Queenstown & Wanaka

Date: December 8th, 2014

Queenstown

Queenstown is surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown is known for its breath-taking scenery, vast range of experiences, relaxed vibe and incredibly friendly local hosts. With a reputation as the Southern Hemisphere’s premier four season visitor destination, the region offers you so much choice that no two days need ever be the same. A mixed place of action and relaxation it is a place to enjoy family fun, romance, invigoration and adrenalin-fuelled adventure. Queenstown is known as New Zealand’s adventure capital! As the birth place of the world’s first inactions like commercial jet boating and bungy jumping, there’s no better place than Queenstown to challenge yourself.

See and Do Highlights

• Shotover Jet – Take a unique breath taking ride through dramatic narrow canyons, and hold on tight for Queenstown’s only exhilarating full 360 Spins and beyond, ‘Can you handle the canyons?’ with the award winning Shotover Jet. ‘The world’s most exciting jet boat ride’ and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular shotover river canyon. Bookings essential ENQUIRE NOW

• DartRiver– Wilderness Jet is an exhilarating and spectacular journey deep into the heart of the world –renowned Mt Aspiring National Park with the only jet boat operator allowed on the Dart River Bookings essential. ENQUIRE NOW

• Dartriver Funyaks– Funyaks drift is an amazing journey deep in the heart of the world–renowned MT Aspiring National Park, get up and close with nature with a gentle paddle on crystal clear waters. Bookings essential ENQUIRE NOW

• NZ Snow Shoe -Visit Queenstown during the winter and experience the serenity of the spectacular ‘back country’ around Queenstown this winter floating across the snow as you enjoy this unspoiled winter wonderland. Family-friendly experience, with a short walk into untouched gully. The minimum child age is 3 years, winter product available early June –late October only. Bookings essential ENQUIRE NOW

Wanaka

Wanaka is known for its scenery and is one of nature’s epic masterpieces; situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka it is the perfect location to spend time relaxing and taking in the view of the mountains, lake and rivers. Activities such as Puzzling World are popular with tourists and locals as well the classic car museum, Warbirds and Wheels. With skydiving, lake tours, scenic flights and wine tours there really is something for everyone’s tastes and all in a place less crowded and relaxed!

For further information on Queenstown and Wanaka, please contact the Greymouth i-SITE 0800 767 080 – email info@westcoasttravel.co.nz

View accommodation and activities in Queenstown and Wanaka.

Posted in: Featured, Locations

Buller District – Karamea, Westport, Punakaiki

Date: December 8th, 2014

Buller

The gateway to the dramatic limestone country, Paparoa National Park lies half way between Greymouth and Westport on one of the most spectacular coastal highways in the World. The famous “Coast Road” is rated one of the top 10 coastal drives in the World by Lonely Planet.

Punakaiki is the main town found in the National Park and has its own subtropical micro climate making it the perfect place to stay and play. With many beaches and bush walks to explore Punakaiki is a “must do” area. Enjoy the walks, go canoeing or horse trekking or simply relax on the beach and take in the sun.

Punakaiki is part of the Buller District including Karamea, Westport and Charleston, with breathtaking drives through the Buller Gorge to Westport, the heart of the district.

Westport provides a wide range of unique activities with rafting, jet boating, mountain biking and you can even take a surfing lesson! Just past Westport heading South you will find Charleston, an old gold mining town.

The Denniston Experience –Plunge deep into the darkness of one of New Zealand’s oldest sources of energy and industrial innovation. Reveal your own pioneering spirit tagging into the Banbury mine and becoming part of its underground workings –swinging banjo shovels, clipping coal tubs, erecting pit props and imagining the extremes of life at the coalface. Tours available Under Ground Experience, Gorge Express, Twilight Descent (summer season only).Booking Essential Enquire Now 

Charleston

UnderWorld Adventures and Cafe -Enjoy a Cave Rafting Adventure in the Paparoa National Park. Take the Rainforest Train through primeval Rainforest to the awe-inspiring Nile River Glow Worm Caves. Float beneath surreal galaxies of glow worms, experience the sight, sound, and feel of another world and have fun tubing down the gentle rapids of the Nile River. Try the GlowWorm Cave Tour though one of the few caves in the world that you can walk though and experience in its natural unspoilt state the way a cave explorer does. Bookings Essential Enquire Now

Karamea located in the Kahurangi National Park and the popular Heaphy Track. Visit the Oparara Valley, home to the largest lime stone arches in the Southern Hemisphere.

Inland is Reefton with its fascinating ‘Quartzopolis’ gold mining heritage experiences. A paradise for hunters, trampers, anglers, mountain bikers and 4WD enthusiasts.

For further information on the Buller District please contact the Greymouth i-SITE 0800 767 080 – email info@westcoasttravel.co.nz

View accommodation and activities in the Buller District – Karamea, Westport, Charleston, Punakaiki & Reefton

Bookings are essential over the tourist peak season, November to May. For further information on the Buller District please contact the Greymouth i-SITE 0800 767 080 – email info@westcoasttravel.co.nz

Posted in: Featured, Locations

Westland District – Hokitika – Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier

Date: December 8th, 2014

Westland 

Hokitika the township, known as the ‘Cool Little Town’, is a vibrant place to visit with its range of tourist shops from The Gold Room and Jade Factory to its Arts and Craft Galleries. Hokitika is situated on the beach and close to Lake Kaniere. The Hokitika Gorge, known as the ‘Blue Gorge’, with flowing turquoise water surrounded by lush native bush, is a short drive inland from Hokitika.

