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MARCH 2016

free NELSON•MARLBOROUGH•WEST COAST A regional guide for local & international travellers

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1128 Woodstock-Rimu Road Hokitika West Coast, New Zealand p: 0508 TREETOPS

treetops

See Page 3 for details

Carters by the sea Beachfront Holiday Park 18km from Motueka.

Safe swimming, kayak and boat trips to Abel Tasman National Park. New Mountain Bike tracks and pump track Fully equipped shop with petrol.

Bush walks & mini golf, campsites, cabins with access facilities, licensed Cafe on site.

CONTEMPORARY STUDIOS

Tariff: Camp site Adult $19, Child $9, Under 5 FREE Showers 50c, Cabins from $45 PHONE (03) 527-8010 FAX (03) 527-8031 www.experiencekaiteriteri.co.nz KAITERITERI 7197 NELSON

Available in all good tourist outlets throughout NZ www.kiwistuff.net.nz

•We meet the Tranz Alpine Train •Competitive rates •Full range of cars and minivans available

170 Tainui Street, Greymouth • PH (03) 768-0379 Fax (03) 768-0740 • Email: greenfield@minidata.co.nz

see us on page 11

27 Marine Parade, Carters Beach, Westport, West Coast, New Zealand Phone:+64 3 789 8169 Email info@cartersbythesea.co.nz

www.cartersbythesea.co.nz

Page 2 — Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Tourist Times, March 2016

MARCH - enjoy Autumn exploring NELSON,

MARLBORO UGH & the WEST COAST with TOURIST TIMES

tourist times team Editor / Advertising Sales: Scott Mullions scott@touristtimes.co.nz Ph: 0800 15 15 25 Mobile: 021 669 303

Other enquiries: enquiries@touristtimes.co.nz

Welcome to the March edition of Tourist Times.

Your regional guide to the Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Regions.

Tourist Times has bought together this months highlights with all the up to date information to ensure we inspire you to make the most of your stay in these regions during March So enjoy this excellent time of year and make sure you stop and check out some of the great scenery on offer during your travels, and don’t forget to check out the Local activities in the area’s you visit, there is alot on at this time of the year so check out our whats on section and all the local areas.

Happy travels from the Tourist Times team.

Published by Touristtimes SouthIsland Ltd

inside this month

Member of New Zealand Tourist Times Newspaper Group Ltd

CONTACT US TODAY

Freephone 0800 15 15 25 Mobile 021 669 303 enquiries@touristtimes.co.nz www.touristtimes.co.nz At the time of publication Tourist Times has to the best of it’s knowledge been supplied with accurate information. Tourist Times cannot, however, be held responsible for any consequence arising from any errors or omissions

3. Top of the West Coast 4. Picton / Marlborough 5. Nelson, Richmond 6. Abel Tasman / St Arnaud 7. Greymouth / Hokitika / Westland 8. Haast

Tourist Times South Island Ltd PO Box 33257 Barrington Christchurch 8024 P: 0800 151525 M: 021 669303 E: scott@touristtimes.co.nz

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NEW ZEALANDS NEWEST ATTRACTION

An exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with the birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Easy access for all to enjoy along a steel platform 20 metres high and over 450 metres long.

stunning awe inspiring beauty

Gently sway in harmony with the forest on the Mahinapua Springboard. View the exquisite Lake Mahinapua through the richly diverse forest foliage. A great experience in the rain with umbrella hire and poncho sales available.

adrenalin pumping thrills

Thrill seekers will feel their hearts pump and the adrenalin rush as they climb to the top of Hokitika Tower 40 metres above the forest floor. Be inspired by a sensational vista of the majestic snow capped Southern Alps, Lake Mahinapua and the Tasman seat

recharge and replenish

Recharge, refresh and enjoy great local foods in the comfort of the licensed Mahinapua Café nestled quietly beside the tranquil Johnnies Creek. Browse our visitor information centre or pick up a momento at the gift shop.

getting there

Located just 15 minutes south of the famed gem town of Hokitika on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.

Normal hours are 9am to 5pm (last walk 4.15pm).

