West Coast_®

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West Coast

Between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea lies a narrow coastal strip, 600 kilometers long and only 50 kilometers wide.  This area, known as the West Coast was originally settled by miners digging for rich mineral deposits.  Greenstone (nephrite jade) is still worked by local craftsmen.  Gillespie's Beach is home to a seal colony.  Haast Pass is the lowest of the passes crossing the Southern Alps.  The route is beautiful as the scenery changes from the rainforest of the coast to the grasslands of the east. 

The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are located on the West Coast and are about 22 km apart.  Both are great rivers of ice although the Franz Josef is much steeper than the Fox Glacier.  Fox Glacier is the lowest glacier in the temperate regions.  Excellent walking tracks provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the glaciers. 

Much of the southern region of the West Coast has been granted World Heritage status and this includes national parks, scenic reserves and the breeding grounds of the rare white heron.

Activities include rock climbing, caving, nature tours, scenic walks and flights, hiking, heli-hikes, shopping

West Coast additional info

     ACCOMMODATION

Te Weheka Inn, Fox Glacier

Share the rugged elegance of this purpose built boutique hotel. Nestled beneath the towering southern alps on the awesome West Coast. Close by, the mighty Fox Glacier grinds seaward while the tranquil waters of Lake Matheson reflect the scenic grandeur encompassed by native bush, all part of nature's grand scheme.

The Inn provides a balance of privacy and location, while only a short stroll to Fox Glacier village. Enjoy the well appointed rooms or relax on the balcony of the upstairs lounge and its cozy wood burner.  

Included: Breakfast.

Kapitea Ridge, Hokitika

 A setting of podocarp rainforest and uninterrupted views of the Tasman Sea - these make Kapitea Ridge Country Lodge a unique and special place.  It's the solitude of a walk along the beach, a relaxing soak in the garden Jacuzzi, a moment admiring the dramatic West Coast seascape, or a quiet fireside drink and chat before delicious country-fare dining. A combination of style and country elegance, all in a natural environment.

Included:  Breakfast and freshly baked bread and pastries with readily replenished coffee.

Awatuna Homestead, Hokitika

An elegant coastal retreat, situated between Greymouth and Hokitika, offering peace and privacy amidst a setting of unspoiled native bush and lush gardens. Built in 1996 with wide verandahs embracing the Homestead, inviting you to pause and sit in comfort, enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the gardens featuring native plants and mature exotic trees and shrubs.

Close by the Homestead is the natural splendor of a wild West Coast beach with stunning views of the mountains and the sea. Watch the beauty of the sun setting into the ocean at day's end.

Included:  Breakfast.  (Dinner may be added with prior arrangement.)

                   Also refer: Luxury Lodges

 West Coast a la carte

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