This rugged and primeval region plunges west from the Southern Alps, through rainforest, limestone gorges and glaciers to its breathtaking coastline at the Tasman Sea. Stretching 550 kms from North Cape to Bluff, it covers 5 National Parks and a World Heritage Area. The region is populated by only 31,000 people, known locally as ‘Coasters’ a term synonymous with friendliness and hospitality.
Access to the region is spectacularly scenic, via the Buller Gorge from Nelson, the Lewis Pass or Arthur's Pass from Christchurch or the Haast Pass from Queenstown. The airports at Westport and Hokitika operate regular scheduled services and the daily TranzAlpine Express rail service from Christchurch to Greymouth is rated as one of the world’s greatest train journeys.
MUST SEE & DO
- Punakaiki: View the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Arthur's Pass:
- Enjoy the flora and fauna on one of the many walking tracks
- Greymouth: Visit Shantytown, a recreated 1900's pioneer town
- Hari Hari: See the White Heron Sanctuary at Whataroa from £39
- Hokitika: Explore the gold, jade and craft studios