1128 Woodstock-Rimu Road, Hokitika, West Coast, New Zealand p: 0508 TREETOPS e: info@treetopsnz.com www.treetopsnz.com

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Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Tourist Times, March 2016­— Page 3

TOP OF THE WEST COAST PUNAKAIKI - WESTPORT - REEFTON - KARAMEA Westport - Google Maps

PUNAKAIKI

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Punakaiki is between Westport and Greymouth. The community lies on the edge of the Paparoa National Park.

The Pancake Rocks are a must see and are at Dolomite Point south of the main village. The Pancake Rocks are a heavily eroded limestone area where the sea bursts through several vertical blowholes during high tides.

The are plenty of accomodation options in Punakaiki, for various budgets check out: www.punakaiki.co.nz.

There is plenty to do from Horse treks, Kayaking or check out Underworld Adventures in Charleston which is north of Punakaiki or make a knife at Barryton Knifemaking which is South of Punakaiki.

Charleston which is 30km south of Westport is the home of Underworld adventure’s it is a great place to stop They have a excellent Cafe with awesome views from the sea to the Paparoa Mountains.

There is good accomodation options in Charleston as well.

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Things to do

Reefton

Coaltown Muesuem The new Coaltown Museum has now opened in its new home with the Westport I-site next to the Clocktower building, 123 Palmerston St, Westport.

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Westport is the Buller regions largest town and offers a range of services you’d expect from a larger centre, including an airport. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes a movie theatre and lots of accomodation. With its central location Westport is an ideal place from which to explore the surrounding area – whether its north for arts and crafts, west for surf and seals, or south for fascinating limestone landscapes of the Paparoa National Park.

Mountain Biking Denniston is the perfect location for mountain biking, offering 9 exciting rides.

Track surfaces vary from gravel roads to rocky tracks and some short walking sections. All circuits have sections of track that range from Grade 2 (easy) up to Grade 3 (intermediate).

10 km

KARAMEA

Cape Foulwind Walkway & Seal Colony Walk One of New Zealand’s most accessible seal colonies is just out of Westport at Tauranga Bay. The 10 - minute walking track from the car park leads to viewing platforms directly overlooking the colony. This is a year-round colony, the best time to view is October to March when the Big Bull Seals are their for mating, and also a great time to see seal pups playing. https://www.google.co.nz/maps/place/Westport/@-41.76489,171.916237,10z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x6d256cc843092bf5:0x500ef868479c3d0

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Karamea is the northernmost settlement on the West Coast, and is located 96 kilometres north-east by road from Westport.(it is a no exit road) Limestone arch formations are a special feature of the area. You can walk to the Oparara Arch, which spans the Oparara River, or venture further to find the Moria Gate Arch There is a range of accommodation options from a campground to luxury lodge.

There is a small Supermarket, hardware store, gallery and a historic pub.

“Join us on our ‘award winning Underworld Rafting Adventure.

Have a magical journey of discovery amidst spectacular Stalactites & unbelievable GlowWorm displays in one of NZ’s largest unspoilt Cave Systems”.

CONTEMPORARY STUDIOS

REEFTON

The small town of Reefton is a place for everyone to enjoy - be it for a day or two, a week or a place to call home. Reefton’s gold rush in the 1860’s helped to establish a rich heritage. As well as being the first to have a public supply of electricity, the town was the first to switch on an electric street lighting system in the Southern Hemisphere.

Many of the heritage buildings have been restored and offer an insight to the past.

There are some Great cafes and restaurants and lots of accomodation choices from a campmg ground to motels, if you are passing through Reefton is well worth a stop, it won’t dissapoint!

Things to do

Mountain Biking Reefton has a good variety of mountain biking tracks.

Mountain biking is also a popular choice (as well as walking and 4WD) for getting into Big River, you can bike either bike along the 4WD road (25km) from Reefton and then return the same way or bike along the Big River tramping track to Waiuta (11km) which is slightly more challenging. From Waiuta down to SH7 is a gravel road (9km) then along the SH back to Reefton (21km). This loop can be done as in a day or as a two of three day trip.

Phone: +64 3 788 8168 New Zealand Freephone: 0800 11 6686 Email: contact@caverafting.com Charleston New Zealand www.caverafting.com

Carters by the sea

Fishing Freshwater anglers have long regarded the Reefton area and Victoria Conservation Park as a top fishing area.

