free
November 2016
free NELSON•MARLBOROUGH•WEST COAST A regional guide for local & international travellers
walk the
1128 Woodstock-Rimu Road Hokitika West Coast, New Zealand p: 0508 TREETOPS
treetops
See Page 3 for details
KAITERITERI MOTORCAMP
Beachfront Holiday Park 18km from Motueka. Safe swimming, kayak and boat trips to Abel Tasman NationalPark. 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.
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
•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
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
Page 2 — Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Tourist Times, November 2016
November - enjoy Spring 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 November 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 Novembert 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 Member of New Zealand Tourist Times Newspaper Group Ltd
inside this month
3. Top of the West Coast 4. Picton / Marlborough Freephone 0800 15 15 25 5. Nelson, Richmond Mobile 021 669 303 6. Abel Tasman / St Arnaud enquiries@touristtimes.co.nz www.touristtimes.co.nz NEW ZEALANDS NEWEST ATTRACTION 7. Greymouth / Hokitika / Westland At the time of publication Tourist Times has to the best of it’s An exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with the birds knowledge been supplied with accurate information. Tourist Times 8. Haast high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Easy access for all to enjoy along a steel platform 20
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cannot, however, be held responsible for any consequence arising from metres high and over 450 metres long. any errors or omissions
stunning awe inspiring beauty
Times South Island Ltd GentlyTourist sway in harmony with the forest on the Mahinapua Springboard. View the exquisite Lake MaPO Box 33257 Barrington
hinapua through the Boost your business today - richly diverse forest foliage. A great experience in the rain with umbrella hire and poncho sales available. advertise with adrenalin pumping thrills Christchurch 8024 P: 0800 151525 M: 021 669303 E: scott@touristtimes.co.nz
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
A regional guide for local & international travellers
0800 15 15 25
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 enquiries@touristtimes.co.nz 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).
walk the
NEW ZEALANDS NEWEST ATTRACTION
treetops
An exhilarating treetop adventure among1128 temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with theCoast, birds New Zealand Woodstock-Rimu Road, Hokitika, West high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree Easy access e: forinfo@treetopsnz.com all to enjoy along a steel platform 20 p:canopy. 0508 TREETOPS www.treetopsnz.com metres high and over 450 metres long.
stunning awe inspiring beauty
walk the
treetops West Coast Treetop Walkway & Café
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 We’re based 15 minutes drive south of Hokitika. poncho sales available.
adrenalin pumping thrillsadventure among temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with the birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. An exhilarating treetop Thrill seekers will feel their hearts pump and the adrenalin rush as they climb to the top of Hokitika Tower Easy access forthe allforest to enjoy a steel 20vista metres andsnow overcapped 450 metres long. 40 metres above floor.along Be inspired by aplatform sensational of thehigh majestic Southern Come and enjoy a leisurely 45 minute Alps, Lake Mahinapua and the Tasman seat to one hour stroll through the beautiful West Coast rainforest tree tops.
recharge andand replenish Recharge replenish in our café
Recharge, refresh and enjoy great local foods in the comfort of the licensed Mahinapua Café nestled A uniquely and wonderful destination of discovery. Recharge, refresh great local foods in the comfort of the Mahinapua Café nestled quiquietly besidewild the tranquil Johnnies Creek. Browse our visitor information centre or pickand up a enjoy momento at thebeside gift shop. etly the tranquil Johnnies Creek.
getting The caféthere is open daily from 9 am until 3 pm during the summer months and 2 pm during winter months
Located just 15 minutes south of the famed gem town of Hokitika on Adrenalin-pumping the West Coast of the Souththrills Island of New Zealand. Normal hours are 9am to 5pm walkpump 4.15pm). Thrill seekers will feel their(last hearts and the adrenalin rush as they climb to the top of Hokitika Tower 40 metres above the forest floor. Be inspired by
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a sensational vista of the majestic snow capped Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. 1128 Woodstock-Rimu Road, Hokitika, West Coast, New Zealand Opening hours p: 0508 TREETOPS e: info@treetopsnz.com www.treetopsnz.com Summer: 9am–4:15pm 28th Sep 15–3rd Apr 16 Winter: 9am–3:15pm 4th Apr 16–25th Sep 16
walk the
treetops
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Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Tourist Times, November 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.
7 Punakaiki
REEFTON
7 Map data ©2015 Google
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
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.
CONTEMPORARY STUDIOS https://www.google.co.nz/maps/place/Westport/@-41.76489,171.916237,10z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x6d256cc843092bf5:0x500ef868479c3d0
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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 27 Marine Parade, Carters Beach, Westport, West Coast, New Zealand Phone:+64 3 789 8169 Email info@cartersbythesea.co.nz www.cartersbythesea.co.nz
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 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. 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
KARAMEA 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.
