTH A natural phenomenon Heart of the Coast highway section 30 million years in the 6 making, the Punakaiki start / finish point Pancake Rocks is the West point of interest Coast’s most visited natural Paroa attraction. These rocks have i-SITE Visitor Centre undergone a weathering process that has formed bridge Shantytown them, over time, into what town truly look like great, thick Taramakau Bridge pancakes. Depending on the T Nemona café/restaurant a r tide – just ask at the info a Forest m toilets a centre nearby – the water Kumara k a Junction 73 u surges through blowholes car park R iv beneath the rocks e accommodation r and the noise is WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL 6 incredible. The WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL camping KUMARA well-formed shelter stone steps and 1 state highway 73 GREYMOUTH boardwalks TO KUMARA, 29KM 6 Waimea Kapitea lead you Fireworks over Greymouth © Tourism West Coast This flat trail starts opposite INSET: Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki © AA Tourism Forest Reservoir to the best Greymouth Railway Station and viewing A Kumara follows the Grey River floodwall out r ah Reservoir spots. The Greymouth is the largest galleries showcasing sculptures and jewellery, and HOKITIKA ur to the coast. a R blow-holes town on the West Coast and there’s the chance to view carvers hard at work. ive The trail heads south alongside the r its still-present pioneering The town is an ideal base to explore the Central H 73 Tasman Sea to a stone tavern where perform at their ok West Coast it best around high spirit adds much to its appeal. West Coast district – the fabulous Pancake Rocks i Kaniere riders can take a return ride option to k Scenic Waterways a tide with a strong For a photographic history of and Blowholes at Punakaiki, the authentic 1860s Shantytown. The trail then continues

R i v Hurunui Jacks Kawhaka south, crosses the Taramakau River sea swell. the region, visit the History House gold-rush town at Shantytown and some of the e r Forest and heads inland to the historic gold- Museum. The town has numerous greenstone South Island’s best trout fishing at Lake Brunner mining town of Kumara. are all just a short distance away. 6 Greymouth Lake Mahinapua KUMARA TO COWBOY at the mouth of the Grey River • 100km S of Westport on SH 6 Hans Bay Milltown PARADISE, 34KM Ruatapu Treetop Walkway COWBOY PARADISE From Kumara, the trail gradually climbs to Kawhaka Pass (317m). r e iv Lake Riders pass through native forests, itika R Kaniere Hok skirt around lakes and follow rushing 6 water races before passing through the Maori-owned Mawhera Reserve and crossing a stunning gorge to a Ko replica western town called kata • 5 executive studios & suites hi River Cowboy Paradise. • 9 spacious 1 & 2-bedroom units ROSS Greymouth Seaside At the start of the West Coast • Sky Guest Select - 50+ channels COWBOY PARADISE Wilderness Trail, we’re located on the © AA Traveller 2018 TOP 10 Holiday Park • Corporate / Family / Group bookings TO HOKITIKA, 36KM beach with the trail passing through. BOOKINGS 0800 768 510 • Short walk to hospital, supermarket, 0800 521 035 108-110 High St, Greymouth From Cowboy Paradise there Motels | Units | Cabins | Sites aquatic centre, restaurants is a gentle downhill stretch to 2 Chesterfield Street, • Vehicle Storage • Bike Hire Tel: +64 3 768 5100 • Guest laundry the Arahura River, followed by a Greymouth • Shuttle Advice • WiFi • BBQ area Email: [email protected] top10.co.nz • TV room with SKY • Spa • FREE pick-up and drop to train/bus riding 15-minute climb over Pyramid Hill to the trail • Close to West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail Lake Kaniere, a popular boating and Greymouth Kumara Cowboy Paradise Hokitika Ross www.sceniclandmotel.co.nz 29km 34km 36km 33km picnic destination. 400m The trail then follows the Kaniere 200m Water Race to Hurunui Jacks WEST COAST i-SITES (accommodation) and then follows 0m Lake Kaniere Rd to Hokitika, the wild Sundowner Motel Greymouth i-SITE Visitor Centre 14 Smith St, Greymouth food capital of New Zealand. Westport i-SITE & Coaltown • Centrally located at the start of the West Coast Wilderness Trail. Museum Phone: +64 3 768 4666 • TranzAlpine Train & Intercity Coaches arriving & departing daily. E: [email protected] • 40min from start and finish of the Old Ghost Trail HOKITIKA TO ROSS, 33KM • FREE information & bookings – tailored cycle trail packages. Reservations: This final section follows a mix of • Entrance to the Coaltown Museum, West Coast • The West Coast Wilderness Trail showcases some of the best Heritage Experience 0800 080 859 new trail and historic tramline to the scenery on the West Coast with a diversity of landscapes second • Shopping experience on site www.sundowner.co.nz West Coast Scenic Waterway wetland to none. Best ridden over four days starting in either Ross or • Bookings for accommodation, activities & travel cruise then on through oneGreymouth of i-SITE Visitor Information Centre – Greymouth. The trail is • Exceptional local knowledge First motel at New Zealand’s high value wetlandsWilderness Trail Specialists and Booking Agent. We rated Grade 2 easy and • 100% Kiwi-owned & operated. Set back from the road: via a mix of road riding andmake trail it easy with one point of contact for all your offers opportunities for 11 modern studio units, 5 family units, serviced daily. the start of the enquiries, call the experts, located in Greymouth, at cyclists of most abilities. 123 Palmerston St, Westport 7866 • Free WiFi, guest laundry. Free transfers: bus/train. cycle trail riding to the West Coast Treetopsthe start/end of the trail for bike hire, accommodation, • Collect your FREE West Contact the friendly team today on P: +64 3 789 6658 Walk. A mix of road and trailtrack riding transfers for bags, bikes and your group! Pick up • 2min walk to town, shops, restaurants and bars. Coast Wilderness Cycle 0800GREYMOUTH E: [email protected] West Coast Wilderness Trail then leads to Ross. your free Wilderness Trail map and brochure, and take Trail souvenir on mention or 03 7687 080 Centrally located for all tourist attractions. © Jason Blair / katabatic.co.nz home a Wilderness Trail souvenir from our Gift Shop. of this ad. email: [email protected] • Tariff: $115-$160 (2 persons).

