Westland (New Zealand)
From Wikitravel
Westland lies on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Its landscape is a combination of rugged narrow coastline, subtropical rainforests and high mountains.
Initially European development was based on gold and coalmining as well as forestry and farming. Now this heritage and the spectacular scenery make tourism a major industry.
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[edit] Other destinations
[edit] Understand
Parts of Westland receives some of the highest rainfall in New Zealand, and the world. Be prepared and bring a decent raincoat. This is during the Summer months as in Winter the area has some of the nicest weather around New Zealand.
[edit] Get in
- There are 2 airports in Westland, Westport and Hokitika. There are regular flights to and from major centres.
- Buses and Shuttles are common and run from all areas of the South Island to the main area of Westland. See Greymouth.
[edit] Get around
State highway 6 runs right up the West Coast and is suitable for all forms of transport. Caution is suggested if driving a campervan on this road as some corners and turning areas are very tight.
- Cycling and Motorcycles are very popular ways of seeing Westland but be prepared for long rides between Towns.
[edit][add listing] See
- New Zealand has a series of large national park along the scenic Southern Alps. Westland National Park is one of the most popular and accessible but can only be reached from Westland. The park contains the western slopes of Mt. Cook as well as the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, the two most accessible glaciers in the Southern Hemisphere. It is possible to drive almost to the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier.
- Punakaiki is situated along the coast south of Westport. The Pancake rocks are a photogenic series of rock columns which have been weathered in such a way that they resemble a stack of pancakes. Sea spray frequently covers the walkways as there are a number of blow holes situated between the columns. On a nice day there is also a good view of the dramatic coastline stretching away to the south.
- Lake Matheson is a scenic location near to Fox. When the weather is calm and clear the lake acts as a mirror reflecting the mountains - including Mt Cook - above Fox.
[edit][add listing] Do
- Hike up to and over the snout of Franz Josef glacier.
- Hike up to and over the snout of Fox glacier.
- If the weather is nice go on a heli-hike from Fox to the top of the glacier where the ice is blue!
- If you're leaving by car get up early and see how many hours you can drive before meeting another vehicle on the road.
- The entire coastline is filled with a huge selection of National Parks and can offer some of the most breathtaking scenic walks in the world.
- Try whitewater Rafting in Greymouth or make a knife in Barrytown.
[edit][add listing] Eat
Westland is the major source of Whitebait, a New Zealand delicacy. The tiny fingerlings of native fish are pan fried whole in an egg patty.
- Other wild foods are also found here. including Possum pies and stew.
[edit][add listing] Drink
At one time Hokitika, alone, had over 100 drinking establishments. Now you will be hard pressed to find that many in the whole of Westland. However, the brewer's tradition has not been lost and beer is still the favoured drink after a hard day's work or travelling.
- The area has a large amount of backpacker accommodation. These are generally all equipped with a bar that will stay open into the wee small hours.
[edit][add listing] Sleep
- The Punakaiki Rocks Hotel & Villas is a 63 room hotel situated less than 400m from the Pancake rocks. Full dining facilities and all rooms feature either a king bed or 2 queens. Commanding Views of the turmoilnes that is the Tasman Sea.
- Te Nikau Retreat also near Punakaiki (which is classed as Buller, although referred to as Westland) is a hostel in the palm forest overlooking the sea. Rooms are split between chalets hidden in the trees and the paths are lit by fairy lamps. The chalets have wood fires and various other amenities. Also, one path leads down to the shore where a sharp rocky promontory sticks out over a small beach. Very pretty at sunset.
- Ivory Towers in Fox is a compact hostel offering access to Fox Glacier. It is the only hostel in Fox and has a good range of services.
[edit] Stay safe
Stay safe! Literally - the region is quite isolated so if you get in trouble you may have difficult getting medical treatment in a hurry.
- This side of the island is what is referred to by Telecom (New Zealands leading telecommunications supplier) as the 5% of New Zealand that cellphones don't/won't work.
However it is of course possible to use SAT Phones.
