Date: January 27th, 2022, Posted by gina
Spend the day with Explore West Coast heading up the Great Coast Road stopping in at Punakaiki and the famous Pancake Rocks, travel up to Westport stopping along the way for photos. Time for lunch in Westport before going to the Coal Town Museum, Denniston mine site and Seal Colony.
The limestone formation driven by wild West Coast weather over millions of years. Stacked rocks looking like pancakes with the sea water forced up through blow holes formed in between the stacked rocks. This short loop walk offers magnificent views out to ocean, keep an eye out for Hector Dolphins. Look over into the surge pool if you dare! The first part of the walk is easily accessible and wheelchair friendly with good interpretation panels of the area. Follow the path on further, down stairs and around rock formations as you make your way around the track and back up to the carpark. A camera is an essential item for this natural wonder.
Situated near the mouth of the Buller River, Westport is the Northern West Coast’s largest town and offers a range of services you’d expect from a larger centre, including an airport. Dine, wine or enjoy a movie! Its central location makes it an ideal place from which to explore the surrounding area – whether its north for arts and crafts, west for surf and seals, south for the fascinating limestone landscapes of the Paparoa National Park, or east for gold and history.
The various displays focus on the formation of coal, maritime history, unionism, the communities, transport and the men underground. It is a colourful and modern museum that brings the past to life and links the past to the present. A simulated underground mine will give you an insight into the working conditions of the miners.
For many decades Denniston was New Zealand’s largest producing coal mine. It is Category 1 Historic Place.
In its time Denniston was one of the most isolated and difficult mining towns to live in the country. The current road was built in 1902, with the first access being either up a steep pack track or in a coal wagon up the Incline.
The fact that former inhabitants remember it fondly, and that people still choose to live there, speaks volumes for its past social values and enduring mystique.
New Zealand’s most accessible seal colonies can be found just out of Westport on the edge of Tauranga Bay.
The 10 -minute track from the car park leads to viewing platforms directly overlooking the colony.
Several of our early explorers have had fun naming Cape Foulwind. In 1642 Abel Tasman the Dutch navigator called it Clyppygen Hoeck (Rocky Corner); Captain Cook an early English explorer, less than impressed with the wind which prevented him from landing, called it Foulwind. In 1827 the French Dumont Durville called it Les Trois Cloches (the Three Steeples).
Allow a full day, minimum booking of two people required for this tour to run.
Child age 14 and under, children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Bad weather which impacts your tour experience, Explore West Coast will offer you a 12 month credit to use on a tour of your choice or alternatively a travel or a Station Gift Shop credit to spend. T&c’s apply if booked with an agent.
Every booking receives a buy one get one free coffee at Robert Harris Greymouth! All you have to do is show the lovely team at the counter your booking confirmation to receive this wonderful deal.
Posted in: Our Tours
Date: September 9th, 2021, Posted by gina
This Best of the West full day tour allows you to spend a day with us and explore the famous Hokitika Gorge and the Tree Top Walkway. Lunch is at Monteith’s Brewery before departing on the afternoon tour to Punakaiki Blow Holes and Pancake Rocks, the drive itself is rated World famous in the top 10 coastal drives!
A popular tourist spot with vibrant blue water and tranquil setting, a easy walk through native West Coast bush and across two swing bridges with multiple viewing platforms. Easy access down to the water edge if you are keen to rock hop! Forty five minute loop track. A must do on the West Coast, a nature lover’s paradise!
Walk amongst ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree tops, with beautiful views of majestic Lake Mahinapua while listening to native bird song. This steel platform is 20 metres high and over 150 metres long. Climb the 47 metre tower for magnificent views of the lake and surrounding mountain ranges. On a fine day it is possible to see Mount Cook. Cafe on site for refreshments.
Spring special for a limited time, book now and receive a $25 voucher per person to use at Monteith’s Brewery for lunch. A stop off at an iconic West Coast brewery for a bite to eat is next on the itinerary. The Monteith’s menu hosts a array of West Coast produce for you to choose from. You will receive a lunch voucher. Make your order with the Monteith’s team and relax for an hour before your afternoon adventure begins.
Punakaiki Blow Holes and Pancake Rocks is a natural limestone formation created by wild West Coast weather over millions of years. Stacked rocks looking like pancakes with the sea water forced up through blow holes formed in between the stacked rocks. This short loop walk offers magnificent views out to ocean, keep an eye out for Hector Dolphins. Iconic rock formations. Look over into the surge pool if you dare! The first part of the walk is easily accessible and wheelchair friendly with good interpretation panels of the area. Follow the path on further, down stairs and around rock formations as you make your way around the track and back up to the carpark. A camera is an essential item for this natural wonder.
FREE LUNCH – $25 voucher at Monteith’s Brewery is included in tour bookings for a limited time. Available seven days a week.
Every booking receives a buy one get one free coffee at Robert Harris Greymouth! All you have to do is show the lovely team at the counter your booking confirmation to receive this wonderful deal.
Allow a full day, minimum booking of two people required for this tour to run.
Child age 14 and under, children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Bad weather which impacts your tour experience, Explore West Coast will offer you a 12 month credit to use on a tour of your choice or alternatively a travel or a Station Gift Shop credit to spend. T&c’s apply if booked with an agent.
Posted in: Our Tours
Punakaiki Blow Holes
Pancake Rocks
Hokitika Gorge
© 2023 Explore West Coast
Website by Webstudio
