Great Weekend Destinations: Westcoast Region

Last month we explored Nelson and this month we are moving 220 km southwest to the West Coast Region.

Often described as an "untamed natural wilderness" the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is incredibly beautiful and one could stay for months exploring the wilderness and beauty whilst never running out of new and exciting adventures.

I have picked a few weekend destinations however feel free to click on the link and explore further options.

https://westcoast.co.nz

"You can expect things to be different on the West Coast – more real, bigger, much greater than you thought. From the highest of mountains, stunning coastal scenery to abundant rainforests and absolutely everything in between. The world's most accessible glaciers, a UNESCO Heritage area, natural arches big enough to park a truck in, New Zealand's West Coast has so much to offer.

Be prepared to be astounded! This is New Zealand's West Coast.

​This is the Untamed, Natural, Wilderness."

"DISCOVER NEW ZEALAND'S MOST DIVERSE LANDSCAPE

Glacier Country is a unique area where you can enjoy the freedom to explore New Zealand’s most diverse, unaltered natural landscapes - from the mountains and glaciers to the sea - and to immerse yourself in pure nature.

The Glacier Country region stretches from Ōkārito and Whataroa in the north through Franz Josef Glacier and on to Fox Glacier in the south. The region provides access to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in New Zealand including its highest mountains, longest glaciers, tallest forests, wildest rivers, and most rugged coastlines."

https://westcoast.co.nz/visit/about/west-coast-regions/glacier-country/

TRAVEL THE GREAT COAST ROAD

"As one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world, according to Lonely Planet, the Great Coast Road takes you alongside the ancient limestone cliffs of Paparoa National Park.

Along the way, experience underground rafting at Charleston, caving at Fox River on your way to the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki. Slow down and enjoy your journey through Charleston, Fox River, Punakaiki, Barrytown, Rapahoe and Runanga, through to Greymouth."

https://westcoast.co.nz/visit/about/west-coast-regions/punakaiki/

The Hokitika Gorge

"The Hokitika Gorge is one detour you won’t regret taking. You’ll be teased with glimpses of the otherworldly colour of the water through the trees as you make your way along the track.

This is an easy walk through lush native bush to a rocky gorge with calm turquoise blue water caused by hard work high in the mountains where rocks are ground into a fine powder by the movement of glaciers.

Hokitika Gorge is a short walk from the car park through a mainly rimu and podocarp forest to a viewing platform where the water has to be seen to be believed.

​An awesome viewing platform is just 4 minutes from the car park and this part of the track is accessible for wheelchairs.

Carry on further to an impressive swing bridge and the granite rocks of the gorge's walls.

For good views further up the gorge, cross the swing bridge and when you come to the end, turn left (straight ahead leads to private farmland). The track continues for another 200m through the bush to another viewing platform with looking out to the gorge upstream of the bridge."

https://westcoast.co.nz/visit/plan-your-trip/hokitika-gorge/