Westland

WESTLAND SOUTH ISLAND'S WEST COAST

Between the Towering peaks of the Southern Alps and the Wild Waters of the Tasman Sea, lies one of the most remote regions in New Zealand; the West Coast or Westland as otherwise known. It’s an area truly dominated by nature and its many forms, from Nikau palm rainforests of the North, to the glaciated valleys and fortress-like peaks of the South. By Jack Austin

It’s an astounding fact that this stretch of Coast is over 600km long and home to only 1% of the Country’s population, leaving a lot of space to roam and explore. While much can be seen not too far from the State Highway, you will need adequate gear and potentially helicopters to go off and explore some of the otherwise unexplorable inner realms. The West Coast is often well-known for its less-than-favourable weather patterns, with heavy storms often rolling in from the Tasman Sea.

The ‘Coasters’ are a friendly and independent community who will no doubt, add to your amazing experience following this rugged coastline. I’ve been lucky enough to travel the length of the West Coast on multiple occasions, only to find myself captivated yet astounded by its remoteness and startling change in ecosystems each time.

Choosing the top 5 places to visit along this 600km stretch of rugged coast is difficult, but I am certain nonetheless that these natural features and gems, will be fantastic additions to any travel experience you find yourself on and I’m sure you will enjoy them just as much as I did.

Gazing in awe at the surreal turquoise waters of the Hokitika Gorge

The Heaphy Track

To be named one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks immediately sets the tone for what is an incredible journey through nature. I can’t think of a walk I have done that covers more different ecosystems than the Heaphy Track. Being the Longest of the Great walks done on foot at 78km, the journey takes you from the rugged coastline and Nikau Rainforest of the West Coast, right through the baron plains of the Gouland downs, passing through the mountain-scapes of Perry Saddle before finishing on the shores of the roaring Brown River.

If you don’t fancy the 3-5 day hike, plenty of short walks can be done from both sides but more so from the West Coast. One of my favourite West Coast beaches, ‘Scotts Beach’ sits 5km from the track start.

Hokitika Gorge

The waters of Hokitika Gorge are often described as ‘an impossible emerald blue’, followed by “I’ve never seen water that colour… ever!” You’d be quite right. The Turquoise blue that runs through this gorge contains fine, ground “rock flour” that is so fine, it suspends in the water as it flows; producing an impossible turquoise blue hue. With just a short walk from the Car park until you reach the swing-bridge, you’ll be immediately welcomed by the incredible greens of the rainforest. Cast your eyes down to the emerald blue waters below, you’ll be wanting to make it to the rocks for a swim right away. Be warned though, the waters are damn cold!

The Haast Pass

One of the areas I haven’t quelled my curious nature by exploring enough of. The drive through the Haast pass I can only describe as being the most ‘wild’ of the three cross-country Passes (including Lewis Pass & Arthurs Pass.) Steep cliff faces encompassing you, many waterfalls lie on this stretch which are most definitely worth exploring including the fascinating Fantail Falls and Roaring Billy Falls ; my favourite being ‘Thunder Creek Falls.’ Another feature of ‘emerald blue waters’ lies in the form of ‘Blue Pools’ an incredible natural phenomenon sitting amongst the dense New Zealand bush. The terrain of this region is steep and allows any explorer to get up into the alpine very quickly with several back-country/alpine DOC serviced huts spread-out amongst the mountain tops.

Glacier country, as seen from above.

Oparapara Valley

One of my favourite places to visit in the Karamea region is the Oparapara Basin; home to the highest natural rock archway in the Southern Hemisphere. Tucked away amongst the West Coast rainforest, the archways are mind-blowing examples of nature’s elements creating such formations. When done exploring here, the basin is full of amazing features to be seen along with several cave networks, astounding Tree Fern Forests and my favourite; Mirror Tarn. It’s a forest pool of dark, stained water surrounded and sheltered by tall trees, creating a reflection that is undisturbed and actually very difficult to tell where the land ends and the water begins.

Fox Glacier & Lake Matheson

As you begin venturing further South, you’ll realise 2 things. Firstly, the mountains get closer and much, much bigger and secondly; it’s a lot colder. While the North of the South Island receives arguably the most sunlight hours of the whole country, entering into Fox and Franz Josef means you have finally made it to Glacier country. This part of New Zealand is home to 2 incredible Glaciers; Franz Josef Glacier (12 km long) and Fox Glacier (13 km long). I feel it’s important to note that both of these Glaciers, as well as many others in New Zealand are currently retreating. Rising temperatures have had an astounding effect and my 2 visits here, with a gap of 4 years, made me realise just how much they have. You can still go and explore the glaciers, however if you’re wanting to actually walk on the glacier, you will need to do so by going with a Glacier Heli-guiding company located in either Fox Glacier or Franz Josef.

Coming away from the Glaciers, one of the best walks around is the world-famous; Lake Matheson. You will not see a better, more beautiful mountain mirror-reflection than here, especially as that is of New Zealands tallest peak; Aoraki Mount Cook. You are more likely to get this mirror-like effect in the early morning or late evening.

Cape Foulwind

One more for good measure! If you really want to get an insight as to how rugged and spectacular this stretch of coast is, the well-known Cape Foulwind walkway should be on your trip itinerary. Located in the old fishing town of Westport, where you can quickly escape to the shores and the roaring waves of the Tasman Sea. Home to a Seal Colony, there is no limit on the native wildlife to be seen here along with incredible views of the coastal formations. If the weather allows, be sure to go all the way to the Cape Foulwind lighthouse!

Needless to say, any travel experience in New Zealand HAS to include exploring the West Coast and its many natural attractions. It’s wild, remote and has an uncanny effect of drawing you back to explore it time and time again.

Xposure

BEN THOUARD WAS CROWNED THE OVERALL WINNER OF THE REDBULL ILLUME – THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS ADVENTURE PHOTO COMPETITION IN THE WORLD. THIS PHOTO WAS SHOT DURING A FREESURF SESSION RIGHT BEFORE THE WCT EVENT IN TEAHUPO‘O. THIS IS ACE BUCHAN KICKING OUT FROM THE BARREL THROUGH THE WAVE, A TECHNIQUE TO ESCAPE A CLOSE-OUT WAVE.