The Pounamu Pathway - Māwhera / Greymouth
The Māwhera Pounamu Pathway in Greymouth has been awarded a Qualmark Silver accreditation in the Visitor Activity sector, recognising its exceptional cultural storytelling, visitor experience, and commitment to sustainability.
This immersive centre, co-created by Poutini Ngāi Tahu and Wētā Workshop, invites visitors into the rich heritage of Te Tai o Poutini (the West Coast) through five themed storytelling whare (houses) arranged around a central ātea (courtyard). Highlights include a hyper-realistic 2.4-scale sculpture of Chief Tūhuru and captivating 360-degree audio-visual narratives that bring to life the region's legends, battles, and ancestral journeys.
Located in the heart of Greymouth, just a short walk from the train station, the Māwhera Pounamu Pathway is an essential addition to West Coast itineraries, offering a world-class cultural experience that resonates with both domestic and international visitors.
Contact: Keefe Robinson-Gore
Email: Keefe.Robinson-Gore@ngaitahu.iwi.nz
Phone: +64 (22) 415 1667
Website: pounamupathway.com
West Coast Wildlife Centre
Exciting New Penguin Encounter Coming to Franz Josef
The West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef is thrilled to announce that construction of its brand-new West Coast Penguin Encounter is well underway, with 50% of the build already completed. Scheduled to open on Saturday, 4 October, the facility will become home to up to eight rescued little blue penguins—known as “ambassador” birds—who are unable to return to the wild. These penguins, including “Katy” and her companions currently residing at Auckland Zoo, will soon enjoy a safe and enriching life in what’s affectionately being dubbed the "Penguin Hilton" of the South Island.
Daily live penguin feeding sessions at 11AM and 3PM will allow visitors the chance to get up close to these delightful marine birds. The new exhibit will sit alongside the Centre’s existing conservation initiatives, including New Zealand’s largest kiwi incubation and hatching facility. Working in close partnership with the Department of Conservation, the team has successfully released over 383 rowi (around 70% of the total wild population) and 141 Haast Tokoeka (approximately 31% of the total wild population) into their native habitats.
The Wildlife Centre also features a world-class Tuatara Encounter, open 7 days a week from 8:30 AM—including Christmas Day—offering visitors a full day of conservation-focused wildlife experiences on the West Coast.
Contact: Richard Benton
Email: richard.benton@wildkiwi.co.nz
Phone: +64 (21) 669 026
Information: WCWC A4 Information Sheet
Cycle Journeys West Coast
West Coast Wilderness Trail
Cycle Journeys is offering a limited Labour Weekend (Friday 24 - Monday 27 October 2025) package that combines the thrill of cycling the spectacular West Coast Wilderness Trail with a curated selection of cultural and scenic highlights. This 3-day, 3-night experience showcases the very best of the region, from ancient Māori stories to lush rainforests and heritage-rich towns.
- Package Inclusions – $1,409 pp twin share:
3 days of cycling
3 nights of iconic West Coast accommodation (rooms held for this busy weekend)
FREE eBike upgrade
Exclusive Cycle Journeys t-shirt
Fun-packed goodie bag
- Cultural & Scenic Highlights:
Hands-on Pounamu carving workshop at Stonz n Bonz
Immersive storytelling at the Māwhera Pounamu Pathway
Spectacular views at the West Coast Treetop Walkway
Tranquil Lake Kaniere vistas
All logistics are taken care of—Cycle Journeys has arranged accommodation, activities, and premium bike upgrades to ensure a seamless and enriching West Coast experience.
Contact: Rachel & Dave
Email: Rachel@cyclejourneys.co.nz
Phone: +64 (27) 4350 558
Website: cyclejourneys.co.nz
Franz Josef Glacier Guides - First Light Glacier Encounter Experience
Experience the serenity of being the first to land on the Franz Josef Glacier
Begin your adventure with a scenic helicopter flight over the lush rainforest and the upper reaches of the glacier at first light. Touch down on the ice with our experienced Glacier Guides, enjoying undisturbed time to connect with this iconic destination and immerse yourself in its breathtaking landscape. With a minimum requirement of only two guests, you can create a private experience for yourself, a special moment for two, or bring the whole family!
Contact: Janelle Shaw
Email: Janelle.Shaw@franzjosefglacier.com
Phone: +64 (27) 574 2920
Website: franzjosefglacier.com
Kiwi Journeys
Trade ready cycle packages
Kiwi Journeys offers trade-ready cycling experiences along the spectacular West Coast, ideal for travellers seeking nature, history, and adventure. Their one-day Best of the West tour follows a scenic section of the West Coast Wilderness Trail, passing native forest, rivers, and historic gold mining sites. The Gorge on Cycle and Scenery package combines cycling around Lake Kaniere with a guided walk at Hokitika Gorge—perfect for families and casual riders. For those looking to extend their journey, the Kawatiri Coastal Trail Add-On offers a two-day, one-night ride along the rugged coastline from Charleston to Westport. For a more immersive multi-day option, Kiwi Journeys also runs a five-day, four-night Wilderness Trail package covering 132 km of moderate terrain. This fully supported tour features off-trail highlights such as the West Coast Treetop Walk and a scenic riverboat cruise.
All tours include premium eBike hire, shuttle services, and full on-trail support.
Contact: Suzanne Dent
Email: westcoast@kiwijourneys.co.nz
Phone: +64 (27) 227 3612
Website: kiwijourneys.co.nz
The Museum of Kawatiri
First Stop on the Pounamu Pathway
At the northernmost tip of the Pounamu Pathway, Westport’s Museum of Kawatiri (formerly Coaltown Museum) is reimagining West Coast storytelling for a new generation of visitors. Now under The Museum of Kawatiri Trust, the museum blends natural, industrial, and cultural heritage - with a strong focus on Māori contributions to the region’s goldfields and pounamu trails.
The newly introduced Waka Huia (treasure box) gallery hosts pop-up exhibitions and activations ranging from Aotearoa’s pioneering days to archaeology, traditional arts, and local legends.
Free guided tours are available for pre-booked groups, adding value for trade partners and tour operators. The museum’s hands-on education programmes are also in high demand, covering topics like extinct species, Māori trade and settlement history - all tailored to the NZ Curriculum.
Easily accessible from central Westport, the Museum of Kawatiri is not only a gateway to the wider Pounamu Pathway, but also a standalone cultural destination - authentic, dynamic, and group-ready.
Trade & group enquiries welcome
Contact: Rama Port
Email: info@kawatirimuseum.co.nz
Phone: +64 (3) 789 6658
Website: pounamupathway.com/kawatiri