Find things to do on the West Coast

Haast Pass, West Coast.

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Things to do

Tohu Whenua: Denniston Mine

Located just 30 minutes north of Westport, the Denniston Plateau is a place of unique geology, sweeping coastal views and incredible history to boot. Read the story . . . 

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Pancake rocks and blowholes: 30 million years in the making

At Punakāiki, walk into an ancient world of pancake-shaped rock formations 30 million years in the making, along with mighty blowholes and a terrific surge pool.  Read the story . . . 

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Road trips

Must Do's: South Island Road Trips Travel Guide

Start planning your next road trip with great attractions, accommodation and things to see and do in the South Island with our full 2022 Must-Do's travel guide. Read or download it here! Read the story . . . 

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The Lake Matheson walk: a photographer's dream

Lake Matheson is a photographer’s dream, where the waters reflect a near-perfect image of snow-capped Aoraki Mount Cook. Read the story . . . 

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Walking

Walk to Cape Foulwind

Cape Foulwind does not live up to its name. Read the story . . . 

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Things to do

Paparoa National Park: there she blows

Paparoa National Park has luxuriant forest, limestone cliffs and canyons, caves and underground streams, not to mention the spectacular coastline...  Read the story . . . 

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The Blue Pools of Haast Pass

Māori knew about the glacial defile between the coastal flats of South Westland and the high tussock-land surrounding the southern lakes from their expeditions in search of pounamu.  Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Westland Tai Poutini National Park: ancient ice

Westland Tai Poutini is an area of majestic primeval vistas: snow-capped mountains, glistening glaciers, forests, lakes, rivers and wetlands. Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Buller Gorge: swing into action in the deep, meandering canyon

Visit the deep, meandering canyon where you can zipline, raft whitewater rapids, jump on a jet boat or experience our longest swingbridge spanning the mighty Buller River. Read the story . . . 

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Road trips

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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Walking

Walks north of Haast township

Enjoy magnificent photo opportunities of a dune lake, sweeping coastline, forest plants and wildlife on these three walks.  Read the story . . . 

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Activities

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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