Westport
- Nelson
226 km (141 miles)
Approximately 3 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
Westport is known as a coal mining town, but it’s also a base for outdoor adventures. Visit the local coal mining museum, then strap on your walking shoes to investigate the seal colony. Black water rafting, jet boating, horse trekking and surf rafting are other opportunities for outdoor excitement.
The road to Nelson is scenic and interesting, beginning with the dark, forbidding Buller Gorge. At Hawks Crag you’ll drive under a dramatic rock overhang. When you reach Lyell you can pan for gold or walk to a pioneer cemetery. The museum at Murchison will tell you all about the massive earthquake that shook the region in 1929. Those with plenty of time can turn off and loop past the Nelson Lakes National Park.
The city of Nelson is home to a fascinating community of beach, bush and art lovers. From here you can organise yourself an eco-adventure or become immersed in the local creative culture.
Scenic Highlights
Cape Foulwind Seal Colony
Enjoy a close encounter with New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat on the wild west coast of the South Island.
Activities
Nelson
Bird Watching (3),
Boat Cruises (12),
Fishing – Fresh Water (5),
Fishing – Salt Water (1)
West Coast
Scenic Flights (9),
Walking/Trekking (11)
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