Arriving by train: Christchurch to Nelson
Best enjoyed in winter, this trip starts with a spectacular train ride through snow-capped mountains.
Christchurch to Greymouth
5 hrs, 244 km
With snow on the Southern Alps, winter is the most spectacular season to take the TranzAlpine train. From Christchurch, you’ll travel across the Canterbury Plains, alongside braided rivers, through dramatic gorges and snowy mountain passes — before descending towards the West Coast, where lush green rainforest replaces the golden tussocks of alpine meadows.
Pick up your hire car, and explore Greymouth and surrounds. Before it was known for coal, pioneers came looking for gold in these parts. Find out more at nearby replica gold-rush village Shantytown, where you can even try your luck panning for a flake or two.
Hire a bike and experience the Coast’s natural beauty on a ride on the West Coast Wilderness Trail, an easy ride for all abilities.
Rain just adds to the fun on a quad bike ride with On Yer Bike Adventures. Choose between waterfalls and enchanted forests, but mud is guaranteed. Or stay dry and cosy with a meal and a movie at Greymouth’s art-deco-style Regent Theatre.
Local Attractions
360
On Yer Bike! Offroad Adventures Ltd
Fantastic off-road adventures through native forest and beautiful scenery! Quad bikes, one-, two- and four-seater off-road buggies and Hagglund. Experience nature and adventures, protective clothing and boots provided, fully guided.
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Free
West Coast Wilderness Trail
The West Coast Wilderness Trail showcases some of the most outstanding scenery on the South Island’s West Coast with a diversity of landscapes second to none. Grab your bike and explore this Grade 2 Easy trail.
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Adventure Caving
An adventure truly not for the faint hearted. As the name states, Adventure Caving is full on expedition style caving.
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Blackball Salami Company Limited
Our salami is made from a variation of beef, pork and venison.
Learn moreGreymouth to Westport
1 hr 30 min, 101 km
Hit the Great Coast Road, heralded as one of the top ten coastal drives in the world. Rugged seas and limestone cliffs topped with towering temperate rainforest make for impressive views. Stop at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes to see the strangely stacked rocks jutting out into the sea while waves blast through the blowholes in between them. There’s plenty of short walks in the surrounding Paparoa National Park.
The historic settlement of Charleston is not the bustling gold mining town it once was, but there’s still underground exploration happening in the hills. Don a thick wetsuit and go cave rafting with Underground Adventures, floating through the darkness lit only by thousands of glow worms.
Westport is well known for its rich coal mining history, on display at Coaltown Museum, including a simulated underground mine and a wagon used on the nearby Denniston Incline. Freshen up with a wintry walk on the Cape Foulwind Walkway, where you’ll see fur seals sheltering from the rugged Tasman Sea.
Detour north to the prehistoric treasures of the Ōpārara Arches.
Local Attractions
Westport Mini Golf
Master playing through the Oparara Arch, accept the challenge of the Denniston Incline, cruise along Carters Beach, swing around the Wishing Well, straighten up heading down the Fairdown to Granity, plus much more fun.
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Hector Pottery
Hector Pottery Studio is in northern Buller, Kawatiri, on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.
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Cape Foulwind Walkway
A seal colony, a lighthouse and panoramic views of mountains and coastline feature on this spectacular coastal walkway. With the beach close by as well it's a good option for children.
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Free
Tauranga Bay Fur Seal Colony
A short walk with spectacular ocean views, steeple rocks, and a large year-round fur seal colony.
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Denniston
Once a leading coal mining town, Denniston sits high on a steep incline railway once described as the eight wonder of the world. Spectacular scenery, incredible history, a West Coast must see.
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Free
Oparara Arches
Tucked away in a corner of Kahurangi National Park, the Oparara has a magic all of its own, born of millions years of undisturbed isolation.
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Moira Gate and Mirror Tarn Loop
A gentle walk that takes you from the main Oparara Valley car park to the picturesque Moira Gate Arch, located in Kahurangi National Park.
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Air Charter Karamea
Karamea's only aeroplane charter company, offering Heaphy Track and Old Ghost Road transfers.
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$130 - $1500
Ultimate Descents New Zealand
Good spirited kiwis, giving the opportunity for travelers to explore our wild and scenic rivers.
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$145 - $190
Oparara Experience
Join us on one of our guided eco tours amongst the pristine rainforest and limestone caves of the unique Oparara Basin. Several tour options available.
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Kohaihai / Karamea Walks
Walks in the Karamea and Kohaihai area in northern West Coast New Zealand.
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Coast Outdoors Ltd
Track Shuttle services, Bikes & Hire, Fishing & Hunting, Camping & Hiking, Food & Nutrition plus more!
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The Old Ghost Road
The 85km-long Old Ghost Road traverses majestic native forest, open tussock tops, river flats and forgotten valleys, providing days of adventure and spectacular huts for mountain bikers and trampers.
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Whanake Gallery & Espresso Bar
Come to Westport and browse this unique Gallery with a coffee in your hand. We pride ourselves on our coffee and specialize in photography, we offer a variety of local imagery on a range of media…
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Chasm Creek Track
Chasm Creek Track is a short walk along an old section of railway, a sculptured creek, and views of the Mokihinui River. 45 mins return via the same track.
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Coaltown Museum
Coaltown is a fantastic all-weather attraction that appeals to all ages and tells the coal mining history of Westport.
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Children - Free. Adults $14 to $32
The Heaphy Track
One of New Zealand’s 10 great walks, the Heaphy Track, finishes (or starts, depending on which way you’re heading) at Karamea.
Learn moreWestport to Nelson
3 hrs, 222 km
Set off to Nelson with a stop at Buller Gorge Adventure and Heritage Park. Zipline across the churning Buller River or walk (or sway) across New Zealand’s longest swing bridge. There’s even a jet boat ride that Lonely Planet describes as one of the most scenic in the world.
Warm up at Maruia Hot Springs, a short detour en route to Nelson, where natural geothermal pools are surrounded by leafy beech forest and snow-dusted mountains. Take a yoga class, treat yourself to a massage, enjoy a nourishing meal, and retreat to a cosy cabin for the night.
Local Attractions
$10 to $115
Buller Swing Bridge
Feel the rush of the Cometline ride, experience the thrill of a jet boat, walk the heights of New Zealand's longest swingbridge, pan for gold, or simply relax and take in the views of Buller Gorge.
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$125 for adults. $75 for children 5 to 14 years old.
Buller Canyon Jet
Join us for an exclusive award-winning jet boat adventure in the stunning Buller Canyon.
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Kawatiri Coastal Trail
The Kawatiri Coastal Trail is due for completion late 2023. Cyclists and walkers can look forward to a 50 km, Grade 2 family friendly heritage trail which will connect the Buller District towns of Westport and Charleston.
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