90 91 Relaxing, Lake Brunner Hokitika jade shops © West Coast Tourism SHANTYTOWN: BELOW: Shantytown, West Coast You’ve been discovering the BOTH © Tourism West Coast Coast’s golden history – now it’s time to play the part. Shantytown is a replica of an 1860s gold-mining town. Let your imagination run wild as you wander around buildings from the gold- rush era, including the fire station, post office and pub. Stories from yesteryear are told and you can pan for gold and dress in period costume. Admission includes a 20-minute steam-train journey through rainforest. WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL

Golden town Pounamu umara is situated on the renowned Great Alpine Highway (SH 73) that links the West Coast with Christchurch. The village has Ka proud history; it was the site of New Zealand’s last great gold rush country in 1876. Walking tracks leave the centre in all directions – overlooking the Taramakau River, through bush and past gold tailings, water races and lakes. Nearby Lake Brunner is the water playground of the Central West Coast. okitika is a town of many a walk along the wild West Coast As well as the usual watersports; beach and forest walks, caving, wetlands riches. Founded on a gold beach, awash with stories and and rainforest eco-systems will impress. The village of Moana is nestled on Hrush in 1864, it emerged strewn with driftwood. its shores. as a bustling town with a roaring At the National Kiwi Centre, you Lake Kaniere nightlife along its ‘golden mile’. can view kiwi rummaging in dimly lit 24km SE of Hokitika Today, Hokitika retains much of that enclosures and see tuatara, native frontier-town countenance with its fish and 80- to 100-year-old eels. wild west features. Though quieter For panoramic views of the Hokitika now, there’s still plenty of riches to Valley and access to displays of discover – namely, pounamu. 1140 Milltown Road, Lake Kaniere, NZ the mining heritage of the area, Hokitika is located near a traditional head up to the Rimu Lookout at source of pounamu (jade) and the top of Rimu Hill. The one-hour, Planning your there is a range of expertly crafted 4km loop walk takes you over West Coast jewellery and sculptures sold here. the Kaniere Bridge. Alternatively, Wilderness The town’s creative spirit is also pick up a leaflet from the Hokitika Trail evident in its art and craft trail. i-SITE and follow the Heritage Trail adventure? Hokitika’s coastline is an experience that loops the perimeter of the in itself. No visit is complete without township. Cowboy Paradise has so much to offer; from Kumara a corruption of kohimara (a flower) • 28km NE of Hokitika accommodation, bar and restaurant to shooting and THEATRE ROYAL HOTEL organised events. Award-winning Country Hotel