Page 4— Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Tourist Times, November 2016
PICTON - BLENHEIM Picton The town was first surveyed in 1849 and the New Zea-
land 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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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, November 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 Market
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: Wednesdays 10:30am–3:30pm Summer Road Runs
Prince Albert Hotel, 113 Nile Street, Nelson, Nelson / Tasman Saturday 5 November 2016 3:45pm – 5:00pm A tradition of free summer runs for both runners and walkers every Saturday at different venues around Nelson. See website for this weeks. Runs vary in distance from 6.5km to 11km with the average approximately 7km. Everyone is welcome, especially those from out of town here on holiday. Just turn up and enjoy. The New Zealand Cider Festival
Founders Heritage Park, 87 Atawhai Dr, Nelson, Nelson / Tasman Saturday 12 November 2016 12:00pm – 6:00pm A family day out celebrating the most versatile beverage on earth. Music, food and the best ciders in the country make a great day out! Cider makers from around the country are going to descend on Nelson bringing with them their finest wares. Musical headliner Greg Johnson will keep things kicking while your kids have fun in our family zone. This is going to be a great day out for families and cider lovers of all kinds! Gypsy Pickers live at Mapua Wharf
Golden Bear Brewing Company, 12 Aranui Rd, Mapua, Waimea, Nelson / TasmanSunday 13 November 2016 3:00pm – 6:00pm Admission: Free 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. These two lively entertainers have a captivating show and an extensive repertoire to suit any event. The Gypsy Pickers make music to move you and make you move - with rock, popular, reggae, bluegrass, world, blues, jazz, roots, hits and originals - to suit the occasion. For a night of floor-shaking dance music or a quality concert experience, the Gypsy Pickers are known for consistently pleasing crowds of all ages. Beacon Hill Vintage Christmas Market
Beacon Hill Estate, 205 Paton Road, Hope, Nelson, Nelson / Tasman Saturday 26 November 2016 10:00am – 3:00pm Entry (Fundraising for iBringFreedom): $2.00 Our Vintage Christmas Market Day is a great day out for friends and family in the lead up to Christmas. We will have a variety of local stalls, exhibiting an inspiring assortment of vintage, shabby chic and country treasures - perfect for Christmas gifts! With fabulous products ranging from giftware, homeware, antiques, clothing, jewellery, food + coffee to make sure you are all prepared for the festive season. There is a $2 entry fee that goes to iBring Freedom as we continue our support for the incredible work they do reaching, rescuing and restoring trafficked girls. We will also again have our eftpos station available. We have partnered with some amazing local businesses to make this market day extra special. Our newly renovated Shabby Chic shed is being transformed into a gorgeous pamper wonderland by About Beauty at Monaco.
Page 6 — Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Tourist Times,November 2016
ABEL TASMAN
mapua seaside village
Abel Tasman National Park 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 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, July 2016 — Page 7
WEST COAST
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 Dave Upfold - Comedy Stage Hypnotist Regent Theatre, 23 Weld St, Hokitika Saturday 6 August 2016 7:30pm – 9:30pm General Admission: $20.00 The hilarious comedy hypnosis show is a Koru Games - Westland High School Fundraiser and is open to the public. As seen on TV3’s “Campbell Live” programme, Dave Upfold is known for his energetic, engaging and enthralling live shows. Dave’s shows feature audience participation and utilise the power of the mind and suggestion. With no two shows ever being the same Dave has been entertaining audiences around the world with his hypnosis comedy show for over 19 successful years. All who come to his shows laugh so much and feel so good that they may even walk away with a renewed sense of humanity, and generally a sore stomach from so much laughter.
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.
Enjoy a relaxing outdoor bath at New River Bluegums B&B
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.
Page 8 — Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Tourist Times, September 2016
Haast
Haast - Google Maps
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Great food at Frontier Cafe & Bar
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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.
Lake Paringa
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Haast Jackson Bay 6 Wanaka
Haast 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. 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. 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. Haast has a supermarket, gift shops, locally made crafts and jewellery, petrol stations, restaurants cafe’s and bars.
Jacksons bay
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 Pass
Haast Township Map data ©2014 Google
5 km
https://www.google.co.nz/maps/place/Haast/@-43.9113169,169.124171,11z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x6cd59d256cd89b67:0x500ef86847972d0
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The Haast Pass rises to a height of 562 metres above sea level at the saddle between the valleys of the Haast and Makarora Rivers. As such, it is the lowest of the passes traversing the Southern Alps. The Haast Pass road is devoid of any settlements between Haast and Makarora. The road passes through predominantly unmodified beech forest. The pass itself is within the limits of Mount Aspiring National Park and forms part of the boundary between Otago and the West Coast. it is well worth a stop and there are plenty great tracks and waterfalls.
Jacksons Bay is 32km South west from Haast,The bay marks the farthest extent of the West Coast’s road network. The small road which meanders along the coast from Haast, close to Jackson Head. This was the site of the landing of the early settlers of the area, and is close to the mouth of the Arawhata (or Arawata) River. The third river to enter the Tasman along this stretch of coast is the Waiatoto River, which enters the bay 10 kilometres to the east of Jackson Head.
Jacksons Bay Heartland World Heritage Hotel, Haast
Makarora
Gates of Haast
Tucked in under Mt Shrimpton, Makarora Tourist Centre with it’s ‘A’ frame accommodation borders the Mt Aspiring World Heritage National Park. Across Sate Highway 6 and the licenced airstrip the Makarora River meanders it’s way 10 kilometres to the head of Lake Wanaka. The little hanging valley, the Teal, looks down over the river towards the complex while the Wilkin and Young Valleys, with their towering mountains and native beech covered slopes, stand majestically to each side of the Teal.