WEST COAST WILDERNESS

Transcription

1 GREYMOUTH ROSS 4 DAYS 139km View of Arahura River BELOW LEFT: Treetop walkway tower BELOW RIGHT: Lake Kaniere Birte Becker-Steel / Wilderness Trail Shuttle WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL WEST COAST WILDERNESS Trail Trail Info In the midst of the Southern Alps on the West Coast lie a series of tracks carved by pioneering gold-miners. Today these old tracks, of the Southern Alps to the wild together with extensive Tasman Sea. water races, logging Attractions and experiences along tramways and historic railway lines, the trail include gold panning, rafting, form the West Coast Wilderness Trail. dolphin watching, jade, wood and This four-day cycling adventure bone carving studios, trout fishing, reveals outstanding landscapes of scenic flights and the West Coast dense rainforest, glacial rivers, lakes Treetop Walk as well as the chance to and wetlands, with views all the way view unique sculptures, glass blowing from the snow-capped mountains and the work of local potters. LOOK OUT FOR... West Coast Treetop Walk Located 15 minutes south of Hokitika, access to experience life among the birds the Treetop Walk is an exhilarating high in the ancient rimu and kamahi adventure tree canopy. among temperate Thrill-seekers will want to climb to the rainforest giants. top of the tower that stands 40 metres A steel platform above the forest floor. The views take in 20m high and the surrounding bush, the Southern Alps, 450m long Lake Mahinapua and the Tasman Sea. provides easy A café is located on site. The trail starts at Greymouth and traverses Kumara en route to Hokitika before finishing in Ross. Hokitika and Greymouth both offer a full range of accommodation, services and tours. The historic villages of Kumara, Milltown, Kaniere, Ruatapu and Ross provide opportunities to meet the locals on a more personal level and enjoy some good old-fashioned West Coast hospitality. The majority of the 139km route is an easy ride, catering for all levels of riding abilities, including families. Lake Kaniere Lake Kaniere is surrounded by snowcapped mountains and is a favourite for water skiing, boating, picnics, swimming and short walks, including the walk to the Dorothy Falls. 4 Days 139km TRAIL GRADES: GREYMOUTH TO KUMARA - GRADE 2 (EASY) 30km section that crosses the Taramakau River before heading inland. KUMARA TO COWBOY PARADISE - GRADE 2 (EASY) 37km section that climbs to Kawhaka Pass. COWBOY PARADISE TO HOKITIKA - GRADE 2 (EASY) 3km, climbs over Pyramid Hill to Lake Kaniere. HOKITIKA TO ROSS - GRADE 2 (EASY) SECTION UNDER CONSTRUCTION. 3km section incorporating the West Coast Treetops Walk. MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: There are many areas of the trail where there is limited mobile phone coverage, or none at all. DRINKING WATER: Take a drink bottle with you as there are plenty of places to fill it up. You can buy water at any of the overnight locations. 91

2 WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL Greymouth Kumara Cowboy Paradise Hokitika Ross 30km 37km 3km 3km Ruatapu ROSS MAP LEGEND 1 open section section under construction highway section start / finish point point of interest i-site Visitor Centre bridge town café/restaurant toilets car park accommodation camping state highway HOKITIKA Hokitika River Lake Mahinapua Treetop Walkway Hokitika River Kaniere Tasman Sea Kumara Junction Arahura River Kokatahi River 73 WAIMEA FOREST Hurunui Jacks bridge Taramakau River KUMARA Lake Kaniere Paroa GREYMOUTH NEMONA FOREST 73 Kapitea Reservoir Kumara Reservoir Milltown Grey River 73 KAWHAKA FOREST COWBOY PARADISE 7 AA Traveller 2015 RIDING THE TRAIL Greymouth to Kumara, 30km The trail starts opposite Greymouth Railway Station and follows the Grey River stop bank out to the coast. After 7km, you will leave the coast and pass a stone tavern. The trail continues south, crosses the Taramakau River and heads inland to the historic gold-mining town of Kumara. This fi rst section is 30km long, with no hills. Kumara to Cowboy Paradise, 37km From Kumara the trail gradually climbs to Kawhaka Pass (317m). Riders pass through native forests, skirt around lakes and follow rushing water races before passing through the Maori-owned Mawhera Reserve and crossing a stunning gorge to a replica western town called Cowboy Paradise. This section is 37km long and quite remote, with breath-taking scenery. Cowboy Paradise provides food and accommodation, but should be booked in advance (phone ). Cowboy Paradise to Hokitika, 3km From Cowboy Paradise there is a gentle downhill stretch to the Arahura River, followed by a 15-minute climb over Pyramid Hill to Lake Kaniere, a popular boating and picnic destination. The trail then follows the Kaniere Water Race, and various new sections to Hurunui Jacks (café and accommodation) and then on Lake Kaniere Rd to Hokitika, the wild food capital of New Zealand. Hokitika to Ross, 3km This fi nal section is 3km long and follows a mix of new trail and historic tramline to the West Coast Treetops Walk, where you can enjoy a coffee and stretch your legs at the same height of New Zealand s tallest trees. From the Treetops walk a mix of road riding and rail trail will lead to Ross. Note: This section is under construction. West Coast Cycle Trail Shakey Finger Photography Stephen Roberts 92 Note: The West Coast is famous for its rain as well as its rainforest, but it does enjoy long fi ne spells that are ideal for cycling, especially in autumn and winter. It s best to check the weather forecast before your trip and dress accordingly. During times of high rainfall there are some fords between Kumara and Lake Kaniere that may not be safe to cross. These can rise quickly and shouldn t be crossed if they re fl owing high.

3 VIEWS YOU WON T HAVE TO DIE FOR A four day cycle adventure that combines pristine scenery and incredible wildlife with boutique accommodation, and smooth trails. 4 stages, 4 days: Greymouth- Kumara-Cowboy Paradise- Hokitika-Ross. Spin your own story. WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL Hokitika i-site enquiries@hokitikainfo.co.nz Greymouth i-site info@westcoasttravel.co.nz westcoastwildernesstrail.co.nz 93

4 WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL TRANZ ALPINE RAILWAY If you re travelling to the West Coast from Christchurch, you have the option of taking one of the world s great rail journeys. The TranzAlpine travels between Christchurch and Greymouth daily, departing Christchurch at 8.15am and leaving Greymouth at 1.45pm. The journey is 223.8km long, takes four and a half hours and includes 19 tunnels and four viaducts. The sublime views of the plains, river gorges, valleys and the Southern Alps ensure there s always plenty to feast your eyes on. Charles Court Motel 350 Main South Rd, South Beach, SH, Greymouth PHONE: RESERVATIONS IMAGE: TranzAlpine, alongside Waimakariri River KiwiRail Scenic Journeys Punakaiki 55km S of Westport, 4km N of Greymouth charlescourtmotel@xtra.co.nz 24 spacious serviced ground-floor units on the beach. 8 spa units. Sky TV, FREE WiFi, DVD players. Swimming pool, spa, games room, playground, BBQ areas. Beach access. Pet-friendly. Cycle hire. On the Coast s only cycle trail. Tariff: $99-$145 (2 persons), extra $15. Greymouth at the mouth of Grey River 100km S of Westport on SH Greymouth i-site Visitor Centre Centrally located at the start of the West Coast Wilderness Trail TranzAlpine Train & Intercity Coaches arriving & departing daily FREE information & bookings - Gold Coast one-day cycle packages available Collect your FREE West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail souvenir on mention of this ad Hokitika i-site Visitor Centre Cool little beachside town on West Coast Wilderness Trail Arts & crafts featuring glass-blowing and greenstone carving Bookings for accommodation, activities & travel Home of 2013 Man Booker Prize-winning novel The Luminaries Westport i-site & Coaltown Museum 40min from start and finish of the Old Ghost Trail Entrance to the Coaltown Museum, West Coast Heritage Experience Shopping experience on site Bookings for accommodation, activities & travel 94 WEST COAST i-sites 14 Mackay St, Greymouth 7805 P: 0800 GREYMOUTH ( ) E: info@westcoasttravel.co.nz 3 Weld St, Private Bag 704, Hokitika 7842 P: F: E: enquiries@hokitikainfo.co.nz 123 Palmerston St, Westport 78 P: E: westport.info@coaltown.co.nz CYCLE HIRE & REPAIRS HUNTING FISHING CAMPING ADVENTURE CLOTHING SPORTING GOODS On-site cycle tech shop to help with all of your cycle repairs and maintenance. A full range of replacement parts and accessories available. Cycle Hire from $45 per day. Located in central Greymouth and at the start of the West Coast Wilderness Trail. We have an extensive range of sports and outdoor equipment, cycle hire and an on-site tech shop. If there is something else you need - just ask! PHONE: greymouth@sportsworld.co.nz 53 Mackay Street, Greymouth MANN CYCLES BIKE THE WILDERNESS TRAIL Cycle hire for the whole family Single and multi-day hire Full workshop facilities Qualified cycle mechanic Local expertise 37 MACKAY STREET, GREYMOUTH PHONE: mannsecurity@clear.net.nz

5 Punakaiki Pancake Rocks WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL A major New Zealand attraction, the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes were formed 30 million years ago from fragments of skeletons and shells. Looking like enormous stacks of pancakes (hence their name), these limestone rocks have been sculpted over the millennia by mildly acidic rain, wind and sea water. The well-formed stone steps and boardwalks lead you to the best viewing spots. The blowholes perform at their best around high tide with a strong sea swell. HEART OF THE COAST LEFT: Pancake Rocks - with a blowhole in Punakaiki Petr Hlavacek ABOVE: Greymouth Port Tourism West Coast Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast and its still-present pioneering spirit adds much to its appeal. For a photographic history of the West Coast, visit the History House Museum. The town has numerous greenstone galleries that sell sculptures and jewellery, and there s the chance to view carvers at work. Greymouth is an ideal base to explore the Central West Coast. Short trips include the fabulous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki, the authentic 180s gold-rush town at Shantytown, and some of the South Island s best trout fishing at Lake Brunner. Tariff from $117 5 executive studios & suites 9 spacious 1 & 2-bedroom units Sky Guest Select channels Corporate / Family / Group bookings Short walk to hospital, supermarket, aquatic centre, restaurants Guest laundry FREE pick-up and drop to train/bus Close to West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail BOOKINGS High St, Greymouth Tel: sceniclands@xtra.co.nz Kumara Junction a corruption of kohimara (a flower) 22km NE of Hokitika Shuttle Service Bike Hire Bag transfers Vehicle Storage Based at Greymouth Top Motels Half-Day to 4-Day Options Local Knowledge 2 Chesterfield Street, Greymouth Phone: info@trailtransport.co.nz THE JUNCTION CAFE HONEY CENTRE thejunctioncafe@hotmail.comm The Junction Cafe & Honey Centre is a 2km ride off the cycle trail from Bridge 13, where the roads south converge. Renowned for its honeyinspired food and other crafts, this café offers full meals and also hosts freedom camping (POP) to fully contained motor homes. Locals and travellers alike are welcome to enjoy a tasty meal and beverage, view live bees and purchase the delicious honey and honey products sourced from pure and clean undisturbed natural environments. Bookings for functions are also welcome. 4 Taramakau Highway, Kumara, Westland Phone:

6 WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL Kumara a corruption of kohimara (a flower) 28km NE of Hokitika Winner of the 2014 Best Country Hotel in NZ! Accommodation Café Bar 7 days Themed Rooms Historical Boutique Hotel Check our website to view three other accommodation options available through the hotel for groups theatreroyalhotel@xtra.co.nz (03) Hokitika to return directly 40km SW of Greymouth on SH TENACIOUS TOWNS Kumara is situated on the renowned Great Alpine Highway (SH 73) that links the West Coast with Christchurch. The town is steeped in history, being the site of New Zealand s last great gold rush in 187. Walking tracks leave the village in all directions overlooking the Taramakau River, through bush, gold tailings, water races and lakes. Kumara Junction,.km to the west of Kumara, is famous in sporting circles as it is here at Kumara Beach that the world s premier multi-sporting event, the Speight s Coast to Coast, begins. Shantytown Shantytown, just south of Greymouth, is a faithful replica of an 180s gold-mining town. There are over 30 historical buildings from the gold-rush era including the fire station, post office and pub. You can hear stories from yesteryear, dress in period costume ready for your sepia photo, and pan for your own gold. Admission includes a 20-minute steam-train journey in the beautiful rainforest setting. ABOVE: Strike gold at Shantytown Heritage Park Neil Macbeth LEFT: Taking a break at Kumara Birte Becker-Steel / Wilderness Trail Shuttle Official accommodation partner with The West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail Choose from 3 different room types to suit your budget: - Luxurious ocean-view rooms overlooking the rugged Tasman Sea; - Newly refurbished Driftwood superior rooms - Comfortable street front Driftwood standard rooms Conveniently located to base yourself in Hokitika and complete each day of the trail with easy driving distance back to your accommodation Secure bike storage on site Restaurant, public bar and bottle store on site ANZ Bank also located on premises 111 Revell St, Hokitika Phone:

7 things to do... Hokitika Gorge Photos of the vivid turquoise water and lush native forest at Hokitika Gorge, 33km out of town, look too good to be true, but trust us, they look just as good in real life. WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS Hokitika Petr Hlavacek Hokitika lies at the heart of an area renowned for its rainforests and wetlands and is therefore the ideal place to explore. ABOVE: Hokitika Gorge TOP, RIGHT: Cesspool swingbridge Birte Becker-Steel / Wilderness Trail Shuttle Hokitika is located near a traditional source of pounamu (jade) and the local availability of minerals and natural materials has fostered a community of talented artisans. Check out the galleries and studios, then take a walk along the wild and driftwood-strewn Hokitika Beach. At the National Kiwi Centre you can view kiwi rummaging in dimly lit enclosures and see tuatara, native fish and 80- to 100-year-old eels. For panoramic views of the Hokitika Valley, and access to displays of the mining heritage of the area, head up to the Rimu Lookout at the top of Rimu Hill. The one-hour, 4km loop walk takes you over the Kaniere Bridge. Alternatively, pick up a leaflet from the Hokitika i-site and follow the Heritage Trail that extends around the perimeter of the township. Hokitika Museum Located in a restored 1908 Carnegie Public Library building, the Hokitika Museum houses a superb collection of European settlement on the West Coast that goes all the way back to 184 when the gold rush first hit town. 252 Revell St, Hokitika Ph: Fax: E: info@252beachside.co.nz Your hosts: Adele & Brian Dow Seconds to beach and glowworm dell, 900m to town Motels, cottages, power sites & standard cabins Outdoor swimming pool (seasonal), children s play area Free WiFi Pet-friendly Full cooking facilities HOKITIKA KIWI HOLIDAY PARK & MOTELS Dreams are made of this... HOKITIKA RESERVATIONS FREEPHONE: Tariff: (2 persons) Cottages and Motels ($100-$155), Standard cabins ($55-$5) Power sites ($35-$40). Seasonal rates apply Annabelle Motel 214 Weld St, Hokitika P: F: Reservations Freephone: E: info@annabellemotel.co.nz 12 comfortable units. Studios with double-corner spa baths, private decking and gardens. 1 & 2-brm units. 32in LCD TVs in all units. Free WiFi. Close to town centre, river & beach. Comfort assured; quiet location. Tariff: $115-$190 (2 persons), $20 extra person. Town Centre Seasonal/corporate rates. From Glaciers WELD ST From Greymouth FITZHERBERT ST 700m on left Annabelle Motel 1.km from town centre Largest range of budget accommodation in the Hokitika area Motels, Cabins, Power Sites & Tent Sites Easy 1.km walk to central Hokitika Just two blocks from the Hokitika River Locked bike storage and wash-down area Shuttle available for drop-off & pick-up (by prior arrangement) 242 Stafford Street Hokitika P F E holidaypark@hokitika.com To Christchurch & Nelson Beach Town Centre Fitzherbert St To Glaciers & Queenstown Hampden St Stafford St Weld St HOKITIKA HOLIDAY PARK & MOTELS Freecall reservations: Livingstone 97

8 WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL Lake Brunner Sign with Arahura Valley view Birte Becker-Steel / Wilderness Trail Shuttle Left: Lake Brunner Lake Brunner is the water playground of the Central West Coast and a destination that is increasing in popularity. The lake s surrounding rivers and streams make for great fishing, boating and water sports, with many picnic spots to be discovered along the lake s edge. Beach and forest walks, caving and a variety of wetlands and rainforest eco-systems also won t fail to impress. The small township of Moana nestles on the shores of Lake Brunner with the Southern Alps and native forests as a backdrop. A number of half and one-day rides taking in some of the West Coast s most spectacular landscapes and terrain have been created for people who don t have the time or desire to complete the entire 4-day West Coast Wilderness Trail. The Big Day Out (- to 7-hour ride one way) starts at Kawhaka Intake, near Cowboy Paradise, and ends in Hokitika. Journey through native forest, a mountain-ringed valley and alongside the glacier-fed Arahura River and pictureseque Lake Kaniere. Magical Mahinapua (1.5 hours one way) begins at the Hokitika i-site and ends at the West Coast Treetop Walk. The ride takes you through pristine wetlands and continues on through native forest bordering Mahinapua Creek, host to many species of waterfowl and other birdlife, and a scenic reserve with forest giants that were once ubiquitous on the coast. A 15-minute sidewalk rewards with views of beautiful Lake Mahinapua. Contact the Hokitika i-site for details. RESERVATIONS: Your hosts: Vicki & Allen Hurley Heritage Highway Motel 14 quality units Wireless internet in all units Closest motel to town centre 42 LCD TVs in all units Coffee percolators with fresh ground coffee Free -hole mini putt course Covered/secure cycle storage Cycle Trail at gate 12 Fitzherbert St, Hokitika P: E: admin@heritagemotel.co.nz Ross and Glaciers 1 Richards Drive, Hokitika shining@xtra.co.nz MOTELS & HOLIDAY PARK Beachfront Accommodation Free WiFi Small Farm Yard Opposite Glowworm Dell Direct Beach Access Apartments, Chalets, Cabins, Power and Non-power sites We have a secure storage area for bikes 33 Tancred St, Hoki ka hokicycle.sport@paradise.net.nz kasportsworld.co.nz Revell St, Hoki ka info@wildernesstrailshu le.co.nz le.co.nz Wildernesstrailshu le Experienced local people who know our trail walk the treetops 12 minutes south of Hokitika 1128 Woodstock-Rimu Rd, Ruatapu, Hokitika freephone: 0508 TREETOPS phone: e: info@treetopsnz.com

9 The West Coast Wilderness Trail reveals a lush and vivid landscape, varying from the Tasman Coast to towering forests, intricate water races, mighty rivers and fascinating historic towns dating back to the pioneering gold rush era. Jonathan Kennett, Cycling Author WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL Lake Mahinapua Popular for swimming and kayaking, Lake Mahinapua near Hokitika is a fi ne place to spend a few hours. Two main swimming spots are the area around the jetty and Swimmers Beach. The margins of the lake are forested and have a number of walks to choose from. ABOVE: Sunset at the Hokitika waterfront Craig Wilson TOP RIGHT: Lake Mahinapua Birte Becker-Steel / Wilderness Trail Shuttle Lake Kaniere 24km SE of Hokitika COWBOY PARADISE 1140 Milto town Road, Lake Kanie iere, NZ Situated exactly halfway between KUMARA and HOKITI TIKA EVERYTHING YOU NEED ALL UNDER ONE ROOF Premium ensuite rooms with kitchenettes Tariff $130 (2 persons) Laundry Facilities Free WiFi Ensuite rooms and affordable shared rooms for the budget conscious from $40 per person Café & Bar open 7am until late Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Cabinet food and great coffee Reservations: Weld Street, Hokitika Ph: SECURE Bike Storage enquiries@stumpers.co.nz Planning your West Coast Wilderness Trail adventure? Cowboy Paradise has so much to offer; from accommodation, bar and restaurant to shooting and organised events PH: +4 (0) e: cowboyparadise@farmside.co.nz 99

10 WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL GOLD RUSH CENTRAL White Heron Birte Becker-Steel / Wilderness Trail Shuttle During the gold rush of the 180s, tens of thousands of miners swarmed to the West Coast to seek their fortune. Gold mining history in a tiny township of Ross near Hokitika Petr Hlavacek The end of the Wilderness Trail, Ross is just over 100km north of the wondrous glaciers. In 1909 the town achieved glory by unearthing New Zealand s largest gold nugget, the 2.81 kilogram Honourable Roddy. A replica of this nugget can be seen in the museum in the Ross Goldfield s Information and Heritage Centre. The centre includes a Miner s Cottage and the original Ross Gaol and you will have the opportunity to try your hand at gold panning. A one-hour guided historic gold trail walk is available from the centre. Other Ross attractions include the Water Race Walkway and historical buildings and craft shops. Kotuku / White Heron Whataroa, 7km south of Ross, is the base for trips to the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve where New Zealand s only breeding colony of kotuku (white heron) nest. Ross after Canterbury treasurer George Ross 31km SW of Hokitika on SH Fox Glacier after PM Sir William Fox 171km SW of Hokitika on SH Ross Goldfields Information & Heritage Centre 4 Aylmer St, Ross, Westland Phone: info@rossgoldfields.co.nz Undercover gold-panning area. Gold pan hire. Beautiful heritage & picnic area, including Old Gaol, stocks & Historic Miners Cottage. West Coast Wilderness Trail WIFI Bridge Over The Totara History room & audio visual. Gold nugget jewellery & other beautiful souvenirs. Water race walkway. Toilets. Bike stands available. ROSS Motels 10 Gibson St, Ross Phone: rossmotels@xtra.co.nz Family-operated, very clean, spacious and comfortable. fully self-contained units, 3 studio, 3 x 2-bedroom. Tree Top Walk 12km, explore historic Ross Goldfields. Good fishing, beach and rivers close by. Start/finish of West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail. Secure bike storage. Tariff: $95-$135 (1-2 persons), extra $20. Christchurch after Oxford University College, Christ Church 242km SE of Greymouth 100