Located 63km along the West Coast Wilderness Trail www.cowboyparadise.co.nz Accommodation • Restaurant • Bar • 7 days Boutique accommodation and cottages. See website for varied accommodation options. e: [email protected]

[email protected] +64 3 736 9277 www.theatreroyalhotel.co.nz PH: +64 3 280 9559 92 93 Treetop Walkway, Hokitika © West Coast Tourism Hokitika Beach © West Coast Tourism RIGHT: Hokitika Museum © davidwallphoto.com Hokitika Museum RIGHT: Tranz Alpine heading to Cass Bank in the winter snow © KiwiRail

TRANZALPINE RAILWAY Quite rightly considered one of the greatest rail Discover the journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine travels WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL region’s stories of WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL between Christchurch and people, pounamu Greymouth daily. In 4.5 and gold at the Shorter cycling options hours you’ll see one stunning Hokitika Museum, scene after the other: the based in the vast Canterbury Plains, restored 1908 Exploring the beauty of this corner near Cowboy Paradise, and ends in Treetop Walk. The ride traverses the braided Waimakariri of the country is best done by bike, Hokitika. Journey through native pristine wetlands and native forest River with its broad swathe Above the treetops Carnegie Public of rocks and silverwater, but if you don’t have the time to forest, a mountain-ringed valley bordering Mahinapua Creek, host Library. It holds a dramatic gorges, towering complete the entire four-day and alongside the glacier-fed to waterfowl and other bird life, superb collection viaducts, shimmering lakes ocated 16km south of Hokitika, provides easy access to life with the stands 40m above the forest floor. West Coast Wilderness Trail then Arahura River and picturesque and a scenic reserve with forest the Treetop Walk is an birds, high in the ancient rimu and The views take in the surrounding that goes all the and the breathtaking climb you don’t need to miss out – shorter Lake Kaniere. giants that were once ubiquitous exhilarating adventure among kamahi tree canopy. If you’ve got a bush, Lake Mahinapua, the Southern way back to 1864 through the alps to Arthur’s L rides on offer include: on the Coast. Contact the Hokitika Pass. Of the 19 tunnels the temperate rainforest giants. A steel head for heights, you will want to Alps and Tasman Sea. A café is when the gold rush Magical Mahinapua (1.5 hours platform 20m high and 450m long climb to the top of the tower that located on site. The Big Day Out (6 to 7-hour ride one way) begins at the Hokitika i-SITE for details. 5km Otira Tunnel is the most first hit town. one way) starts at Kawhaka Intake, i-SITE and ends at the West Coast spectacular. Hokitika to return directly • 40km SW of Greymouth on SH 6

• Seconds to beach and RESERVATIONS: 0800 465 484 glowworm dell, 900m to town • Motels, cottages, power sites & standard cabins 252 Revell St, Hokitika • Ample parking for Ph: +64 3 755 8773 vehicles. Secure bike Fax: +64 3 755 8772 storage. Large group/ Your hosts: E: [email protected] family units Vicki & Allen Heritage Highway www.252beachside.co.nz Hurley • Free WiFi • Pet-friendly Motel • Official accommodation partner with The West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail • Full cooking facilities • 14 quality units • Wireless internet in all units • Closest motel to town centre • 42” LCD TVs in all • Choose from a variety of different room types Tariff: (2 persons) Cottages units • Closest motel to Cycle Trail to suit your budget: • Free 6-hole mini putt course Ross and Glaciers RESERVATIONS and Motels ($100-$170), Standard cabins ($60-$70) • Covered/secure cycle storage • Cycle Trail at gate - The Penthouse – magnificent Tasman Sea views with FREEPHONE: Power sites ($35-$45). 12 Fitzherbert St, Hokitika • P: +64 3 755 8098 true colours of comfort and luxury 0508 252 252 Seasonal rates apply E: [email protected] • www.heritagemotel.co.nz - Luxurious and spacious Oceanview Rooms overlooking the rugged Tasman Sea - Elegant Driftwood Rooms BIKE HIRE & SHUTTLE • Conveniently located to base yourself in Hokitika and complete each day of the trail with easy driving distance BIKE HIRE back to your accommodation • Room service • Free parking • 12 quality ground-floor units SHUTTLE • 8 spacious 1 & 2-bedroom units • Guest laundry service FREE • 4 Studio Spa units with private REPAIRS • Restaurant & Bar • Bottle store on site decks WiFi • Full cooking facilities in all units ACCESSORIES • Secure bike storage on site • Quiet residential location off the main road RESERVATIONS: 0508 54 94 94 33 Tancred St • 50 metres from cycle trail HOKITIKA CYCLES & 111 Revell St, Hokitika • Secure bike storage on request 214 Weld Street HOKITIKA 7810 Hokitika • Sky Guest Select 50+ channels Phone: +64 3 755 8160 Phone: +64 3 755 8344 • Guest laundry Email: [email protected] P: 03 755 8662 Your comfort is our concern Simon & Jill Robinson www.annabellemotel.co.nz www.hokitikasportsworld.co.nz 0800 400 344 www.beachfronthotel.co.nz

