History where it happened: West Coast
Discover big stories, up close with the Tohu Whenua guide to the West Coast.
Treasure seeker towns, snowcapped views and an ancient lagoon are just some of the must-dos you’ll find in this Te Tai Poutini West Coast itinerary.
All aboard!
Te Kopikopiko o Te Waka
Starting in the south, discover the celestial story of Ngāti Mahaki (mana whenua) of how the South Island came to be, by experiencing the imposing, and climbable waka sculpture. Incredible views of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana the Southern Alps and Te Weheka Fox Glacier will make your visit unforgettable.
Ōkārito
A place of harvest, conservation and goldrush, Ōkārito is just a short drive from Franz Josef but feels like a world away. Take your pick of beautiful walks, including up to the Ōkārito Trig, or hop on a kayak to catch a glimpse of rare birdlife, including the kōtuku on the Ōkārito Lagoon. Pop into Donovan’s Store to learn more about the town’s heritage and check out the calendar for local gigs and events.
Hokitika Port, Commercial and Government Centre
Hokitika first drew Māori for its rich source of pounamu and later became the most valued port of the West Coast gold rush era. Meet master carvers in their working studios and return home with your own taonga, appreciate grand buildings constructed with the riches from the goldfields, and shop to your heart’s content at one of the many galleries and gift shops. You won’t go hungry – Hokitika offers kai you might be surprised to find in a small West Coast town.
Brunner Mine
Just a short drive up the Grey River from Greymouth is Brunner Mine. Sadly, the site is most remembered for the 1896 mine explosion that killed 65 men. However, it is an excellent destination for a good day out with lots to discover: industrial ruins on both sides of the river, including historic coke ovens, coal wagons, a brick factory and the remains of tunnel entrances.
Waiuta
This will be a favourite for sure – New Zealand’s best ghost town is waiting for you. In its heyday, Waiuta was a bustling gold town, complete with an Olympic size swimming pool, a rugby field, bowling greens, and a tennis court, all of which you can still explore, along with mine shafts and several cottages including the barber shop and police lock-up.
Keen mountain bikers and hikers will also enjoy the track from Waiuta to Big River, and be sure to drive up to Prohibition Mine for views of this extraordinary corner of the world.
Historic Reefton
Our next stop on the Tohu Whenua tour is Quartzopolis itself. Feel like you’ve stepped into a Wild West movie set as you stroll down Broadway, Reefton’s main street, with its restored buildings that now house an eclectic mix of galleries, gift shops, cafés, pubs and second-hand shops. Mine for gold with the Bearded Miners, enjoy a boutique gin tasting, and stop for a yarn with one of the many friendly locals. A meal and a pint at the local pub is the perfect end to a great day. Bottoms up!
Denniston Mine
No-one regrets a trip to Denniston Plateau. Once a leading coal mining town, Denniston sits high on the edge of a steep incline railway which has been described as the eighth wonder of the world. The wealth of mining relics, world-class interpretation and spectacular scenery and walking tracks make a visit to Denniston (just north of Westport) a spectacular final stop on
your West Coast adventure.
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Your free itinerary to history where it happened:
Tohu Whenua covers Te Tai Tokerau Northland, Waitaha Canterbury, Te Tai Poutini West Coast and Otago with new regions coming. If these suggestions pique your interest, check out all the sites and build your own itinerary at tohuwhenua.nz
