Okarito is just north of Franz Josef on the West Coast of New Zealand. These days it is a sleepy seaside village with just 35 permanent inhabitants. It has known former life as a key area for Maori food gathering, and in 1866 it had 1500 residents during the height of the gold rush.It is the largest unmodified wetland in New Zealand, and a spectacular inland … [Read more...]
Okarito and the White Herons in Spring
Okarito is on the West Coast of the South Island, south of Hokitika and just north of Franz Josef. It is the home of the beautiful Kotuku - white heron, and we are off there for a few days to see the have a break, see the herons and have a kayak. Want to know where to stay at Okarito? Find out here Okarito Lagoon is the largest unmodified wetland in New … [Read more...]
Ghost Trail Place to Stay
The West Coast of New Zealand's South Island is a wonderful untamed wilderness area that offers something special to travelers. In the north-west corner of the coast you will find a new walking/cycling track called The Old Ghost Road. Nearby a perfect place to stay is New Creek Ferals. This Cosy bach is only 3 km from the Ghost trail, overlooks the Buller River sleeps 5 … [Read more...]
Westport – Foulwind, Fritters and Seals
North of Punakaiki you drive into the small settlement of Charleston and you can not miss a huge four story concrete building. First question - what is it? As we drive closer we see an open cafe sign, so seems a good excuse to stop. We have found Underworld Adventures and Cafe. A business that has been going for 20 years and has just invested in this amazing building. It … [Read more...]
Punakaiki – One of the Jewels of the West Coast
I have lived in NZ 40 years and have never been here, so it is a real treat - there are not many corners of New Zealand I have not explored. We have some Pancake Rock formations at Waipu in Northland which are pretty special and one of my favourite places. But they do not compare to the towering cliffs of limestone and wild west coast scenery here at Punakaiki. We are … [Read more...]
Kumara – A Warm Welcome at The Cyclist’s Rest
Our host Mandi used to live in Christchurch, but she is now a West Coaster through and through. They built their home here on the outskirts of Kumara 14 years ago, and the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail runs past their property. So they have renovated some of the buildings and made room for the strangers who cycle past - appropriately named "The Cyclists Rest" Kumara … [Read more...]
Christchurch to the West Coast
I love the train journey on the Trans Alpine Express - truly one of the great railway trips of the World - I can not recommend it highly enough (see the video at the bottom of this post) This week we are taking the car across for an extended exploration of the South Island of New Zealand's West Coast. We will cross the Canterbury plains, drive into the foothills of the … [Read more...]