94 95 TAKE A TOUR There is a range of guided glacier walks and climbing experiences to suit all ages and abilities. Heli hikes and scenic flights, with or without snow landings, are available, as is a scenic skydive for the adventurous.

Visit glacier WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL Gold rush central country WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL Not too far from the trail’s end is West Coast’s glacier country – the only place in the world he end of the Wilderness The centre also includes a where you can nip out for a During the gold Trail, Ross is just over 100km Miner’s Cottage and the glacier walk and be back for rush of the north of the remarkable original Ross Gaol, a shop T lunch. There are 140 glaciers 1860s, tens of glaciers. In 1909 the town achieved with local art, crafts and flowing from the Southern Alps, thousands of glory by unearthing New Zealand’s souvenirs and you but only the Franz Josef and largest gold nugget, the 2.81 can try your hand at miners swarmed Fox glaciers reach the lower kilogram ‘Honourable Roddy’. gold panning or take to the West Coast rainforests. No trip is complete A replica of this nugget can be the one-hour loop to seek their without catching a glimpse. fortune. seen in the museum in the Ross historic gold trail walk Goldfield’s Information and that leaves from the Ross Twizel Heritage Centre. centre. after Canterbury treasurer, George Ross • 31km SW of Hokitika on SH 6 161km W of Timaru

RIGHT: Royal Spoonbills, White Heron Sanctuary © Ulrich Walthert, White Heron Sanctuary HOTEL BAR CAFÉ COFFEE Tours ABOVE: Ross Railway Bridge © Birte Becker-Steel / Wilderness Trail Shuttle

The peaceful little township of Whataroa can be found between Ross and the Westland/Tai Poutini National Park. The town is a base for trips to the Waitangiroto Nature Ross Beach Enjoy the beachfront location and quirky up- cycled Shipping container accommodation at Reserve where New Zealand’s only breeding colony of TOP 10 Holiday Park Ross Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. Kotuku (white heron) nest. Climb aboard a guided jet 0800 867 024 Motels | Units | Sites boat tour (October to March) to view the birds from an 145 Ross Beach Road, 28km South of Hokitika • 2mins from end Ross, West Coast of Cycle trail • Wifi • Playground, BBQ area, observation hide. Scenic flights to the glaciers are also rossbeachtop10.co.nz Bike hire • Bike storage, car storage whilst available from here. on the Wilderness Trail

Ross Goldfields Information • Premium Hotel ensuite rooms with kitchenettes Beachfront Accommodation Tariff: $160-$190 & Heritage Centre • Standard Hotel ensuite rooms with tea & coffee-making • Direct Beach Access facilities $140-$170 • Opposite Glowworm Dell 4 Aylmer St, Ross, Westland • Laundry Facilities • Free WiFi • Small Farmyard with Animals Phone: +64 3 755 4077 • Apartments, Chalets, Cabins, Email: [email protected] Café & Bar open 7am until late – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Powered and www.rossgoldtown.org.nz 16 Richards Drive, Hokitika Cabinet food and great coffee Non-Powered Sites Email: [email protected] • Free WiFi • Start/Finish of Cycle Trail • History room & audio visual. Reservations: 0800 788 673 MOTELS & HOLIDAY PARK • Beautiful heritage & picnic area, • Gold nugget jewellery & other 2 Weld Street, Hokitika • Ph: +64 3 755 6154 SECURE including Old Gaol, stocks & beautiful souvenirs. Bike Storage 0800 744 646 Historic Miners’ Cottage. • Water race walkway. Toilets. www.stumpers.co.nz www.shiningstar.co.nz • Wilderness Trail T/Shirts.

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