WEST COAST
Welcome to the West Coast
T
he West Coast is wild, unpredictable, unspoilt and staggeringly beautiful. It has more than 600km of rugged coastline, and as the most sparsely populated area in New Zealand, allows visitors the chance to find space far from the crowds. Running in a strip down the western edge of the South Island, the area is a natural and mostly unclaimed wilderness. You can hike through lush rainforests, see glaciers, dip your toes in ice-cold, crystal clear rivers, fossick for gold on rocky desolate beaches and enjoy stunning views from the top of ragged peaks. The past is never far away from daily life on the Coast. The ribbon of intriguing SH 6, which runs the length of the region, has been the main coast route from the time Māori pounamu collectors criss-crossed the region. RIGHT: Tramping near Haast TOP: The Bearded Miners hut, Reefton FAR RIGHT: Maruia Hot Springs ALL IMAGES: © West Coast Tourism
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M U S T D O ’ S • W E S T COA S T
