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| Westport, New Zealand Vacations, Tours and Travel Packages |
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Established in 1861 after the discovery of gold in the Buller Gorge, Westport was the first European settlement on the West Coast. It is therefore perhaps appropriate that this journey begins here, even though the town is bypassed by SH6 from Nelson, as well as all thosetourists in a hurry to get down to the glaciers further south.
Once the gold rush was over, coal mining became the town's dominant industry. Though less glamorous, this black gold proved more dependable than its yellow counterpart and even today it ensures the town a measure of prosperity. A good insight into Westport's coal mining history can be gained by visiting 'Coaltown', an excellent little coal museum with a simulated coal mine and audio-visuals to help bring the past alive.
In recent years Westport has become increasingly wellknown for its adventure tourism, which is no doubt at least partly the reason for the fresh paint on some pubs and a new-found interest in preserving the town's quaint old shop verandahs. Apart from white water rafting through the Buller Gorge it is possible to go 'underworld' rafting through fabulous glow-worm caverns and to abseil down sheer rock faces. The subterranean world can also be explored as part of a guided caving tour; one such tour is called simply Te Tahi, 'The One', and involves descending 100ft (30m) down a vertical hole. The tour operators claim you will experience 'rebirth' on this one -'perhaps, but what most people will want to experience is a stiff drink beforehand. It is worth mentioning, however, that there are easier ways to enter the many cave systems in the area.
Less strenuous than an adventure tour is a visit to one of Westport's other main attractions - the seal colony at Tauranga Bay, only 7 1/2 miles (12km) away. Observation platforms atop the bluff behind the colony, allow good views of the seals below. A nice walk along the coast, which starts here, is the Cape Foulwind Walkway (1 1/2 hours).
The road to Karamea follows the coast for much of its way, though at Mokihinui it weaves inland through a beautiful area of native forest, before touching the coast again at Little Wanganui. Close to Little Wanganui is the start of the Wangapeka Track (5 days).
The road from Westport to Punakaiki and Greymouth is undoubtedly one of the loveliest coastal drives in New Zealand. Undisputed highlights of the drive are the Pancake Rocks and lush rainforests of Paparoa National Park but a visit to Mitchell's Gully Gold Mine, near Charleston, is also worthwhile as it provides an interesting glimpse into the Coast's lively goldmining past. Good views over the rugged coastal scenery can be had from Irimahuwhero Point. |
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| Full Service Westport, New Zealand Vacation Planner |
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