New Zealand - The West Coast of the Southern Alps - part 1

Where? - you ask. The West Coast is the region on the west coast of the south island of New Zealand. It is one of the most remote and sparsely populated areas of the country. The region is 600km from north to south and only 70km at its widest, but most is no more than 20km wide between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps that tower up to 12000ft above sea level.

The coastal plain between the wild rocky coast line and the temperate rain forest covered foot hills is rugged but dotted with beautiful valleys, amazing scenery and two glaciers- Franz Joseph and Fox- that come down to meet you a short walk up from the car park. The region has a very high rainfall but that just adds to the beauty growing all around you. The region has been included in the ' Top 10 Coastal Drives of the World' by the Lonely Planet. One of the most famous sites on The West Coast- Punakaiki' s Pancake Rocks & blowholes is a must see. These ancient formations are a true wonder of nature - and they really do look like pancakes!

Greenstone valued by Maoris is still in abundance today. However, the next big discovery- gold in 1864 created numerous gold rush towns. Hokitika grew to 25, 000 inhabitants but now thrives as an important centre with 3600 inhabitants, 11% of the region' s population. Coal mining and Timber milling followed but both are now small enterprises as much of the region is public land administered by the Department of Conservation. The result is the region has some of the best remaining stands of majestic native forest and rare wildlife. Ecotourism is now an important industry along with dairy farming and fishing. Do not expect to drive this coast in a day or even two. Allow 3-4 days at least as there are NO motorways, and only one set of traffic lights only exist- in Greymouth , population 9800.

The West Coast has eight regions. Each harbouring its one distinct history and character. Discover Nikau palms and semi tropical fruit trees in the north to ice, snow and temperate rainforests in the south. In between are wild coastlines, deserted beaches, dense forests of giant trees, ferns and mosses, big rivers and little creeks, lakes to boat on and walk around, glaciers to explore and the lofty snow covered mountains that form the Southern Alps.