The West Co ast
written by Chris Birt / photography by Nimmo Gallery
Big coast, big deals UNTAMED NATURAL WILDERNESS
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he West Coast is a region for all seasons and the perfect place to enjoy wide open spaces and rugged scenery, while participating in self-isolation of a most satisfying kind. Long before New Zealand locked down and retreated from a virus that swept away all semblance of life as it was known, the people of the West Coast gravitated to a location that offered the promise of solitude, alongside an ability to really connect with the natural world. The very location of this elongated strip of land – it is just 80 kilometres at its widest and 600 kilometres from one end to the other – makes it the ideal destination for those seeking quality time away from the routine of daily life, or a series of short breaks aimed at recharging and rejuvenating body and soul. Despite its apparent remoteness, the West Coast is actually easy to access. Scheduled rail and air transport services make getting there seamless, but equally road links from the north, south and east provide an ability to self-drive with spectacularly different scenery on offer from each direction. But as well as being a region for all seasons, the West Coast – a great untamed natural wilderness zone that characterises its history, both human and otherwise – is also a region for all reasons. With its diversity, the Coast provides a platform for every type of activity sought by the modern-day traveller, be it active, passive or a blend of both.
Right now, each of the zones within the Coast – Westport and Karamea, Hokitika, Grey District, Punakaiki, the Glacier Country and Haast – are offering Big Deals, courtesy of operators who have real passion for their region and what they do. The Big Deals in these localities are anchored by one of the most diverse and spectacular landscapes anywhere on the planet. Natural features abound in these parts, massive natural caverns and arches, stacked limestone formations, turquoise waters and huge walls of ice. The West Coast has it all, wrapped into one easy-to-navigate bundle. Adding to the ease of planning are the touring routes through the region, recommended pathways for use by visitors who often face the dilemma of where to go, what to see and what to experience. Of course, these routes include the ability to mix and match, add or subtract depending on what one’s own preferences are. Overlaid onto these natural features are history and heritage by the bucketload, much of it created by pioneers who took on the challenge of exploring and then taming one of the most rugged terrains found anywhere in the country. Whether it is history or heritage, extreme adventures or more passive excursions, the West Coast has it all. Long after a visit ends, it’s guaranteed that vivid memories will remain. For more information, visit www.westcoast.co.nz/deals
TOP FIVE TO-DOS 1. OPARARA BASIN Formed from a bed of granite and 350 million years old, these massive spectacular natural arches and tunnels are of immense international significance. 2. PUNAKAIKI Trillions of small sea creatures gave their lives to create the layered pancake rocks of limestone through which powerful ocean surges erupt in spectacular fashion. 3. LAKE BRUNNER Still waters run deep in this small lake surrounded by the extensive hues of green in the rainforest cover, providing an idyllic location for walkers and a mecca for trout fishing exponents. 4. HOKITIKA GORGE Swirling dazzling aqua waters run through this narrow gorge in the Hokitika River with deep granite canyons protecting the rainforest that surrounds this postcard-picture location. 5. GLACIER COUNTRY A window-look into the Ice Age, with massive walls of ice slowly but resolutely carving their way through solid rock over millennia at the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.
The time to start planning a visit is now, with the absence of overseas visitors providing an opportunity over coming months to see and experience it as the locals do. And there are some pretty attractive deals on offer. Planning a West Coast excursion has never been easier. The region’s topography provides natural zones that can be combined during a longer stay or tackled one at a time in a series of successive short breaks. Each option has its own characteristics, attractions and activities but there is always something for everyone and a diverse range of accommodation to meet any budget. d is c overnewz ealand.ki wi
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