Tohu Whenua’s West Coast winter adventures
Fewer visitors and settled weather make winter a great time to explore Tohu Whenua’s Te Tai Poutini West Coast sites.
Did you know that hōtoke (winter) is often Te Tai Poutini the West Coast's driest season? Visitors are thinner on the ground, so you’ll have the place to yourself as well as plenty of flexibility with accommodation and tour bookings. Adventure to these Tohu Whenua sites to travel further into the region’s history and wild landscapes.
Ōkārito
Ōkārito was once the third-largest West Coast port and has a history of human activity that dates back to the earliest arrivals of people from Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa the Pacific Ocean. Visit the Ōkārito Wharf and boatshed to discover the gold rush history of the town.
Explore the lagoon and climb up high
Venture further into this pristine West Coast wilderness by doing the Ōkārito Trig Walk, or heading out into the Ōkārito Lagoon, the country’s largest unmodified wetland. Ōkārito Kayaks offers both guided and self-guided rental options and Ōkārito Boat Ecotours runs small group nature cruises. Exploring on the water gives you a breathtakingly close experience with over 70 species of birds, including the rare kōtuku, along with panoramic view of the Southern Alps.
Hokitika Port, Commercial and Government Precinct
Head north to Hokitika: the place that first drew Māori for its rich source of pounamu and later became the busiest port of the West Coast’s gold rush era. There’s plenty to do in Hokitika. You can meet master pounamu carvers in their working studios; admire the opulent Carnegie Library and Hokitika Government Building; or stroll down Gibson Quay, the location of Hokitika’s old river port. Stop in at the numerous excellent galleries, gift shops and cafes as you explore the town centre.
Cycling in the area
Hokitika is also a central location on the West Coast Wilderness Trail Great Ride. You can head out in either direction on a day ride. Take the southern route down towards Ross, where you’ll ride over the historic former Mahinapua road-rail bridge and through old mining areas, pristine wetlands and remnants of gold dredging and sawmilling sites. Or head inland on the Milltown Road to Lake Kaniere where you’ll enjoy views of the surging Hokitika River, native bush and ride alongside the historic Kaniere Water Race, hand-dug in 1875.
Denniston Mine
The drive from Westport to Denniston only takes an hour, but once you reach the Denniston Plateau you are transported to a different place and time, where a hardy mining community once enjoyed sports, schooling and lively unionism amidst dangerous work and bleak living conditions. Discover the incredibly steep 1670-metre-long incline railway, do the the Brakehead and Coalbrookdale walks and immerse yourself in the stories presented on the excellent interpretation panels near the carpark.
Mountain biking options
There are also plenty of cycling opportunities in the region. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the Denniston Plateau via a network of graded mountain bike circuits. For a family-friendly scenic ride you can do sections of the incredible Kawatiri Coastal Trail which starts from Westport. This trail is full of historic sites such as Carter’s Beach (an early site of Māori settlement) and Charleston (a bustling gold rush town).
With Te Tai Poutini West Coast in its quiet season, wrap up warm and take your time to really explore Tohu Whenua sites and the wider opportunities on offer.
