A West Coast Weekend: Reefton to Greymouth
A weekend on the West Coast, starting in the gold-rush town of Reefton and ending in the "big smoke" of Greymouth.
Reefton to Karamea
2 hrs 30 min, 175 km
Starting with a wind through the wild Buller Gorge, the drive from Reefton to Karamea takes you through alongside roaring rivers, beside mountains and through lush temperate rainforest.
Stop for lunch in Westport at the West Coast Pie Company, premium wild meat pies made from local ingredients. Head north, with a detour to Denniston on the way for an insight into the hardy coal mining families who once lived high up above the Tasman Sea on a misty plateau.
Stay the night in Karamea, then spend the next day exploring the ancient limestone arches of the Ōpārara Basin, home to huge limestone caves, whiskey-coloured rivers, and the remains of giant moa who once roamed the surrounding Kahurangi National Park.
Local Attractions
Free
Oparara Arches
Tucked away in a corner of Kahurangi National Park, the Oparara has a magic all of its own, born of millions years of undisturbed isolation.
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Moira Gate and Mirror Tarn Loop
A gentle walk that takes you from the main Oparara Valley car park to the picturesque Moira Gate Arch, located in Kahurangi National Park.
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Cape Foulwind Walkway
A seal colony, a lighthouse and panoramic views of mountains and coastline feature on this spectacular coastal walkway. With the beach close by as well it's a good option for children.
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Coaltown Museum
Coaltown is a fantastic all-weather attraction that appeals to all ages and tells the coal mining history of Westport.
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Kohaihai / Karamea Walks
Walks in the Karamea and Kohaihai area in northern West Coast New Zealand.
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$125 for adults. $75 for children 5 to 14 years old.
Buller Canyon Jet
Join us for an exclusive award-winning jet boat adventure in the stunning Buller Canyon.
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Free
Tauranga Bay Fur Seal Colony
A short walk with spectacular ocean views, steeple rocks, and a large year-round fur seal colony.
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$130 - $1500
Ultimate Descents New Zealand
Good spirited kiwis, giving the opportunity for travelers to explore our wild and scenic rivers.
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Chasm Creek Track
Chasm Creek Track is a short walk along an old section of railway, a sculptured creek, and views of the Mokihinui River. 45 mins return via the same track.
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The Old Ghost Road
The 85km-long Old Ghost Road traverses majestic native forest, open tussock tops, river flats and forgotten valleys, providing days of adventure and spectacular huts for mountain bikers and trampers.
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Denniston
Once a leading coal mining town, Denniston sits high on a steep incline railway once described as the eight wonder of the world. Spectacular scenery, incredible history, a West Coast must see.
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Air Charter Karamea
Karamea's only aeroplane charter company, offering Heaphy Track and Old Ghost Road transfers.
Learn moreKaramea to Greymouth
2 hrs 57 min, 196 km
The section of SH6 from Westport to Greymouth is known as the Great Coast Road, and has a reputation for being one of the world’s most scenic drives. Aside from the sea-swept vistas out your car window, there’s plenty of places worth slowing down for.
The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are the West Coast’s most visited natural attraction, and it’s easy to see why. At high tide, the pounding waves blast and explode through the giant rocky sea stacks. There’s also plenty of quieter walks through the surrounding Paparoa National Park, and boutique accommodation if you choose to stay the night.
Once you reach Greymouth, take a little time to explore the Coast’s “big smoke” and finish up with a tour, tasting and a hearty meal at Monteith’s Brewery.
Local Attractions
Cape Foulwind Walkway
A seal colony, a lighthouse and panoramic views of mountains and coastline feature on this spectacular coastal walkway. With the beach close by as well it's a good option for children.
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Free
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
The pancake rocks in Punakaiki are the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast with good reason, they really do look like pancakes!
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Paparoa Track and Pike29 Memorial Track
The Paparoa Track is New Zealand’s 10th Great Walk. It travels through the spectacular limestone landscapes and luxuriant forests of Paparoa National Park, custom-built for both mountain biking and hiking.
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Punakaiki Walks
A selection of scenic walks in the Punakaiki area of the West Coast of New Zealand.
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Adults - $50pp Children - $30
Waka Puna Paddle and Pedal Co
Punakaiki Canoes is now known as Waka Puna Paddle and Pedal Company and we have extended the adventures you can do.
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$185
Underworld Adventures
Underworld Rafting: Is a “Cave Rafting Adventure” in the Paparoa National Park. Located in Charleston.
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