The West Coast. The least populated region of New Zealand but a place you need to experience. Untouched, pure, pristine are the words that come to mind when I think of this place. The rain forest is magical, the glaciers are extraordinary and the sunsets leave you breathless. If you love the outdoors, this is the place for you. There is no shortage of activities here. Explore the roads less traveled and head to The West Coast.
DISCOVERING HOKITIKA
Hokitika. A coastal town in the West Coast of the South Island with a population just under 3000. We didn’t really know what to expect when coming here. I booked us a couple of nights because it was a convienent stopover point on our way back up the country Continue reading here.
GREENSTONE CARVING IN HOKITIKA
Today we are stepping out of the box and doing something a bit different. Greenstone carving. The Te Reo name for Greenstone is Pounamu. It’s a beautiful stone, found in the South Island. It is highly valued in New Zealand and carvings made from Pounamu play an important part in Maori culture. Continue reading here.
KAYAKING WITH HERONS
The mist is hugging the hills. The lush green forest flowing out from beneath it. Once again, I feel like I am on the set of Jurassic Park.There is no rain today. There is even a patch of sun breaking through the clouds, beaming down on a snowy mountain. Continue reading here.
QUAD BIKING IN FRANZ JOSEF
Call us lucky, or maybe we are just foolish, but the last few times we have gone away, we haven’t taken wet weather motorbike gear. That’s pretty risky for the West Coast. Today we have woken up to a wild, wet storm. But it’s not a riding day, so maybe we are lucky. Continue reading here.
FRANZ JOSEF BOUND
Today we are saddling up the bike and heading further south, down to Franz Josef. Before we leave Punakaiki, I head back down to the beach for one last look. It’s such a beautiful view, so wild and untouched. Continue reading here.
CAVING IN CHARLESTOWN
One of the things I love about international travel (it’s certainly not the flight getting there, I am quite fearful of long haul flights!) is that you know you are somewhere else. It might be the landscapes, the climate or the smells. Your senses tell you the place is foreign. Continue Reading Here.
HEADING TO THE WEST COAST
It’s adventure time. I love adventure time, especially when it is on 2 wheels. I find travelling by motorbike so easy and freeing. Continue reading here.
Exploring the Long White Cloud 