THE PLATEAU
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The West Coast
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Did You Know?
The main highway called The Great Coast Road between Westport and Greymouth has been named one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world according to Lonely Planet.
The West Coast stretches 600 km north to south, with never more than about 50 km between the mountains and the rugged West Coast, where wild Tasman Sea waves crash against windswept beaches framed by ancient rainforests.
Climate & Rain
Hokitika offers a warm and inviting climate during Summer and Autumn, boasting sunshine hours comparable to Auckland. Even in Winter and Spring, you may find pleasantly mild temperatures, even on rainy days, and plenty of sunshine.
The South Islands West Coast experiences rainfall throughout the year, ranging from a gentle drizzle to intense downpours. If you’re traveling or planning outdoor activities, don’t forget to pack your wet weather gear to stay comfortable and prepared.
Geology
The West Coast is situated between the Tasman Sea to the west and the Southern Alps to the east. The Southern Alps rise to an elevation of 3,724 m and run for 500km.
There are a huge number of unique geological features within the region such as the Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki, the glaciers to the south, the many rivers, valleys and peaks.
The Hokitika region is well know for its minerals and rocks (gold, quartz, greywacke), and Pounamu (NZ Jade or Greenstone)
Flora & Fauna
Te Tai Poutini/West Coast region is mostly conservation land, covering 23,000 square kilometres, with 19,000 dedicated to conservation. That's 25% of New Zealand’s conservation land.
It is home to many of New Zealand's native flora and fauna species, including the Kōtuku or White Heron, native subtropical forests, aquatic insects and native bird species.
Conservation projects are actively working to eradicate invasive plant pests and control predators.
All This On Your Doorstep!
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