WEST COAST TOURISM INDUSTRY UPDATE
Kia ora,
We’re waving goodbye to the warm days of summer and diving into the crisp, refreshing air of February on the West Coast. As the busy season settles, we have a flurry of activity to re-engage with consumers, trade and media.
To find all the key information and industry updates, be sure to read the full newsletter. We’ll also be sharing more great content on our social media channels, (who knows, you may even be featured!).
Media
Trade
Brand Resources and Guidelines
West Coast Untamed Natural Wilderness brand resources and guidelines.
Learn more
TOURISM PRODUCT UPDATES
We want to hear more from you, so we’ve created a platform called ‘Tourism Product Updates’.
The Tourism Product Updates aim to provide a platform for tourism operators on the West Coast of New Zealand to effectively communicate and update the regional tourism organisation and economic development agency about new developments, product updates, and increase general awareness for their tourism products.
Got something to share? Book your 30 minute in-person or online session with us today - Calendly Events Development West Coast
Events
News
West Coast dominates top experiences on visitor app
In a year-end report unveiled by the Roady App, the West Coast emerges as a standout destination, securing top ratings and attracting a significant number of visitors.
Second Pounamu Pathway experience opens in Kawatiri / Westport
The Coaltown Museum in Westport has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as The Museum of Kawatiri, the second experience centre to open along the Pounamu Pathway.
Te Aka Treehouse – Native Forest Retreat
New Zealand’s newest off-grid retreats.
Owned by Locals, Lisa & Dave, Te Aka Treehouse offers a unique and relaxing escape. Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the forest environment, with its dappled light, birdsong symphonies, and breathtaking views.
"At Te Aka Treehouse, we take pride in our eco-friendly practices. We collect fresh rainwater, use a vermiculture-based septic system with tiger worms (still a full flush toilet), and power everything through solar energy or a generator."
Bassano Pizza Parlour
Soon to be the newest hospitality establishment in Reefton.
A new restaurant named Bassano Pizza Parlour is due to open at the top end of Broadway in April 2024. Bassano Pizza Parlour is named in memory of owner Jennifer’s great grandfather. Frank Bassano came to the West Coast in 1908 as a solo father with his 4 year old daughter Enid. Frank was the manager of the North Brunner Mine and is buried in the Reefton Cemetery. The Bassano family originally came from Bassano Del Grappa in Italy.
Jennifer and her husband Nigel have imported state of the art cooking equipment from Italy, including a woodfired oven, and both have many years hospitality experience
West Coast Viking Village
Under new management and set to open in March 2024
Located on New Zealand’s wild and untouched West Coast, Viking Village is the ultimate retreat for battle-weary warriors. Set amid unspoiled native rainforest, this incredible and off-the-grid slice of Valhalla is the perfect place to rest and relax.
Viking Village is entirely off-the-grid – Set amongst native New Zealand rainforest in Kaiata, Greymouth. The Viking Barrels have been sourced from Scandinavia and carefully transported on-site to protect the rough and remote landscape. Each of the Barrels have been named in honour of Norse Gods for prosperity, and are available in a number of bedding configurations to accommodate your tribe. Barrels are set up in groups around an epic covered communal grill – perfect for larger groups or meeting new friends.
View on Facebook: vikingvillageNZ
Fenian Retreat
A brand new property nestled on the edge of the well-known Kahurangi National Park in Karamea, one and a half hours drive North of Westport.
Come stay, unwind and check out the stunning scenery and beautiful sunsets from the deck. Relax in the hot tub and you may just hear the resident Kiwi after dark. Waking up to the birdsong in the mornings is truly magical and the view out to the Tasman Sea is incredible.
The property caters for two couples or the super king beds can be split into four singles. The house is self-catering or Karamea has some great eateries. There are ample things to do in Karamea, including the must see Oparara Caves/Arches.
View on Airbnb: Fenian Retreat
West Coast Treetop Walk & Zipline
Under new management since November 2023
Development West Coast would like to share a warm welcome to Jimmy Van Niekerk, as the new site manager of West Coast Treetop Walk & Zipline.
Visit: treetopsnz.com
Thatcher & Small
Hokitika welcomes an enticing dining and drinking destination inspired by the spellbinding legacy of Hokitika’s popular and controversial entertainers, Charles Thatcher and Joe Small. Nestled within our tasteful design, you’ll discover a harmonious blend of vintage charm and contemporary elegance, paying homage to Thatcher & Small’s mesmerising performances.
Visit: Thatcher and Small
New Canopy Escape in Punakaiki
Check out the latest West Coast gem - LimeStone Cabin
The beautifully designed cabin (for 2 people) has been created with natural materials among the lush Punakaiki landscape. The outdoor decks, seemingly floating in the surroundings, feature a deep circular outdoor bath - a one-of-a-kind in our collection.
And inside, you can cook up a storm in the fully equipped kitchen. In a separate room, a plush queen bed with luxurious French linen looks out to the gorgeous greenery.
To look and book: Limestone Cabin
Keep in Touch
Our Tourism team:
Patrick Dault, Destination & Tourism Manager
Lara Thomas, Tourism & Events Executive
We are here to help, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need support becoming trade ready.
Please take a moment to update us with what’s happening on your end too. We need to know, experience, and understand your business and product offering so we can help connect your products with the world. Pictures, information, factsheets, and product updates are all very useful and can be included in our Trade E-Newsletter which gets distributed to agents world-wide.