Reefton Roller Park This park is a gtreat size at 55m x 45m with lots of great features including a clover leaf bowl. It is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s best parks

Welcome to Carters by the Sea BRAND NEW luxury studio suites situated at Carters Beach overlooking the Tasman Sea, just 5min from Westport at the top most region of the South Island’s stunning West Coast. Each studio suite has higher than normal ceilings, is double-glazed with maximum insulation and have underfloor heating in the tiled bathrooms as well as full kitchen facilities. All studios have ceiling fans for circulation of cool/warm air and have been built to the highest earthquake and fire standards. Their concrete construction makes them soundproof and cosy. These spacious (30m2) boutique beachside studios create such a relaxing ambiance that makes you want to stay longer.

27 Marine Parade, Carters Beach, Westport, West Coast, New Zealand Phone:+64 3 789 8169 Email info@cartersbythesea.co.nz

www.cartersbythesea.co.nz

Page 4— Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Tourist Times, March 2016

Picton The town was first surveyed in 1849 and the New Zealand Company called it Newton. For the next ten years the town was known by many names but in 1859 the Marlborough Province was created and the town was renamed Picton.

Today, Picton is a destination where tourism has very much taken over in what is recognised as some of the worlds most stunning scenery. Picton has in recent years become a haven for boaties and land lovers alike.

Key Centres of Marlborough Blenheim The largest town in Marlborough, the main airport is located here and the central base to visit the 43 winery cellar doors. Population: 26,500 est.

Picton A bustling sea port town at the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound and all the activities this entails. This is where you get the ferry service to Wellington and it is a 25 minute drive to Blenheim. Population:3,900 est / Marlborough pop : 42,000 est.

Havelock Greenshell Mussel Capital of the World and the gateway to the Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds.

Havelock is a 40 minute drive to Blenheim or 60 minutes to Nelson on State Highway 6.

Seddon A small village in the Awatere Valley is the service centre for the surrounding farm lands and vineyards.

Seddon is a 30 minute drive from Blenheim.

Our friendly team are always happy to let you browse around our selections of possum merino knitwear, jewellery, pottery, glass, honey & so much more in store

Call in & be surprised 19 High Street, Picton Ph: 93 573 8178 Email: rjroy@xtra.co.nz

Picton’s Foreshore

Blenheim Take advantage of a sunny day and watch the world go by from a park bench in the manicured gardens of Seymour Square or Pollard Park, or enjoy some bargain hunting as you browse the local shops. Blenheim offers a selection of places to eat from fine dining restaurants, to trendy cafes and local pubs where you can enjoy a chilled local wine or beer and a coffee that is as good as you will get in the city.

Also you can head out to the Vines Village for wine tasting a fudge fix or a great meal or some great shopping don’t forget to stop in at Makana Chocolate, Hedgerows Strawberries and the Honey Company.

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Main Street, Blenheim

Marlborough Experiences Take a winery tour. There is a variety of local wine trail operators providing a popular way to see and sample what Marlborough has to offer, be it by car, coach or bicycle!

Cruise the waterways of the Marlborough Sounds by boat.

Walk or Mountain Bike the famous Queen Charlotte Track for one day or four.

Wake up in paradise, stay in the vines or have a night away in the Marlborough Sounds.

Don’t miss the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and Omaka Classic Cars.

Get active on the water; kayaking, sailing, dolphin swimming or self drive safari.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch amongst the vines.

Spend a day in the vibrant seaside town of Picton, explore the foreshore and art galleries.

Go for a cruise on the Riverqueen.

Sample local produce from the farm gate or weekend market.

Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Tourist Times, March 2016 — Page 5

NELSON Richmond

Drive out to Richmond for a laidback shopping experience, visit an artist’s gallery or perhaps indulge in a glass of the region’s finest wines in the vineyards just beyond the centre of Richmond.

Richmond, the seat of the Tasman District Council, lies 13 km south of Nelson in the South Island of New Zealand, close to the southern extremity of Tasman Bay. The census conducted on 6 March 2006 counted more than 14,000 residents.

Nelson

There’s nowhere else in the world where you’ll find, within a short distance, three spectacular New Zealand national parks, glistening golden sand beaches and turquoise crystal clear waters, alongside alpine meadows and snowy mountain ranges. Enjoy all year in a climate that rivals the Mediterranean.

Short on time? We have the best of the best, all within 90 minutes drive time.

