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