Epic Views & Natural Wonders

One hour inland outside of Westport is the small town of Reefton.

Reefton became established about 1870 and with mining came technology and innovation. In August 1888 Reefton became the first place in New Zealand and the Southern Hemisphere to have a public supply of electricity. With a mix of old charm and new, the shops that have purposely kept their early 1900's feel. Instagram worthy murals depict what life was like.

The Bearded Miners bring history to life. You can sit in front of the fire, enjoy a cup of billy tea, watch pieces of iron and steel being shaped on the blacksmith forge or try your hand at gold panning where flakes of gold are 'guaranteed' to be found.

If you are a Gin afficionado, then a visit to Reefton Distilling Co, with their Tour & Tasting is a must do.

Approximately 45 minutes away from Reefton, drive to Waiuta, historic mining town which was once the location of the third biggest mine in New Zealand and the largest producer of gold.

If relaxing is more your thing, then drive to Maruia Hot Springs for a soak in a historical natural thermal mineral spring. Instantly unplug, relax and rejuvenate as you surround yourself in the picturesque mountainous landscape located in the Lewis Pass National Reserve.

On the way to Greymouth, stop in Barrytown, a township founded in the 1860s, during the gold rush era, now home to many artists and craftspeople.

You can fossick for pounamu (greenstone) on the local beach, but please check the rules first.

Further down the road in Runanga, enjoy the lovely bush walk down to the Coal Creek Falls. A nice place to cool off with a swim in the hot summer months.

Once in Greymouth, have a walk on the floodwall and experience the views of the famous Grey River bar, with the infamous barber wind rolling down the valley .

Check out the Left Bank Art Gallery housed in the former Bank of New Zealand, part of the exhibition being in the old vault.

Greymouth is home to Monteith’s brewery where you can try their beers and have a feed. For meal, try Sevenpenny or Maggie’s kitchen.

The 1 hour loop walk at Hokitika Gorge is a must see! It’s an easy walk through lush native bush to a rocky gorge with calm turquoise blue water.

Lake Kaniere is considered as one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand. It has breath-taking views and lots of short walks options available.

In Hokitika you can carve your own piece of pounamu with Bonz ‘n’ Stonz (You can also bring the pounamu you found earlier to carve there).

For a bite to eat, Hokitika Sandwich Company makes great fresh sandwiches to order with local ingredients and Gatherer offers vegetarian and plant based menu with Mexican influence.

End your day on the beach where the Hokitika driftwood sign and gorgeous sunset await and you can even make a bonfire on the beach!

The road trip from the Glaciers south to Haast passes through a UNESCO World Heritage Area and some of New Zealand’s most spectacular and diverse landscapes – from mountains to the rugged coastline.

After leaving Fox Glacier, stunning sea vistas and a wonderfully wild windswept beach await in Bruce Bay.

Just north of Knights Point, take an easy walk through luxuriant coastal forest to the remote Monro Beach. In spring, you may see Fiordland crested penguins/tawaki in the surf and on the beach. Take care not to disturb these rare birds.

Further south, and Knights Point offers beautiful 180 degrees views and then at the Ship Creek walk, ancient kahikatea swamp forest provides a glimpse back in time to what much of the West Coast may have looked like prior to human settlement. Keep an eye out for Hector’s dolphins in the surf.

Make your way down to Haast, one the great natural areas of the world. It is internationally recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

To make the most of your time in this beautiful area of the South island, check out the walks around Haast.

To fully explore with local knowledge, jump on board of a cruise Waiatoto River Safaris And, no trip to Jackson Bay would be complete without a lunch at the Cray Pot.