The best of Central West Coast

ENJOY THE TRANQUILLITY, A WHOLE HEAP OF HISTORY AND NATURAL NICETIES THAT WILL HELP YOU FIND YOUR CHILL.

1. The Tranz Alpine Experience

Ever since the history and romance of the Orient Express entered our consciousness, rail travel has fired our imaginations. One of the world’s great rail journeys, the TranzAlpine travels daily between Greymouth and Christchurch. The 224km journey takes four and a half hours.

TranzAlpine train journey (between Greymouth & Christchurch) © Kiwi Rail Scenic Journeys

2. Arthur's Pass

Arthur’s Pass connects the east of the South Island to the west. In 1864 Arthur Dobson thought he had ‘discovered’ this route but of course Māori had been using the same pass long before his arrival. Over the centuries it has been used to transport gold, timber and coal, but aside from being historically vital to New Zealand industry, it’s painfully beautiful and arguably New Zealand’s most scenic mountain pass. Walk the 2.5-hour Arthur’s Pass Track to view the Dobson Memorial, marvel at the braided Waimakariri River Valley, and don’t skip the short hike to the Devil’s Punchbowl Falls, a gushing 131 metre giant.

3. Lake Brunner

Lake Brunner is one of the fastest growing tourist spots on the West Coast and it’s easy to see why – there is something for everyone. The lake itself is massive and at 40 square kilometres there’s plenty of space to swim, water ski, enjoy the world-class fishing, walk the embankments or skim the perimeter on a bike. The sleepy village of Moana fronts the lake’s shores, there are seven DOC walks to complete, including two departing from the village and golf courses and glowworm grottoes nearby. Come nightfall, the sky erupts with a blinding number of stars. All that in one lake; what a pearler of a place.

Lake Brunner © Getty Images

Main Image: TranzAlpine train journey (between Greymouth & Christchurch) © Kiwi Rail Scenic Journeys