West Coast

The West Coast or simply 'The Coast' (as it's most commonly called) is the western coast of Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island) of New Zealand. There are currently (Nov 06) eight West Coast CouchSurfers - most in Hokitika.

The main towns are Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika. All three of these towns were large bustling cities and ports during the Gold Rush period of the late 19th century.

Attractions

The major attraction of the West Coast is the natural beauty (of course!)

• Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki
• Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
• Paparoa National Park
• Kahurangi National Park

The more touristy attractions include:

• Shanty Town
• Wild Foods Festival

Tips

The two glaciers and their respective villages, are very similar. Franz Josef is larger in that it has more shops and places to stay. The Glacier itself is surrounded by tropical rain forest. Fox Glacier is smaller in that it only has one 'backpackers' and a smaller convenience store. The Glacier is surrounded by more dramatic scenery, for example cliffs, but essentially once you get on the glaciers they are the same. Nearby Fox Glacier is Lake Matheson which is a great photo opportunity including the Glacier and New Zealand's largest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook.

20 kilometers south of Fox Glacier is the Copland Valley. A six hour hike up the valley shows off remarkable alpine terrain. You are rewarded for your troubles with a hot spring at Welcome flat, which is a hut with 30 places to sleep. Be wary that in summer it is booked up.