Key tourism attractions include the Abel Tasman National Park, the Nelson Lakes National Park and the Kahurangi National Park.

Here’s a few “Must Do’s”: - Sea kayak, swim with seals or cruise through Abel Tasman National Park.

- Visit the Nelson Lakes National Park and enjoy great alpine hiking.

- Hike or mountain-bike the Heaphy Track in the Kahurangi National Park.

- Plan a cycling adventure around our cycleway trails or along Rocks Road.

- See the world’s clearest water at Te Waikoropupu Springs, Golden Bay. - Take a guided nature and bird tour along Farewell Spit and spend a golden day in Golden Bay. - Sample a local brew at one of our boutique craft breweries.

- Journey into the countryside and meet winemakers at their cellar doors.

- Play a round of golf at one of our country or ocean view golf clubs.

- Walk to the summit of the Centre of New Zealand for views over Nelson city.

- Spend time on Tahunanui Beach, soak up the rays and enjoy our café culture.

- Cast out a line and enjoy the best fly fishing in New Zealand.

- Join the locals as they buzz around the vibrant Nelson Saturday Morning Market for fresh produce, art, crafts, fashion, food, jewellery and more.

Boulder Bank

The Boulder Bank is a very unusual naturally formed land form in Nelson, New Zealand. It is a 13 kilometre long stretch of rocky substrate which begins at the Mackay Bluff and ends at the Cut of the Nelson Harbour. Haulashore Island was once a part of the Boulder Bank, but the Cut made it an island, and it is no longer connected to the Boulder Bank. The Boulder Bank separates Tasman Bay and the Nelson Haven and is managed as a scenic reserve by the Department of Conservation. Land access is gained along Boulder Bank Drive, signposted at the northern end of Nelson Haven on State Highway 6.

The Boulder Bank is composed of granodiorite.[1] The source of this rock is Mackay Bluff. It is still debated what process or processes have resulted in this odd structure. Longshore drift, however, is the most accepted hypothesis for creation. The main objection for longshore drift is that Tasman Bay does not receive enough wave action to move the large boulders in a south west direction. Studies have been conducted since 1892 to determine speed of boulder movement.

Although Richmond lies outside the boundaries of Nelson City, it forms part of the Nelson Urban Area for statistical purposes, and New Zealanders informally consider it part of Greater Nelson or the “Top of the South”.

WHAT’S ON in Nelson Nelson Farmers Markett

The Wednesday Nelson Farmers market is based on supporting local, fresh and seasonal produce and products Made By Locals for Locals (and everyone else!)

There are great prices and bargains to be found with freshness and taste because you know it has been picked by the people selling it at the height of ripeness. Come down and support your local growers and producers and help them support you in your local community.

Morrison Square, 244 Hardy St., Nelson When: Wed 2 Mar 2016, 11:00am–4:00pm Wed 9 Mar 2016, 11:00am–4:00pm Wed 16 Mar 2016, 11:00am–4:00pm Wed 23 Mar 2016, 11:00am–4:00pm Wed 30 Mar 2016, 11:00am–4:00pm Gypsy Pickers The Vic Mac’s BrewBar, 281 Trafalgar St, Nelson Friday 4 March 2016 8:30pm Ticket Information: Admission: Free “Hot rhythms and feel-good music with the power of soul!”

The Gypsy Pickers are a multi-instrument duo known for their engaging live performances that have kept them busy on the NZ and international touring scene.

Tahunanui School Gala Tahunanui School, 69 Muritai St, Tahunanui, Nelson Sunday 13 March 2016 11:00am – 2:30pm Admission: Free A great and affordable fun day out offering an array of food and drinks, prizes, games, activities and rides that will entertain the whole family.

Activities include the massive 30m downhill water slide, plate smashing, face painting, hot rod cars, water walkers, helicopter merry-goround, horizontal bungee jump, coconut shy, hoopla, tombola, blast bouncy castles, the lucky wheel and oculus rift 3D ride.

The Stand Up Comedy Show

Theatre Royal Nelson, 78 Rutherford St, Nelson Thursday 24 March 2016 7:30pm – 9:30pM Ticket Information: Adult: $25.00 Adult Early Bird: $22.00 Buy Tickets – 03 548 3840 This is what happens when you put a Samoan-Welshmen on stage, with an English-Australian, a Russian and two Kiwis (one who thinks he’s American)? Need a good laugh? The Stand Up Comedy Show hits Nelson with Headline act and multiple award winning comedian James Nokise who has just finished touring Australian . Vinyl Burns promises to rock the stage on a wobbly unicycle with a flying V guitar in hand.

