west coast wanderer

Situated on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the vibrant city of Christchurch is the largest city on the island. Dubbed the 'Garden City', it is known for its many lush green spaces and possesses a multicultural charm with an added dash of Victorian flair.

The city offers a fabulous array of activities, including punting down the Avon River, helicopter tours, hot air ballooning, whale and dolphin watching. Enjoy a stroll around the beautifully sculptured parks, visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and browse numerous art galleries. 

Rated by many as one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, the West Coast route is stunningly beautiful, an untouched wilderness with breath-taking landscapes and steeped in pioneering history.

Consisting of for a 600km section of New Zealand’s South Island coastline, the West Coast is bordered to the west by the Tasman Sea and to the east by the mighty Southern Alps, the South Island’s backbone.

The region consists of 5 National Parks, is home to glaciers, mountains, lakes, wetlands and rainforests which, in some places, reach down to the coastline. As well as being famous as Glacier Country with both Fox and Franz Josef glaciers easily accessible off the main road, there’s so much more to do. Hiking, cave rafting, jet boats, bird watching, 4WD tours, flying, relaxing hot pools; there’s something for everyone. Visit Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone as well as being a centre for creative and artistic talents. For beer lovers perhaps stop for a beer at the infamous Monteiths Brewery in Greymouth, the hub of the region, a town settled originally by gold miners.

Along the Maruia River on New Zealand’s South Island, Maruia lies within a broad valley framed by mountain ranges of the Southern Alps. Pastures and forested hills stretch across a landscape shaped by glacial rivers, where quiet rural roads wind through farmland and pockets of native beech forest. The clear river attracts anglers, while walkers explore tracks through nearby conservation land that lead to elevated viewpoints and open river terraces. A short drive away, the geothermal pools of Maruia Springs provide mineral bathing beside the river, contrasting with the valley’s cool mountain air. Travellers crossing the Southern Alps often pause here to hike, fish, or simply follow the valley’s winding road through open countryside.

Situated on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the vibrant city of Christchurch is the largest city on the island. Dubbed the 'Garden City', it is known for its many lush green spaces and possesses a multicultural charm with an added dash of Victorian flair.

The city offers a fabulous array of activities, including punting down the Avon River, helicopter tours, hot air ballooning, whale and dolphin watching. Enjoy a stroll around the beautifully sculptured parks, visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and browse numerous art galleries.