West Coast
The West Coast is a 600-kilometre stretch of lush forest, rugged beaches and roaring sea. A narrow band of land between the snow-capped Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea, this remote region is a natural treasure like no other.
A rich source of pounamu (greenstone or jade) used by Maori to create tools, weapons and jewellery, its virgin rainforests are dotted with emerald lakes and wetlands, and crisscrossed by swift-flowing rivers and streams.
Towering mountain ranges shaped by the slow crawl of ancient glaciers slide into the sea. Surf pounds eerie rock formations and deserted beaches stretch into distant mist.
Visit the spectacular Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, where the ocean towers into blowholes of salt water. Head north to Karamea and wander the breathtaking Heaphy Track, its wild empty beaches flanked by lush native Nikau palms.
The West Coast is famous for its crayfish and the elusive seafood delicacy whitebait. You can even find possum on the menu in the odd rustic eatery.