West Coast
Talk to a Local Kirsty Wilson Office Administrator, Hokitika Glass Studio.
“
My top must-do’s for visitors would have to be: Hokitika Gorge. West Coast Treetop Walkway. All of the art & crafts shops including Hokitika’s glassblowing, greenstone carvers, the Gold Room & the Copper Art. We have some beaut walking and cycling tracks in the area, also. You might not have heard of it, but Motukiekie Beach features some very cool starfish. Visit at low tide. I’m starting to feel hungry just thinking about the beer-battered blue cod at Stumpers.
For a delightful day trip, head to Punakāiki. The blowholes are amazing, especially after rough weather. Great coffee and food at the local cafés, too. On the way home, walk the Coal Creek Falls track. It’s a quick trek in and at the end there is a lovely waterfall – great for photographers. Living on the West Coast is awesome because we are surrounded by the best scenery: Southern Alps, Aoraki Mt Cook, the wild Tasman Sea and some of New Zealand’s best bush walks. The people are pretty fabulous too – super friendly and helpful.
”
BELOW: Pancake Rocks, Punakāiki © West Coast Tourism LEFT: © West Coast Glass blowing FAR LEFT: Lake Matheson © Getty Images
See Map Section - pages 109 to 122
35
