West Coast Sights and Attractions

 

Awatuna Sunset Lodge is perfectly positioned to take in the many sights and activities of the West Coast. We recommend you unpack once and base yourself here for 3 or 4-nights to explore the area from Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers to Punakiki and beyond. 

 

Pounamu Pathway

The Pounamu Pathway is Greymouth’s newest attraction.

This spectacular exhibition takes you on a voyage through the ancestral lands of
the Tai Poutini West Coast region, NZ.

Step into a world where culture, history, and magic intertwine, creating an immersive experience like no other. Unveil the rich tales of Te Tai o Poutini, explore ancestral lands, and discover the treasures of our vibrant heritage.                                                    
To see charges and to purchase tickets follow link:

https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/tearapounamu/?asn=awatunasunsetlodge&full-items=yes

Pounamu Pathway, Greymouth
A view from the doorway of the Tasman King Suite.

Hokitika Gorge

Hokitika Gorge is a beautiful drive from Hokitika. The walk was extended in September 2020 and is an easy walk through native bush to a stunning rocky gorge with turquoise blue water and traverses two swing bridges.

The viewing platform is only a 4 minute from the car park and is wheelchair accessible. You can carry on and complete the one-way circuit through Rimu and Podocarp forest which will take up to one-hour allowing plenty of time to take photos.

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/west-coast/places/hokitika-gorge-scenic-reserve/things-to-do/tracks/hokitika-gorge-walk/

 

 

 

Tree Top Walk

The Tree Top Walk, just south of Hokitika is a Must-Do activity when you stay at Awatuna Sunset Lodge. It is an exhilarating adventure through giants of the rainforest. Experience walking through the top of the Forest through a Rimu and Kamahi canopy. The walk takes about 45 minutes and for those that want a birds eye view, we recommend walking to the top of the 40 metre tower.

Sea-view accommodation offered by the Waimea King Suite.
Hokitika Historic Walk

Hokitika History Walk

Are you a history buff or nature enthusiast? Or do you want to explore all the hidden treasures of Hokitika with an experienced local? Join Ann for a 1.5-hour walking tour. Ann will reveal Hokitika’s hidden gems and stories.
Book your tour when you stay with us and uncover tales from the Gold Rush, stories of shipwrecks, and marvel at historic landmarks such as the Carnegie Library.

Book at exploire@awatunasnsetlodge.nz or when you stay with us.

 

Arahura Greenstone Tours

Greenstone Tours

You will begin at Arahura Bridge Heritage Park. From there you will be guided through the Arahura Pa (Tribal village) and then on a journey along the Arahura River while learning the history of the Kati Waewae Hapu.

Our guides will:

  • Share their local knowledge with you, which includes the history of the region and the Arahura River.
  • On the tour you will hear the beautiful bird song of the native birds that live near the river and the guides will explain what bird was singing or calling.
  • Give you the opportunity to soak your feet in a river that is free from contaminants and the impact of modern man.
  • Show you how to identify greenstone in its natural environment.
  • Reveal the legends of the Arahura river greenstone that are sacred to the Kati Waewae Hapu.
  • Finally, on the piece of stone that you found, you have an opportunity to make a necklace so you have a keepsake of your tour that you can keep  close to your heart.
  • Book at:    https://greenstonetours.co.nz/bookings/
Arahura Greenstone Tours
A view of the tui Queen room showing the bed and a TV mounted on the wall.

Ianzart & Hokitika

Ian has produced beautiful and unique Copper art in his studio in Revell St Hokitika for many years. Ian’s art will make a statement in any home. We highly recommend a visit to see Ian and Janne who are both very welcoming and knowledgeable of the area and his artwork is definitely worth viewing and buying.

32 Revell St, Hokitika

03 755 6336

There are many art and craft and gift shops in town in Hokitika so spend a day checking out the shops, grabbing some lunch, or even catching a movie at Hokitika’s Regent Theatre. A visit to the Wildlife Centre is well worthwhile to feed the eels and to see the kiwi. Hokitika has all seasons and weather covered for your stay.

 

 

Ianzart & Hokitika

Ian has produced beautiful and unique Copper art in his studio in Revell St Hokitika for many years. Ian’s art will make a statement in any home. We highly recommend a visit to see Ian and Janne who are both very welcoming and knowledgeable of the area and his artwork is definitely worth viewing and buying.

32 Revell St, Hokitika

03 755 6336

There are many art and craft and gift shops in town in Hokitika so spend a day checking out the shops, grabbing some lunch, or even catching a movie at Hokitika’s Regent Theatre. A visit to the Wildlife Centre is well worthwhile to feed the eels and to see the kiwi. Hokitika has all seasons and weather covered for your stay.

Ianzart & Shopping in Hokitika

West Coast Wilderness Trail

One of New Zealand’s best cycle trail! From Greymouth to Ross, you will wind through ancient rain forests, along glacial rivers, through lakes and wetlands.

Passing through Lake Kaniere and Lake Mahinapua to create memories through one of New Zealand’s most accessible cycleways.

Spend four days traversing historical gold-mining towns and discover the best of the West Coast.

There are many options for transport throughout the cycleway. For more information see:

www.westcoastwildernesstrail.co.nz

 

A view of the tui Queen room showing the bed and a TV mounted on the wall.

Punakiki

Punakiki is a small community between Greymouth and Westport and is a lovely one-hour drive (71 Kms) from Awatuna Sunset Lodge. Punakiki is best known for it’s limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations, blowholes and surge pools.

Take a walk through the paved pathway with steps to view the fascinating formations with birdlife and marine mammals a highlight of Punakiki.

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/west-coast/places/paparoa-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/pancake-rocks-and-blowholes-walk/

 

Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers

Glacier country is like nowhere else in New Zealand. Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers depict untamed natural wilderness of the South Island’s West Coast. The area features the highest mountains, glaciers, rainforests, Okarito Lagoon and beaches.

From walks, quad-biking, kayaking and helicopter flights, this spectacular landscape must be seen.

Our favourite walk is Lake Matheson, just out of Fox Glacier. On a good day you will see mirror images of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman in the clear water. We recommend a stop at the Lake Matheson Cafe for great food and coffee. 

Our pick of restaurants in Franz Josef is Blue Ice. 

https://www.newzealand.com/nz/feature/west-coast-glaciers/