Things to do

The Northern West Coast Region offers a wide range of scenery and historic sites to see and outdoor adventure sports and activities to do, all set within the natural riches that are found here from the mountains to the sea.

Experience the wilderness and scenic beauty of the Northern West Coast Region, taking in both history and nature. There are many excellent walks for the casual wanderer through to the keenest hikers.

Walk the historic Charming Creek Railway which is carved in rock, through the awe-inspiring Ngakawau River Gorge.

To the north is Karamea, renowned for its subtropical paradise from where you can venture on well-formed tracks into the wilderness of the Oparara Basin, the popular Heaphy Track, and the Honeycomb Caves.

One of the region's best-kept secrets is the Oparara Basin. Tucked away in the Kahurangi National Park, is a series of three stone arches carved out by the Oparara River. Within this unspoilt rainforest you can visit the Oparara and Moria Gate Arches via well marked walking tracks, or you can drive on to the Mirror Tarn - a small, still lake that offers spectacular reflections of the surrounding forest and sky. Further along is the cave carpark, where you can take a short walk along the river to the Crazy Paving Cave where you can see weta and cave spiders, and the Box Canyon Cave - a large open cave with several limestone passages where you can see fossils in the ceilings. Don't forget to bring a torch. The Oparara Basin is well off the beaten track, so you will need to set out early, but this is definitely a must-see.

The Punakaiki "Pancake Rocks", Blowholes and Truman Track are a popular destination for tourists. Over thousands of years the powerful Tasman Sea has created these amazing rock sculptures and limestone landscape features, only a short walk from the Punakaiki Visitor Centre on State Highway 6. For those who have more time then venture inland through the limestone rock canyons either by foot, horse trek or kayak.

Try Horse Trekking through the rainforest and along the banks of the mighty Buller River, or take a Jet Boat Ride through the Buller Gorge to experience this unspoiled paradise from the water. There is also White Water Rafting, Kayaking and the ever-popular Cave-rafting which combines glow worm grottoes with rapids on the Nile River.

The region is fast becoming popular with mountain bikers too, and there are Mountain Bike Trails throughout, ranging from scenic to challenging.

If you want even more adventure, then why not sign up for one of the region's Rock Climbing and Caving Expeditions, or go off-road with Quad Bikes, 4WD Tours or an 8-wheeled "Argo" Ride beside the mighty Buller River.

By far the region's biggest attraction is its geography and wildlife, from the rugged coastline and its spectacular rock formations, the deep gorges and valleys carved by ancient glaciers and the region's many rivers, to the lush rainforests filled with an abundance of unique and wonderful native vegetation and birdlife. There is a range of Eco Tours available to show you the natural diversity and abundance of the region, and the rare Hector Dolphins can often be seen up and down the West Coast.

Local Beaches along the coast are great for beach-combing and fishing, and popular among local surfers. The waves crashing on the rugged coastline is one of the best-known images of the region and if you pick the right day, a great example of nature at its wildest.

Present day and historical Coalfields and Gold mines are nestled high on the plateaus and the river valleys of the Northern West Coast. Here the strength, will and hardship of the pioneers who came to build their lives and bring riches to our nation can be seen in the buildings, relics and stories they left behind as a legacy to future mining in the region. Venture into a simulated coal mine at the Coaltown Museum in Westport for a taste of the conditions 'down in the pit', or try your hand panning for gold at one of the old gold mining camps along the riverbanks.

Sightseeing and adventures are best taken on a full stomach. There is a wide range of cafes and restaurants as well as a thriving coffee culture: whether you want a leisurely lunch, a visit to one of our award winning restaurants or a quick bite to eat, the region caters for all.

No visit would be complete without doing some shopping along the way. The Northern West Coast is a treasure trove of Local Art and Crafts. You will find a great variety of local galleries and gift shops featuring original artworks, jewellery, and sculptures in the region's towns and settlements where you can discover that perfect gift or memento of your Northern West Coast experience.