5 Top Must-Do's in the Buller District & Central West Coast

Under-discovered isolation, wild sepiahued beaches, pounamu and majestic rainforest punctuate the rugged landscape of the West Coast. Then there are the twin glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier – A-list celebrities in Glacier Country. What a drama!

© AA Traveller 2021

Ōpararā Arches, Karamea © Fraser Clements

1. Ōpararā Basin & Rainforest

Karamea is the nearest large settlement for exploring the Ōpararā Basin’s famed limestone arches and caves. Forty-five minutes north of town, explore pristine forest and the rich gold mining heritage of the Fenian area.

2. Charming Creek Walkway

Bring your boots, bikes and dogs to enjoy this 5.5km walking track and Grade 3 bike trail. Following an historic bush tramway, venture past mining sites to a viewpoint over Mangatini Falls. Allow two hours each way (walking).

3. Cape Foulwind Walkway

Spend just over one hour (one way 3.4km) negotiating the coastal bluffs, spotting a fur seal/kekeno breeding colony and handsome Cape Foulwind lighthouse.

4. Punakāiki Pancake Rocks

Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki © Adobe Stock

A series of rocks that resemble stacked pancakes, albeit ‘made’ 30 million years ago. Joined by erupting blowholes and a ferocious surge pool called the Devil's Cauldron

5. Shantytown

A life-size village plucked straight out of the 1860s. Wander in and out of the houses, stores, jail and tearoom; quench your thirst in the saloon bar; dress up in period attire and ride a vintage steam train. History has a pulse in this old town.

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