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Westland: land of ice dragons
Some locals say that people who move to Westland are either running away or in search of something.
A helicopter is dwarfed by the vast landscapes of Fox Glacier. © Tourism West Coast
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Cross the Buller river on one of New Zealand’s longest swing bridges
Walk the 110-metre wire swing bridge above the churning green water to experience the power of the river and get a whole new perspective on the Buller Gorge. Read the story . . .
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Challenge your taste buds at the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival
In Hokitika, locals celebrate their remote and rugged surrounds in the form of questionable cuisine. Read the story . . .
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Get a real sense of scale at Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
Even visiting the vast swathes of ice that make up Franz and Fox Glaciers in peak summer, you’ll need your puffer jacket. Read the story . . .
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Heavenly Haast: a UNESCO World Heritage Area
The southern corner of the South Island’s West Coast is home to landscapes so wild and spectacular, it has been recognised by UNESCO as an area of international significance. Read the story . . .
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Discover the geological wonder of the Ōpārara Arches
Experience limestone arches, caves, a whisky-coloured river and lush rainforest in the Kahurangi National Park on the West Coast. Read the story . . .
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Cross the South Island on the TranzAlpine, one of the world's most scenic train journeys
As far as window seats go, they don’t get much better than on the TranzAlpine, where the term ‘picture window’ takes on a whole new meaning. Read the story . . .
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Experience the sea as it’s meant to be at a marine reserve
New Zealand’s marine reserves and protected areas offer visitors a unique opportunity to see fish and marine life, thriving and abundant in their natural environment. Read the story . . .
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Kahurangi National Park: a treasured possession
Kahurangi, New Zealand’s second largest national park, includes the famous Heaphy Track, the Ōpārara Basin complex of limestone arches and 1795m-high Mount Arthur. Read the story . . .
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Five fun things to do on the West Coast
Take a road trip down the South Island's West Coast where you'll find natural hot pools, gold mining heritage and some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery. Read the story . . .
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Adventure time: Waiatoto River jet boat safari
The jet boat ride up the Waiatoto River in Haast is not a thrill-seeking-360º-spins kind of experience, rather a cruise to discover some of the region’s remote and pristine landscapes. Read the story . . .
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Adventure time: Franz Josef heli hike
While there are short walks that take you to the base of Franz Josef Glacier, the only way to actually set foot on the ice is via helicopter. Read the story . . .
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Westland road trip: a deep green journey
Low-slung clouds obscure the landscape and as we drive closer, it turns to rain, veiling the steeply rising hills. Moody is a good word for this part of the country. Read the story . . .
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Get outdoors: 14 must-do short walks
New Zealand is blessed with so many beautiful and varied landscapes. Often the best way to discover them is on foot. Read the story . . .
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Adventure time: tramping in New Zealand
Known in other countries as hiking, bushwalking or trekking, tramping is a uniquely Kiwi term that fits the style of walking here – often rough, frequently wet, but regularly inspiring. Read the story . . .
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Full spectrum: road tripping from Lake Hāwea to Jackson Bay
From lakes, through ancient forests and mountain passes, past waterfalls and rushing blue rivers, to the sea – this journey pays homage to our land’s extraordinary geography and wild beauty. Read the story . . .
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Hokitika: nuggets of history
Back in the 1800s dance halls and shooting-galleries, barmaids and ladies of ‘relaxed virtue’ all crowded along Hokitika’s golden mile, vying to entertain the hundreds of diggers. Read the story . . .
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