Explore West Coast
This month, we’re thrilled to share a few exciting updates from isite and Explore West Coast!
We’ve recently welcomed two new team members to help us gear up for a bustling summer season.
Following the success of the Greymouth Street Races, which drew an incredible crowd and brought so much energy to our community, we’re now looking forward to the summer months ahead.
Our gift shop is fully stocked with unique West Coast treasures, ready for visitors.
Additionally, Explore West Coast has just approved single-passenger bookings for our half-day tours, making it even easier for solo travellers to discover the area’s highlights.
We’re all set for a fantastic season and can’t wait to make every visitor’s West Coast experience unforgettable!
Location: 164 Mackay Street, Greymouth, West Coast, NZ
Contact: Kelly Ashworth
Email: kelly@westcoasttravel.co.nz
Phone: +64 (21) 2964 871
Website: westcoasttravel.co.nz
Website: explorewestcoast.co.nz
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours is summer ready!
Summer is here, and Franz Josef Wilderness tours have two of their popular products back! Sunset Kayak tours are departing daily at 5pm, enjoy the lake at the quietest time of the day. Here is when the helicopters shut down for the day and the clouds lift from the hills. The daily Stand-up Paddleboard Adventure Tours are best experienced in the morning, however any time of the day is fun! Bring your togs if you fancy a swim (fine weather only).
If you’re looking for something a little more bespoke, there are also private kayak and quad biking tours available.
Location: 30 Main Road, Franz Josef, West Coast, NZ
Contact: Bronwyn and Dale
Email: info@franzjoseftours.co.nz
Phone: +64 (03) 752 0230
Website: franzjoseftours.co.nz
Great Journeys New Zealand Wins Big at Best Design Awards
KiwiRail's Great Journeys New Zealand has earned top honours at the prestigious Best Design Awards, with their newly designed Scenic Plus signature carriage winning Gold in the Spatial Design category. Additionally, the team was awarded Silver in the Large Brand Identity category and Bronze in the Environmental Graphics category for the innovative Manuhiri brand concept and design. These accolades not only recognise the team's exceptional creativity and vision but also reinforce KiwiRail’s commitment to delivering world-class travel experiences that showcase the beauty and spirit of New Zealand.
Monteith's Brewery
Monteith’s Brewery is buzzing as we head into an unforgettable summer season! We're thrilled to announce we were finalists in DWC’s West Coast Leading Lights Awards at the end of October, a testament to our commitment to top-notch experiences. Tour groups are rolling in, excited to enjoy our brewery tour experience and our fresh summer menu, designed to capture the authentic West Coast spirit. With immersive beer tastings, expertly guided tours, and delicious food under the summer sun, we’re all set for sunshine, brews, and plenty of good times ahead.”
Location: 60 Herbert Street, Greymouth, West Coast, NZ
Email: team@thebrewery.co.nz
Phone: +64 (03) 768 4149
Website: thebrewery.co.nz
Ngāti Waewae partners with West Coast Pie Co. for new eatery
Ngāti Waewae and The West Coast Pie Company are proud to unveil their exciting new collaboration at The Paparoa, a new cafe located within the Punangairi Visitor Centre in Punakaiki. Guests can indulge in a range of mouth-watering dishes that highlight the unique flavours of the West Coast. Offerings include the hearty chicken kumara hāngi pie, the savoury pork and watercress pie, a spiced horopito peppered steak sandwich, and delicious kawakawa cheddar cheese scones.
To complement the delicious food, coffee is provided by the local roasters at Kawatiri Coffee, making this a truly authentic West Coast culinary experience.
Location: 4294 Coast Road, Punakaiki, West Coast, NZ
Contact: Emily Lucas
Website: westcoastpies.co.nz
Discover the New Look of the National Kiwi Centre!
Step into a fresh experience at the National Kiwi Centre, now showcasing a vibrant new frontage designed to captivate and inspire! Our upgraded entrance not only reflects the unique wildlife and natural beauty of Aotearoa but also sets the tone for the unforgettable journey inside. Perfect for drawing in visitors and sparking curiosity, the revamped exterior highlights our commitment to conservation and education while making a bold statement in the heart of the community.
Come and see how we’re making the National Kiwi Centre more inviting than ever!
Location: 64 Tancred Street, Hokitika, West Coast, NZ
Email: natkiwi@xtra.co.nz
Phone: +64 (03) 755 5251
Website: nationalkiwicentre.co.nz
History Restored at The Coronation Hall
In 1902, as a tribute to King Edward VII's coronation, a sizeable hall was constructed in the humming gold town of Ross. Officially opened in 1903 by Prime Minister Richard Seddon, this magnificent building quickly became the heart of the community. It housed everything from the local library and newspaper room to the borough council's meeting chambers.
As the years passed and Ross's fortunes fluctuated, the future of the hall hung in the balance. Thanks to the foresight of a Greymouth dentist and a friend from New Plymouth, who each donated $250, the hall was saved from demolition and relocated to Shantytown in 1974.
Now, after a major restoration exercise, this historic landmark is shining brighter than ever. Thanks to funding from the Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme and support from John Griffin Builders, Hay Bros painters and Greymouth Resene, the hall has undergone a complete makeover during the last two years. The roof's been repaired, the walls strengthened, the floors redone, and the whole building given a fresh coat of paint. Inspired by a lack of old colour photographs, the new paint scheme instead pays homage to the hall's original time period.
As of November 2024, the freshly spruced up Coronation Hall has been officially reopened to the public and stands tall amongst the Shantytown landscape. Visitors are welcome to step back in time and experience the grandeur of a bygone era. With its original council meeting table and Victorian-era furnishings, the hall offers a unique view into the West Coast's fading gold rush past.
Location: 316 Rutherglen Road, Paroa, West Coast, NZ
Email: office@shantytown.co.nz
Phone: 0800 742 689
Website: https://shantytown.co.nz/
Franz Josef Glacier Recce
An unforgettable hosted journey to witness one of nature's most magnificent ice giants. Discover the history of the Franz Josef Glacier, its unique ecosystem and the recreational opportunities in its surrounding National Parks.
Take a Helicopter to the Franz Josef Glacier glacial valley and make an alpine landing at an ideal vantage point to take in this extraordinary natural wonder
Join your host to discover the Westland National Parks history including the mountaineering pioneers of the area, glacial eco-system, and local recreational opportunities
Stunning photo opportunities showing the magnificence of the Franz Josef glacier behind you
Location: Main South Road, Franz Josef, West Coast, NZ
Email: franz@helicopter.co.nz
Phone: 0800 807 767