Bruce Anderson’s 2nd Mid-Life Crisis Tour kicks off the show with the hilarious Sera Devcich and Anya Rzhevitskaya rapidly increasing his crisis levels.

Airwheel Group Coaching

Pioneer Park, Stepneyville, Nelson Sunday 27 March 2016 2:00pm – 3:00pm General Admission: $40.00 Have a go at something completely new and fun!

Learn to ride an Airwheel.

Appeals to all ages!

Anyone can do this.... it is like riding a bike. Once you get it...you get it!

Book in for a group training session.

Page 6 — Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Tourist Times, March 2016

ABEL TASMAN, MAPUA

Abel Tasman National Park

mapua seaside village

Abel Tasman National Park (established in 1942) is renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and world-famous Abel Tasman Coast Track. It also has a mild climate and is a good place to visit at any time of the year.

At 22,530 hectares Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s smallest national park. It is located at the top of the South Island; the nearest towns are Motueka, Takaka and Kaiteriteri.

The nearest towns of Nelson, Motueka and Takaka have i-SITES, accommodation and shops catering for tramping and kayaking needs. Kaiteriteri has a petrol station, small grocery shop, accommodation and café. Marahau has accommodation, a shop and cafés. Takaka is the last place for petrol before Totaranui.

There are many great day trips in the Park but if you are going to be using the track system in the park for overnight trips, make sure you are properly equipped and well prepared. Everyone needs to carry a sleeping bag, cooking utensils, sufficient high-energy food (with some extra for emergencies), a waterproof raincoat, and warm (wool or fleece) clothing. A portable stove will also be needed.

Firm footwear is recommended but boots are not necessary. Giardia has been found in park waters. Boiling, chemical treatment or filtering can remove it. Check for up-to-date information on weather and track conditions before starting your trip.

Mapua is a lovely sea side town and a beautiful place to visit. Shop on the wharf at the unique craft based retailers and dine or enjoy a glass of wine at one of the stunning restaurants overlooking the sea.

Only 25 minutes from Nelson, the half way point on your way to the Able Tasman National Park Mapua is a beautiful location.

Take the time to wander along the coastline and enjoy the estuary.

On a summers day you might like to join the locals and jump off the wharf and go for a swim!

St Arnaud 7072 - Google Maps

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St Arnaud 7072 Photos

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St Arnaud is a settlement in Nelson Tasman. St Arnaud is the gateway to the Nelson Lakes National Park. The locality is also known as Lake Rotoiti which better describes this lakeside community. However, the town’s official name remains St Arnaud as Lake Rotoiti (literally small lake in Maori) is the name of a locality in New Zealand’s North Island.

How to get there

State Highway 63 leads from Marlborough on the east coast to the West Coast. Traveling east, Picton (1 3/4 hours), Blenheim (1 hour 20 minutes), Renwick (70 minutes) and Wairau Valley township (35 minutes). Traveling west Kawatiri Junction (15 minutes), Murchison (40 minutes) and Westport (2 hours 10 minutes). There are two main ways to get to St Arnaud From Nelson. The quickest is traveling through Richmond and Wakefield on State Highway 6. The turnoff is 10 minutes past Wakefield and St Arnaud is signposted through to the village. The road intersects with State Highway 63 two minutes east of the village. Otherwise, State Highway 6 continues to Kawatiri Junction which is the end of State Highway 63.

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Rainbow Skifield Lake Rotoiti

Camping • Fishing • Skiing • Walking tracks • Kayaking Lake cruises • Mountain biking • Boat Museum • Arts & craft galleries History

n pre-European times, parties of Maori stopped in the area on trips from Tasman Bay to Canterbury or the West Coast. They would fish in the rivers and the lake.

Midden sites have been found at Kerr Bay and in the Travers Valley at the head of the lake.

European settlers coming to Nelson were looking for flat land which could quickly be developed into pastoral farms. They had been promised large areas by surveyors who had never visited the country which they were subdividing.

