West Coast bush walks

ŌPĀRARA & KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK, KARAMEA

Nīkau palms rustling in the sea breeze

Beauty is all around Karamea at the sunny, sub-tropical northern end of the West Coast and the western edge of Kahurangi National Park. This is the start (or finish line) of the Heaphy Track – one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks – but there’s also a series of delightful shorter, less demanding trails.

Choose from a short stroll on the Heaphy Track along a golden coastline fringed with nīkau palms and deserted sandy beaches, or wander inland to the gentle forest trails of the Ōpārara Basin leading to the stunning Ōpārara Arch, Moria Gate and the reflective calm of the Mirror Tarn.

VICTORIA FOREST PARK, REEFTON & MARUIA

Pristine beech forest at snail’s pace

On a sunny day, the light filters softly through the graceful beech forests in vast Victoria Forest Park where bellbirds and other native birds sing. On a misty winter’s day, it’s all fresh and moist so tread carefully and watch out underfoot for the rare and carnivorous Powelliphanta – the world’s largest snail.

At some 2000 sq km, New Zealand’s largest forest park stretches across the Victoria and Brunner Ranges, and the headwaters of three great West Coast rivers, but you don’t need to embark on a multi-day tramp to enjoy the park’s pretty fringe easily accessed from Reefton and the Maruia Valley.

LAKE KANIERE WATER RACE WALKWAY, HOKITIKA

Beneath stately forest giants

Often referred to as the West Coast’s most beautiful lake, Lake Kaniere is enclosed on three sides by high mountains and ancient rainforest. Stately forest giants grow to the waterside, casting charming mirror reflections in the languid trout and salmon-rich waters.

Lake Kaniere is popular in the warmer months for camping and boating but comes into its own in cooler weather when the snow tops the mountain peaks and misty mornings add a different light to year-round trails. Follow the easy-walking Kaniere Water Race along an impressive historic waterway for 10 km through a bird-filled rainforest. Or choose a shorter, easy stroll to a waterfall.

RAINFOREST TRAILS IN GLACIER COUNTRY

Verdant rainforest jewels

You’ll find forests to bathe in everywhere around Franz Josef and Fox glaciers in the verdant rainforests of Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati walk with its magnificent alpine reflections is most famous but just one of many quiet bush tracks to lovely lakes and views.

Lake Wombat, an idyllic, mirrored kettle lake left over from an ancient glacial retreat, lies in the lower hills close to Franz Josef. Take a short, easy walk through a towering rimu forest, listen to the tunes of forest birds, and look for tiny vanilla-perfumed native orchids among the lush mosses and ferns. Top off your forest bathing with a relaxing soak in the trees at the Waiho Hot Tubs in Franz Josef.

TE WAHIPOUNAMU WORLD HERITAGE AREA

Paradise found

For a real wilderness immersion, the West Coast’s Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki offers the complete package in paradise – a sanctuary between mountains, lakes, rivers, rainforest and sea coast in the heart of the treasured UNESCO World Heritage Area of Te Wāhipounamu Southwest New Zealand.

Wilderness Lodge guests have free rein to explore secret rainforest trails, coastal beauty spots and kayak the tranquil lake in places where the only neighbours anywhere near are prolific bird species in the forest, marine wildlife and the rare tawaki / Fiordland crested penguins on the beach. The lodge programme also includes guided experiences.

Created by conservation pioneers and hospitable hosts Anne Saunders and Dr Gerry McSweeney, the lodge has a sister property at Wilderness Lodge Arthurs Pass in the Southern Alps. Open September to May.

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