• Tree Top Walk & Café–An exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with the birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Receive an exclusive discount if you book through Greymouth i-SITE $5.00 off Entry Price. Enquire Now

Franz Josef is the slightly bigger Glacier Country township with a range of activities from glacier tours, hot pools, quad biking, horse trekking, to flights and jade carving to list but a few. The Glacier access road is 5kms to the car park area where you can walk the valley floor to view the Glacier.

• West Coast Wildlife Centre-Meet and discover New Zealand’s rarest Kiwi, the Rowi at the West Coast Wildlife Centre. Enjoy a unique and interactive experience that brings together nature, conservation and Wildlife all under one roof! Discounts only available from the Greymouth i-SITE 10% OFF ENTRY 5% OFF ‘Back Stage Pass‘ Enquire Now

• Glacier Country Kayaks–Glide effortlessly across the glassy Lake Mapourika, taking in the stunning views of the unique setting. At the back of the lake your guide will help you navigate your kayaks into the heart of the Okarito Kiwi sanctuary via a narrow bush-clad creek silently paddle past 900-year old trees all to the sound of native Birdsong. Kayak and walk tours also available. Bookings Essential Enquire Now

• Air Safaris-Experience the rainforest and coastal plains of Westland through to the vast snow fields and dramatic icefalls of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, then around Aoraki Mount Cook, Mount Tasman and over the Tasman Glacier. Booking essential Enquire Now

• Franz Josef Glacier Guides-The magnificent Franz Josef Glacier is widely regarded as the gem of New Zealand’s West Coast Glaciers. The Westcoast Glaciers are treasures, as the glacier falls down into the rainforest. Franz Josef Guides gives you the opportunity to experience the most spectacular glacier environment available to the general public anywhere in the world, Bookings Essential Enquire Now

Fox Glacier, the smaller of the two townships also offers a full range of accommodation and has activities including sky diving, glacier walks, scenic flights and the popular Lake Matheson just 6km from the township. Enjoy breakfast at Matheson Cafe before heading out for a morning walk around the reflective lake. The Fox Glacier is only 6kms drive from the township to the car park where you can complete a valley walk to view the Glacier.

• Skydive Fox Glacier–Fly up to alpine altitudes, around Mount Cook and over the top of the Fox Glacier. Launch into a 65 second freefall with a back drop of the Southern Alps, Glaciers, rainforest and the ocean. Booking essential Enquire Now

If planning on visiting the Westland District please plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

For further information on Glacier Country contact the

Greymouth i-SITE 0800 767 080 – email info@westcoasttravel.co.nz

View accommodation and activities in the Westland District – Hokitika, Fox Glacier and Franz Josef

Posted in: Featured, Locations

Grey District – Greymouth, Lake Brunner

Date: December 8th, 2014

Greymouth

Once the site of a Maori Pa Mawhera (which means ‘wide spread river mouth ‘in reference to the towns river mouth), Greymouth is the largest town on the souths Island West Coast. The area has a very rich history around Goldmining, Pounamu (Jade) and coalmining. Take a walk down the beautiful floodwall, experience the views of the famous Grey River bar, with the barber rolling down the valley right beside you. With every step you take, enjoy a bit of history along which used to be the busiest port in the dominion.

See and Do Highlights

Shantytown

• Shantytown is a village constructed and opened in the early 1970s it consists of 30 re-created historic buildings, born out of the desire of the Greymouth community to preserve the West Coast Goldmining history. Over the years they have gifted a collection of thousands of artefacts. Shantytown has lots to offer including a Stream Train ride, Gold panning, Chinatown, short walks and also King Dick’s café to enjoy a lovely lunch or snack why you explore the history. Book through Greymouth i-SITE to receive your exclusive 10% OFF ENTRY FEE Enquire Now

Monteith’s Brewing Co.

• Monteith’s Brewery is a local brewery something of a New Zealand legend, they offer a brewery experience and guide you through the traditions and heritage of brewing establish. You will experience the taste of the ever changing and innovative brews; some of which are exclusively produced and sold at the Monteiths Brewing Company. Book through Greymouth i-SITE to receive your exclusive $4.00 discount Enquire Now

Greymouth is also the start of the West Coast Wilderness Trail, a four day cycle trip between Greymouth and Ross. With stunning views of the coastline, lakes, bush and rivers, the trail has some of the best scenery on offer. Bookings for accommodation, bike hire, car storage/transfer and bag transfers can all be made through the Greymouth i-SITE.

Greymouth is a great place to base your West Coast holiday and the staff at the Greymouth i-SITE can help you with all your holiday requirements.

Contact Greymouth i-SITE 0800 767 080 – email info@westcoasttravel.co.nz

View accommodation and activities in the Grey District – Greymouth & Lake Brunner.

Posted in: Featured, Locations