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introduction
 Welcome
to the wild and wonderful West Coast of the South
Island. The New Zealand Information
Network has highlighted a number of ‘must see’ attractions to assist you in planning a great
holiday in this fascinating part of the country.
The ‘Coast’ as locals call it, is one
of the world’s special places, with
mind-blowing topography. Ancient uplifts of the
earth’s crust created the impressive
vertical ramparts of the main divide of the
Southern Alps. These cloud-piercing mountains
rise within 30 km of a breathtaking coast. Five
of our national parks are here, and South West
New Zealand has been declared a World Heritage
Area.
 There are many ways to experience this adventure
playground in the wild West. Tramp through the
bizarre limestone landscapes or touch the silence
of a timeless rainforest. Explore blue ice caves
of an ancient glacier or make a helicopter
landing on a vast alpine snowfield. Paddle across
a peaceful lagoon or raft a swift glacial river.
Pan for bright burnished gold in a murmuring
stream or cast a trout fly over a languid pool.
The West Coast has it all. But wherever you
travel you will never be far from water - rivers,
lakes, lagoons, sea and especially glaciers. The
most popular walks on the Coast are on the two
major glaciers, the Franz Josef and Fox. Walking
on the icefall is the best possible way to
understand the forces of ice and water that have
shaped this land.
 Guiding Companies at Franz Josef have
been taking groups onto the glaciers for years.
For visitors, a close encounter with the icefalls
of Glacier Country is the highlight of their New
Zealand holiday.
There is a strong tradition of hospitality on the
Coast. Westport is a friendly base for exploring
the old gold trails, coal towns and limestone
country in the north. Greymouth is the business
centre and tourist hub. Hokitika is a relaxed
town with craft studios and adventure activities.
When you visit the West Coast you will enjoy
quality accommodation, fine foods, exciting
guided adventures, and such an amazing variety of
scenery that every day will bring a fresh feeling
of anticipation and excitement.
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