west-coast

West Coast

Highlights

  • Adventure - rafting, jetboating, caving
  • Cape Foulwind seal colony
  • OutWest Tours

Proximity

Gold mining gave Westport life, but coal mining keeps the town going. From here you can arrange to go underground rafting, caving or jet boating.

Westport was first a gold town and then a coal town. The coal mining museum provides a glimpse of what it's like to work underground. Westport is also a centre for outdoor adventures – jet boating, underground rafting, caving, white water rafting and kayaking. Scenic highlights include old coal towns, goldmining relics, forest hikes and coastal walks. There is a seal colony nearby at Cape Foulwind. Depending on the season, there can be up to 100 New Zealand fur seals in the vicinity. Browse the local arts and crafts galleries – much of the work is produced locally.

Functional facts: Approx. population 3900, i-SITE Visitor Centre, good range of shops and services, plentiful accommodation

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