Back to Blog

Paparoa Track: Stunning Scenery and Ever-Changing Landscapes

Paparoa National Park is one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes, where rugged mountains meet lush rainforest and limestone formations tower over deep river gorges. The Paparoa Track is the first Great Walk specifically designed for both walkers and mountain bikers, offering an unforgettable journey across alpine ridges, through ancient forests, and into the heart of the West Coast’s untamed beauty.The Paparoa Track: A Scenic AdventureThis 55-kilometer trail starts near the histori...

Kawatiri Costal Trail - discovering West Coast Birdlife Through the Lens of Grant Watson

Birds are an essential part of the natural world, filling our landscapes with song and color. Whether in a garden, along a coastal trail, or deep in the forest, these remarkable creatures contribute far beyond their beauty. They help control pests, disperse seeds, and signal changes in the environment. Yet, many bird populations are in decline, making their presence even more precious.New Zealand’s West Coast is a haven for birdlife, with its mix of wetlands, forests, and rugged shorelines. Lo...

Westport: With its warm mild climate & three beautiful beaches Westport is the perfect beach holiday destination

WESTPORT ATTRACTIONS  With its warm mild climate and three beautiful beaches just minutes from town Westport is the perfect beach holiday destination. Carters Beach a family friendly stretch of endless sand is ideal for camping swimming picnics sunsets and bonfires. It is also home to two surf schools for those looking to catch some waves.A short drive south of Carters Beach the Cape Foulwind Walkway offers an easy coastal trail along a breezy promontory to New Zealand’s largest mainland ...

The Great Coast Road: A Journey Through New Zealand’s Untamed Beauty

The Great Coast Road more than lives up to its name. Recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives this 100 km stretch of State Highway 6 clings to the rugged coastline with the mighty Southern Alps rising in the distance.Though it can be driven in a single day taking your time allows you to experience windswept lookouts dramatic rock formations lush rainforest and hidden retreats. Whether you bring your own vehicle or fly into Christchurch and pick up a ren...

Whitebait, a West Coast Speciality, be sure to try it during your visit.

Whitebait is a West Coast Speciality;  in particular West Coast Whitebait is more than just a delicacy; it’s a way of life here on New Zealand’s stunning West Coast. These tiny, translucent fish are caught each spring in our rivers and estuaries, marking the start of a much anticipated season that locals and visitors alike look forward to. Whitebaiting isn’t just about the catch, it’s about tradition, patience, and the joy of simple, fresh food.Whitebait are the juvenile form of sev...

West Coast Pounamu or Greenstone, holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for Māori

Pounamu, also known as greenstone or New Zealand jade, is far more than just a souvenir. It holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for Māori and is considered a taonga (treasure), often passed down through generations.Found only in the South Island, pounamu is so deeply connected to the land that the island itself was once called Te Wāhi Pounamu (the place of pounamu). Over time, this name evolved into Te Wai Pounamu (the greenstone waters), reflecting the powerful rivers that carry th...

Tauranga Bay, West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, just outside of Westport.

Tucked away on the rugged and breathtaking West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, just outside of Westport, lies one of the country’s most accessible and fascinating wildlife experiences, the Tauranga Bay Seal Colony. This natural haven offers visitors a chance to witness New Zealand fur seals (kekeno) in their natural habitat while soaking in the dramatic coastal scenery.The Best Time to VisitIf you want to catch the seal colony at its liveliest, the best time to visit is between October...

Truman Track Punakaiki,one of the West Coast’s most enchanting short walks, a perfect way to immerse yourself in the region’s untouched beauty.

Truman Track Punakaiki: A Hidden Gem on the West CoastThe Truman Track is one of the West Coast’s most enchanting short walks, a perfect way to immerse yourself in the region’s untouched beauty. This easy, well maintained trail winds through lush subtropical rainforest, where towering podocarp and rātā trees create a canopy high above, filtering the sunlight and casting a golden glow on the vibrant undergrowth below. The forest is alive with the sounds of birdsong, and as you walk, you’l...

The West Coast Pie Company,Trail Blazers, Fortune Seekers, Wilderness Pioneers They used to say a three-course meal on the West Coast was a pie and two beers

They used to say a three-course meal on the West Coast was a pie and two beers. And if you asked a local, they'd tell you the Denniston Incline was the eighth wonder of the world, though what went up didn’t always come down.Coasters have always been a hardy bunch, built for the wild. They reckoned it rained so much you could bog a duck, and when the cold set in, even the lawyers had their hands in their own pockets. But no matter the weather, they knew how to get the job done, shake off the da...

Kawatiri Coastal Trail offers an unforgettable way to experience the stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse wildlife of New Zealand’s West Coast.

Kawatiri Coastal Trail – A Scenic Journey Through Time and NatureNestled between the rugged mountains and the wild Tasman Sea, the Kawatiri Coastal Trail offers an unforgettable way to experience the stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse wildlife of New Zealand’s West Coast. This Grade 2, family-friendly cycling and walking trail will eventually link Westport to Charleston, spanning 40 kilometers of breathtaking scenery.Newsflash: Final section is due to open March 2025With multiple...

Underworld Adventures Charleston, New Zealand. One of the most spectacular and unique experiences you can have in the region

Underworld Adventures Charleston, New ZealandTucked away on the rugged West Coast of New Zealand, just a short drive from Birds Ferry Lodge, lies one of the most spectacular and unique experiences you can have in the regionUnderworld Adventures Charleston. If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure that combines glowworm caves, scenic train rides, and underground rafting, this is a must-do activity during your stay.A Journey into the Ancient Limestone CavesUnderworld Adventures Charleston ...

Visit the West Coast of New Zealand. The West Coast is a place of rugged beauty, rich history and unforgettable experiences.

Visit The West Coast of New Zealand, Why? The West Coast is a place of rugged beauty, rich history and unforgettable experiences. From breathtaking natural landscapes to charming small towns, this region offers something for every traveller. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation or a taste of local culture, a visit to the West Coast promises memories that will last a lifetime.Spectacular Natural LandscapesNature lovers will be in awe of the stunning scenery that defines the West Coas...