Westport
Westport is a relaxed lifestyle port town in the West Coast region of the South Island of New Zealand, close by the prominent headland of Cape Foulwind. Westport is the largest centre of the Northern West Coast with a population of about 6,000.
Westport Harbour, adjacent to the town, is at the mouth of the Buller River opening into the Tasman Sea. It offers a sheltered haven to fishing vessels and provides handling facilities for cargo vessels, bulk carriers and barges. Cruise boats also visit Westport's busy port where visitors experience the warm hospitality of the Northern West Coast and enjoy a range of sightseeing and adventure activities. The scenery around this town offers a treasure trove of beaches, wild rivers and placid streams.
It is connected via State Highway 6 with Greymouth, New Zealand 100 kilometres to the south, and with Nelson in the northeast, via the Buller Gorge. Nature abounds at the Cape Foulwind seal breeding colony. The coastal walkway offers views of the magnificent West Coast sunsets. To the north are the pristine rainforests along the Charming Creek Walkway where you will be accompanied by a myriad of native birds as you follow the Ngakawau Gorge.
There is a wealth of history and a visit to Coaltown Museum will enhance the mystical part of your imagination as you walk through a simulated underground coal mine. There is a superb choice and range of activities available in and around the town of Westport, for everyone from the adventure seeker to the more relaxed visitor where you can explore some of New Zealand's finest scenery.
Adventure is limitless: White Water Rafting, Jetski Tours, Mountain Biking, Adventure Caving, Scenic Caving, Jet Boating, Underworld Rafting, Heli-Rafting, Horse Trekking, Surfing, Kayaking, Land Yachting, Fishing and Chartered Fishing.
Westport is a friendly town and you are assured of a warm welcome.
West Coast
Deemed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Area, the West Coast must be seen to be truly believed and is a must see for those tourists interested in wildlife, flora and fauna from the Southern Alps, tranquil lakes, raging rivers and lush rainforest.
The West Coast of the Southern Alps boasts five of New Zealand's thirteen national parks - Kahurangi, Paparoa, Arthur's Pass, Westland, Mt Aspiring - along with the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. Tramping can be arranged to meet the individual desires of the tourists and can be embarked upon in an unguided or guided manner.
Tourist Attractions
Westport, the main town on the northern West Coast.
Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the terminus for the TranzAlpine rail journey from Christchurch.
Punakaiki, home of the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Hokitika, a coastal town with many arts and crafts shops.
Glacier Country - Fox Glacier and Franz Josef villages make ideal bases to visit the glaciers
Haast, the last town on the West Coast, and a great location to break the journey when travelling from/to Queenstown or Wanaka.