Probably the first European to discover the lake was J. S. Cotterell, a surveyor employed by the New Zealand Company. Towards the end of 1842, travelling with a Maori guide, he explored the pass at Tophouse and the Wairau Valley and the east coast as far as the Clarence River. He discovered the lake at the beginning of 1843.

In 1845 Charles Heaphy, explorer and artist, was sent from Nelson to explore southwest, and found that the mighty Buller River flowed in a narrow gorge for as far as they could see. Then a year later William Fox led a group consisting of Heaphy, Thomas Brunner and a very knowledgeable Maori guide, Kehu, on further exploration of the area and painted scenes around the lake. Then from 1846 to 1848 Kehu and another Maori guide led Brunner on an extensive journey to Lake Rotoiti and down the West Coast to Paringa.

In 1860 Julius von Haast, a German geologist, was sent by the government to study this area. He prepared detailed reports of the rock, fauna and flora of the area, and expressed great delight in the beauty of the area. He also reported that gold was to be found around Rotoiti and Rotoroa. After reports from a surveyor called Rochfort that gold was seen on the edge of the Buller a short-term gold rush began in 1862.

Some of the land now within the park was set aside for public use between 1907 and 1928, but the Nelson Lakes National Park was created in 1956.

Credits: Dorothy and NZine. The complete article is here.

Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Tourist Times, March 2016 — Page 7

The Greymouth/Blackball area offers visitors a wide range of outdoor experiences.

You will also find fine jade carving, several art galleries and museums, and a variety of café, dining and accommodation services.

GREYMOUTH

The TranzAlpine train arrives from and departs to Christchurch daily.

Greymouth

Greymouth is the largest town on the Wild West Coast and destination of the famous Tranz Alpine Train. Enjoy stunning vistas all the way to the west coat. In Greymouth there are many activities with the adventurous Hot Tracks off road tour through native bush to exploring glow worm caves or white water rafting. For the more sedate traveller a Monteiths Brewery Tour or Shantytown tour of a historic gold mining town where you can pan for gold or take a steam train ride. If you want to just get away, enjoy a stroll on our beautiful beaches, a bush walk or local tour with Kea Tours, view our art gallery and museum or a classic kiwi breakfast at one of our many cafes. At night enjoy a meal and drinks at a restaurant or experience some good old West Coast hospitality at one of our local pubs (gumboots acceptable dress code!). Visit the the Historic Railway Station where you can arrange all your travel and accommodation needs or view our selection of Pounamu in The Station Gift shop.

For Further info on Greymouth visit www.westcoasttravel.co.nz Greymouth - photo from westcoastnz.com

WHAT’S ON 2016 HOKITIKA WILDFOODS FESTIVAL - SAT 12TH MARCH

Enjoy a relaxing outdoor bath at New River Bluegums B&B Come and find out #What’sWild? Saturday 12th March 2016 at the iconic Hokitika Wildfoods Festival With over 50 Stallholders it is fair to say every realm of Wildfoods will be explored and catered for those at the Festival, from the West Coast icons of Whitebait and Venison to the edible icons of Aotearoa and abroad from the river, sea, bush, plains and mountains all of your sense will be captivated at Cass Square. From delicacy to disgusting, we have oyster to mountain oysters and everything in between The entertainment line up will continue to be released during December and January and will provide something for everyone from bouncy castles, face painting and balloons to locally, nationally and internationally renowned artists, so keep your eyes peeled for this.

We are beyond happy to announce the headline act for the 2016 Wildfoods Festival is the The Black Seeds, known by many as the best reggae act in the world. Phone Sales: 0800 BUY TIX (289 849) – Ticket Outlets W www.wildfoods.co.nz F Hokitika Wildfoods Festival

Hokitika Founded on gold mining in 1864, Hokitika was a centre of the West Coast Gold Rush. By late 1866 it was one of the country’s most populous centres. Hokitika is situated 40 kilometres south of Greymouth, and close to the mouth of the Hokitika River. It is a vibrant town well known as an artistic and creative centre.

Artisans work with local materials; gold, silver, pounamu greenstone, driftwood, paua shell and stone to create a tremendous array of fine art pieces, jewellery and sculpture. Make sure you take home a piece of the West Coast lovingly fashioned into an original work of art by a Coaster.

The West Coast also well known for it’s high rainfall but on a clear day Aoraki / Mount Cook can clearly be seen from Hokitika’s main street.

