Driving from Ngakawau to Waimangaroa | West Coast | New Zealand | 4K

Categories: West Coast Region

Tags: driving, new zealand, ngakawau, waimangaroa, west coast

Added: 3 years ago

Driving from Ngakawau to Waimangaroa, on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island.

The West Coast Region in New Zealand is a strip of land between the South Island's Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. As a result, the region is wild and sparsely populated, with some of the most beautiful landscapes in New Zealand. You will find soaring mountain peaks, impressive glaciers, tranquil lakes, raging rivers, and lush rainforests here. In addition, the West Coast has a very scenic 600km coastline.

The West Coast has the largest protected land area of all New Zealand regions so provides access to five of New Zealand's 13 national parks. As such, The south of the West Coast region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in light of its distinctiveness and in recognition of its unique place in the world.

The Coast's reputation for hospitality is legendary. "Coasters" display genuine friendliness and strength of character as unique as their surroundings.

In the townships of Westport, Greymouth, and Hokitika on the West Coast, you can learn about the West Coast's colourful past and shop for pounamu (greenstone or jade). Pounamu is the local treasure whose only significant source within New Zealand is from the West Coast's raging mountain rivers.

The West Coast region also has many excellent short scenic walks, hiking opportunities, and adventure pursuits for all ages and levels of ability. Anglers will also find they are in paradise anywhere on the Coast.

Try rafting an underground stream through a weird world of stalactites, stalagmites, and glowworms. Furthermore, A wild, ruggedly beautiful coastline between Westport and Greymouth features the matchless Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes.

On the Okarito Lagoon's shores Near Whataroa, New Zealand's only nesting colony of the white heron (kotuku) is found. Boat trips on this primeval swamp reveal these elegant birds in their natural glory.

Graded glacier trips at both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier accommodate every level of fitness and experience. There are scenic flights and helicopter excursions for those who wish to view the glaciers from the air.

There are many relics of the gold rush days of the 1860s. Different walks explore the historical workings. Or, you can try gold panning at the Shantytown museum, a replica goldfield town of the last century near Greymouth.

Vast open landscapes and an enormous sense of freedom symbolise the South Island of New Zealand's"scenery. From the mountain ranges of the Southern Alps, snow-capped peaks, fiords, huge beech forests, golden sand beaches, with vast fertile plains. This is where you can hike through unspoiled valleys. Also, try out the many ski fields, get an adrenaline rush with bungee jumping or go kayaking to beaches covered in golden sand.