Did you know that 82.6% of the land on the West Coast is conservation land?
That's right, Te Tai Poutini/West Coast region covers 23,000 square kilometers, with 19,000 dedicated to conservation land. That is 25% of all of New Zealand’s conservation land.
Oparara Basin Short Walks
Planning a trip to Karamea this winter?
Please be cautious of the access road to the Oparara Basin, while the upgrades to the track have been completed, there will be repairs underway on the access road in winter and access may be restricted at times. We suggest visiting the Oparara Basin, Arches and Caves with a guide from Oparara Guided Tours.
Guided excursion options:
Oparara Guided Tours
Location: 106 Bridge Street, Karamea, West Coast, NZ
Contact: Susan Waide
Email: info@karameainfo.co.nz
Phone: +64 (03) 782 6652
Website: oparara.co.nz
Cycle Trails on the West Coast
The West Coast’s landscapes lend themselves to all types of trails and some seriously spectacular riding. The best cycle trails on the West Coast:
- Paparoa Track
- Old Ghost Road
- Heaphy Track
- Kawatiri Coastal Trail
- West Coast Wilderness Trail
Which one is on your bucket list?
Read more: Cycling and Mountain Biking
Volunteers Protecting Kiwi Along the Kawatiri Coastal Trail
The great spotted kiwi or roroa is the tallest kiwi species, at about 45 centimetres. Today, they are found in three discrete natural populations: northwest Nelson, the Paparoa Range, and near Arthur’s Pass. During May, volunteers for the Totara Okari Kiwi Enhancement Project (TOKEN) were out on the Kawatiri Coastal trail (KCT), checking predator control traps.
Read more here: Development West Coast Article
Exploring the Revival of Okarito Lagoon's Birdlife
Paula and Swade from Okarito Boat Eco Tours have a remarkable story to share about the return of native birdlife, the outcomes of conservation efforts and how that makes for an even more compelling nature experience for visitors!
Please read the full article here: Exploring the Revival of Okarito Lagoon
Okarito Boat Eco Tours
Location: 31 Wharf Street, Okarito, West Coast, NZ
Contact: Paula and Swade
Email: okaritoboattours@gmail.com
Phone: +64 (0) 3 753 4223
Website: okaritoboattours.co.nz