New Zealand Rent a Car

When you are in Greymouth and would like to see more of the Coast at your leisure why not call in and see us at NZ RENT A CAR, situated at 170 Tainui Street. Let us show you our range of vehicles from small cars to 12 seater mini vans and 4 wheel drives. Driving yourself allows more time to take in our many scenic wonders and bush walks.

See display ad on front page.

NEW ZEALAND RENT A CAR 170 Tainui Street, Greymouth. Ph (03) 768 0379

Fox Glaciert Fed by four alpine glaciers, Fox Glacier falls 2,600m on its 13km journey from the Southern Alps down to the coast, with it having the distinction of being one of the few glaciers to end among lush rainforest only 300 metres above sea level. Some 140 glaciers flow from the Southern Alps, however only two (Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers) penetrate as far as the lower rainforests.

The Fox Glacier township is just 6 km from the glacier and offers an intimate village experience, tucked into the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, the township offers a range of quality accommodation, hotels, cafes, a general store and service station. m

Fox Glacier - photo from westcoastnz.co

Hari Hari

Hari Hari has the widest main street in the South Island Hari Hari is the landing site of the first solo Trans-Tasman flight.

Australian Guy Menzies went off course during his 1931 flight and 11 hours 45 minutes after leaving Sydney crash landed upside down in the La Fontaine swamp. There is a replica of his biplane on the main road. The 2.5 hours Hari Hari Coastal walk here is well worth it.

Franz Josef The great little town of Franz Josef which shares it’s name the the narby Glacier, there are plenty of places to stay and some excellent eateries, you can kayak at the nearby lake Mapourika or catch a scenic flight from one if the local operators. there are also some really great walksand tours that you can do.

Franz Josef Glacier is located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the West Coast, 5 kilometres from Franz Josef township.

Haast

Page 8 — Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Tourist Times, March 2016

Haast - Google Maps

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Lake Paringa

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Great food at Frontier Cafe & Bar Touristtimes recently caught up with the Frontier Cafe and bar to find out a bit more about the food at Frontier.

They are proud of the Menu at Frontier which has some great Kiwi Classics and other signature dishes that have been created.

It’s the place to go if you want some great tasting food like Whitebait, Venison Pie or Lamb shanks So head in and try some of Frontier Cafes excellent food and enjoy some good West coast hospiltality.

Haast Jackson Bay 6 Wanaka

Haast

Township

Haast, The perfect destination to explore some of New Zealand’s most unique scenery and wildlife situated amidst spectacular & rugged scenery of the South West New Zealand World Heritage area, between ancient rainforests of Te Wahipounamu, glaciers, and the Tasman sea.

Map data ©2014 Google

5 km

Whitebait

Haast offers a unique insight to the “real New Zealand” a rare gem, unspoilt by humans and thriving with native bird life.

Discover the extraordinary history of South Westland, from pre european Maori, and the importance of pounamu, to early pioneering, gold mining, logging, fishing, deer recovery, and more.

https://www.google.co.nz/maps/place/Haast/@-43.9113169,169.124171,11z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x6cd59d256cd89b67:0x500ef86847972d0

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Try sea fishing, fly fishing, whitebaiting (in season), deer stalking, bird watching, tramping, nature walks, jet boat safaris, helicopter adventures and glacier flights.

Haast offers visitors a variety of accommodation, to suit a range of requirements,fromHotels, Motels, B&B’s and Boutique Lodgings, camping facilities.

VenisonPie

What to do?

There is a range of things to do in haast from Nature walks, Helicopter rides which you will see some magnificient scenery You can take a boat trip on the haast river.

You could also head down to Jacksons bay, on the way you will some some fantastic West coast scenery and beaches..

Haast has a supermarket, gift shops, locally made crafts and jewellery, petrol stations, restaurants cafe’s and bars.

Heartland World Heritage Hotel, Haast

relax, refuel and unwind at the frontier cafe & bar The only place in Haast where you can experience all the local delicacies!

10 % off food & beverage Present this coupon & receive

*

Frontier Cafe & Bar Haast & Jackson Bay Road, Haast LUNCH & DINNER – OPEN 7 DAYS Bookings & enquiries phone 03 750 0828 * Offer valid until 31 March 2016. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers.