This New Zealand region, 600 kilometres in length and with a population of approximately 35,000, plunges westward from the Southern Alps -- a chain of cloud-piercing mountains -- through luxurious rain forest to a breath-taking coast. The West Coast contains the largest area of protected land of any region in New Zealand, and is where five of the country's 13 National Parks are wholly or partly located (Kahurangi, Paparoa, Arthur's Pass, Westland, Mt Aspiring).

UNESCO declared South West New Zealand a World Heritage area, to stand alongside the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef, Mount Everest and other outstanding examples of the world's heritage.

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For the visitor, The West Coast is a world of primitive towering rain forest, bizarre limestone landscapes, mountains and glaciers, tranquil lakes, rushing rivers, rare birds and plants and endless recreational opportunities. Human development dates back at least 800 years when Maori tribes are thought to have arrived in search of Pounamu (greenstone/jade).

In the 1860s, gold rush fever brought the first Europeans and many settlements sprang up, some of which are now historic sites, some of which evolved into present day towns. The West Coast is ideal for an adventure holiday - white water rafting, kayaking, underground cave rafting, exploring ice caves, mountain biking, surfing, jetboating, climbing and caving, or for gentler pursuits - beach and forest walks, eco tours, fishing, horse trekking, hiking, gold panning and exploring old gold mines and ghost towns. Fascinating wildlife abounds. View, in their natural habitat, majestic white herons (Kotuku) in New Zealand's only breeding colony, see the Westland Black Petrel in the world's only breeding grounds, watch Hectors dolphins, New Zealand Fur Seals and little blue penguins playing in the Tasman Sea surf.