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Top Places: Westland: includes, Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Okarito, Lake Matheson, Bruce Bay, Southern Alps. Paparoa National Park, Mt Aspiring National Park, Arthurs Pass.
The
West Coast is a rugged and primeval region that plunges westward from the
Southern Alps through luxuriant rain forest to a rugged coastline. The
steepness of the landscape and high rainfall causes many waterfalls and rivers
to flow, and is also a factor in preserving the glaciers. The rainfall is
also essential for the lush rain forests found here.
The
Westcoast has some great National Parks including: Westland, Paparoa, Mt Aspiring and
parts of the Arthurs Pass and Kahurangi National Parks. The lower half of
the Westcoast also forms part of the the South Westland World Heritage Area,
which is one of the largest protected wilderness areas on earth.
This
region of New Zealand is isolated from the rest of the South Island because
of the huge Southern Alps mountain range. These mountains extends for
nearly 600 km and are bigger in area than the European alps. There
are a number of scenic passes through this mountainous barrier including the
the Buller Gorge, Arthurs Pass and the Haast Pass which are all essential
links for travellers and goods to the Westcoast.
So it comes as no surprise that this isolated region is sparsely populated. There are a number of smaller towns here including: Hokitika, Westport, and Greymouth.
Visitors
to the Westcoast can find many tourist activites on offer, including plane or helicopter
rides from both Franz Josef and Fox townships over the glaciers and mountains. A trek up either Franz
Joseph or Fox glaciers comes highly recommended.
One
of the best alpine views in New Zealand can be had from 'The Alpine Crossing'.
This walk provides the chance to scale over the mountains from the Mt Cook
National Park on the east, to the Westcoast region. It is strongly recommended that
you walk this track with a guide and crampons are essential all year round.
Original versions of our photos can be purchased & web versions can be shared subject to conditions.