The wildest side of New Zealand

Maori were first to discover the West Coast, seeking sacred pounamu (nephrite jade or greenstone). Gold fever in the 1860s brought Europeans, many of whom stayed on to start farming, forestry and businesses.

The locals are known as 'coasters', a term synonymous with friendliness and hospitality. Isolated from the rest of New Zealand by the Southern Alps, coasters have developed a distinctive culture of their own. Their pioneering values of self-reliance and loyalty are as strong today as they were 100 years ago.

Ancient rivers of ice
Of all the glaciers in the Southern Alps, only the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers have crept as far as the rainforests. These giant tongues of ice have squeezed down their valleys to just 250 metres above sea level.

Punakaiki's pancake rocks
The pancake rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki are among the West Coast's most famous sights. The fascinating 'pancakes' are thin, horizontal layers of limestone, about two to four centimetres thick.

The Oparara Arches
The largest of the three limestone arches at Oparara is a natural tunnel 200 metres long, 49 metres wide and 37 metres high. A riverbank walkway will lead you through silver beech forest right into the arch.

The port town of Westport is the largest centre of the Northern West Coast and the perfect starting point for exploring the region's heritage and scenery.

Westport is a great base to explore nearby Karamea ( home to the Heaphy trek and ancient limestone caves ).Explore historic Denniston coal mine in Grannity. You have plenty of choices when it comes to sampling the local fare, including a number of cafés, restaurants and eateries, offering a quick bite to award-winning cuisine.

Westport is steeped in history; a visit to Coaltown Museum will help you imagine life as it was for New Zealand's pioneering coal miners as you walk through a simulated underground coal mine. Nature lovers can visit the Cape Foulwind Seal Colony, and the nearby coastal walkway offers views of the magnificent West Coast sunsets.

Further south is the famous blowholes of Punakaki and the beautiful scenic coastal road to Greymouth.

Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast. It has historic buildings dating back to its heydays in the gold rush era. In 1860, government agent James Mackay purchased the whole of the area from local Maori for $600 on behalf of the government. Gold was struck in 1864 and the town of Greymouth was founded. Named for the Grey River, it commemorates George Grey, then Governor of the Colony of New Zealand.

The famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are just 35 minutes‚ drive away. Blackball, the birthplace of socialism, is 25 minutes‚ away and the beautiful Lake Brunner only 35 minutes by car. Hokitika, a tourist-orientated, former gold fields capital, is a half-hour drive. For the more adventurous, a two and a half hour trip will get you to the glaciers ˆ plenty of time to get there and back in a day. Westport and the famous Denniston plateau beckon, just an hour and a half to the north.

Deemed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Area, the West Coast must be seen to be truly believed, combining natural, awe-inspiring beauty and history with breath-taking views of lakes, native bush, rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls.

Greymouth has grown to become the largest town on the West Coast, situated at the mouth of the Grey River, reached from both west and north by winding, mountainous roads that are an attraction in themselves. It is also the terminus for the famous TranzAlpine train from Christchurch and a busy centre for coaches and shuttles taking visitors on tours to other destinations on the West Coast and on to Nelson.

Greymouth is an easy base for exploring the area due to its central location.

Hokitika is the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast. Experience the stories of nature, history and culture that are at the very heart of Hokitika. They are displayed within its many heritage sites, restored buildings and walkways. Hokitika lies between the ocean and the river, with the mighty Southern Alps as a backdrop, Hokitika embraces the very essence of West Coast hospitality.

Hokitika is home to New Zealand's finest Pounamu (jade). View world renowned carvers at work, purchase a true New Zealand Maori treasure, or design and carve jade yourself, guided by a professional tutor. Take in the beauty of fine Rimu forest and granite cliffs of the Hokitika Gorge. Walk the swing bridge over tranquil turquoise blue waters.

Vist the national Kiwi centre to see live eels,kiwi,tuatara and much more.Enjoy a paddle boat journey on the tranguil Mahinapua waterways.

On the central West Coast is the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier and located a short distance is the township small towns of Franz Joseph. The town is a great a base from which to visit the glaciers and the other attractions of the area such as the beautiful Lake Matheson. Here, on a clear day, Mount Tasman and Mount Cook are reflected in the waters of the lake.

From the dramatic Alpine environment of the Southern Alps, including New Zealand's highest peaks and glaciers, to Westland's tranquil wetlands and rugged coastline, Franz Josef offers a range of activities that allows visitors to fully experience the scenic beauty of this rainforest and glacier region.

Attractions include: Helicopter Flights over the Glaciers to Fox and Franz or Mount Cook Scenic plane flights White Heron Sanctuary Tours Scenic Rain Forest Tours Guided Fishing Trips Heli-Hike on the Glacier Guided walks on the Clacier Full or Half Day Glow Worms kayak on Lake Mapourika Bush walks