West Coast (New Zealand)

[[file:WV banner West Coast Franz Josef glacier - pgname=Halal Explorer to West Coast|caption=Franz Josef Glacier}} The West Coast is a region of the western South Island of New Zealand that's long and relatively narrow, squeezed between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea.

Its scenery and natural attractions, which include glaciers that flow down relatively close to sea level, mountains, forests, and the sea-sculpted Pancake Rocks have featured in many travel writers bucket lists.

Uncrowded and the region has a population of 33,000, in the Buller, Grey and Westland neighborhoods with 10,000 in the largest town, Greymouth. It does not cover the entire west coast of the island – the huge Fiordland National Park in the south is part of Southland and the Kahurangi National Park in the north is part of the north-west Nelson Bays|Nelson region. Within the South Island the West Coast is sometimes referred to as simply The Coast.

Towns

West_Coast_New_Zealand - The isolated coast in stormy weather Listed from north to south:

• Karamea – one end of the Heaphy Track
• Westport (New Zealand)|Westport – a cute little town with a cuter seal colony at Carter's Beach
• Punakaiki – the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
• Reefton – former gold-mining town
• Greymouth – the largest town
• Hokitika
• Ross (New Zealand)|Ross
• Franz Josef – the Franz Josef Glacier
• Fox Glacier – larger and more accessible Fox Glacier
• Haast – last settlement before climbing out of the region through the Gates of Haast and the Haast Pass

More Destinations in West Coast (New Zealand)

• Mount Aspiring National Park
• Wangapeka Track
• Westland National Park GPS -43.255,170.270

West Coast (New Zealand) Halal Travel Guide

The West Coast was the last frontier to be exploited by New Zealand's colonists. The region still has that frontier look and feel in many places. Even a few metres from the roadside you can experience what the first explorers might have encountered - pure and natural nature.

Before tourism became a more economical sustainable business, coasters mined coal, dredged or panned for Gold, cut down the native forests. Generally they cleared the land and drained the swamps for farming and exploiting the land for its minerals. They still exploit the land for coal and timber but now it tends to be done in more environmentally sustainable ways.

Today, much of the land and forest has been put into the conservation estate. Many areas of marginal farmland have been allowed to revert to more natural states. Environmental issues are now recognised as important and more highly valued, and fought over, where threatened.

Because of this, some believe the Coast is on its last legs, yet others see great potential for a land full of natural beauty, ready to be exploited by, and developed for, tourists, in environmentally sustainable ways.

Buller neighborhood gets its name from the Buller River that drains the neighborhood and flows into the Tasman Sea at Westport.

Westland's landscape is a combination of rugged narrow coastline, temperate rainforests and high mountains.

Initially European development was based on Gold and coal mining as well as forestry and farming. Now this legacy and the spectacular scenery make tourism a major industry.

Parts of Westland receives some of the highest rainfall in New Zealand, and the world. Be prepared and bring a decent raincoat. This is during the Summer months as in Winter the area has some of the nicest weather around New Zealand.

It has been said that this more remote part of the nation is the "real" New Zealand and the way it used to be.

Travel as a Muslim to West Coast (New Zealand)

Fly to West Coast (New Zealand)

Air New Zealand flies from Christchurch to Hokitika every day. Sounds Air has one to three flights a day Su–F from Wellington to Westport (New Zealand)|Westport.

By road

From Blenheim (New Zealand)|Blenheim either take State Highway 6 via Nelson (New Zealand)|Nelson and the Hope Saddle to Murchison or take State Highway 63 via Street Arnaud and the Nelson Lakes National Park. State Highway 63 meets State Highway 6 at Howard Junction, about 40 km north of Murchison.

From Christchurch there are two options:

• State Highway 7 leaves State Highway 1 at Waipara in North Canterbury, travels past Hanmer Springs and over the Lewis Pass to Reefton and on to Greymouth where it joins State Highway 6. This is a good road all year round, suitable for any type of vehicle and is the recommended route for towing caravans or trailers.
• State Highway 73 runs through Mid Canterbury to Springfield (New Zealand)|Springfield, before climbing over Porters Pass and then Arthurs Pass, and descending along the Taramakau River to meet State Highway 6 at Kumara Junction, about half way between Greymouth and Hokitika. This road has a number of steep grades and sharp corners – towing caravans or trailers over this route is not advised. The descent from the top of Arthurs Pass to Otira used to include a single-lane section that was subject to rockfalls, but this has been replaced with a viaduct. Historically, this was the horse-drawn coach route and this dictated that the trans-alpine railway line also cross the Southern Alps here, via the Otira Tunnel. Steeped in history, and with spectacular and varied scenery, be sure to stop in at Arthur's Pass National Park headquarters in Arthur's Pass township, even if only for a quick break.

From Wanaka travel State Highway 6 over the Haast Pass to Haast and Fox Glacier at the southern end of the West Coast.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in West Coast (New Zealand)

Trans-Alpine Express - GPS: Departs from Christchurch and provides a daily return journey to Greymouth and has been described as one of the best rail journeys in the world. It includes many tunnels, apart from the 8 kilometers long Otira Tunnel, with a grade of 1:33 making it one of the steepest grades of any two rail traction railway tunnel in the world as well as the third longest railway tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere.

By coach

• InterCity Coachlines operates daily services along the West Coast departing from Nelson and Picton. InterCity also offer a range of fixed itinerary options which enable you to travel from Nelson to Queenstown via the West Coast.
• Newmans Coach Lines provides premium daily sightseeing tours from Queenstown to both Fox Glacier| Fox and Franz Josef| Franz Joseph Glaciers.
• Atomic Shuttles operates Picton - Nelson - Fox Glacier, Christchurch - Greymouth and Greymouth - Queenstown.
• West Coast Shuttle . From Greymouth 08:00 to Christchurch arrive midday via Arthur's Pass then from Christchurch 15:00 to Greymouth via Arthur's Pass (all services via Christchurch airport on demand).

How to get around in West Coast (New Zealand)

State Highway 6 runs the length of the West Coast and most notable destinations are either on the highway or a short distance from it. In some places it is the only road in town and some of the local residents suggest that Westland is really just a village connected by the longest main street in the world.

This highway is suitable for all forms of vehicular transport, though caution is suggested if driving a campervan or larger vehicle on this road as some corners and turning areas are very tight. Drivers will also encounter the occasional one-lane bridge along the route.

Cycling and Motorcycles are very popular ways of seeing the West Coast but be prepared for long rides between settlements.

What to see in West Coast (New Zealand)

The highway travels through or near several large national parks along the scenic Southern Alps. Westland National Park is one of the most popular and accessible but can only be reached from State Highway 6. The park contains the western slopes of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman as well as Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier and the two most accessible glaciers in the Southern Hemisphere.

• Punakaiki is situated along the coast south of Westport. The Pancake Rocks & Blowholes are a photogenic series of rock columns which have been weathered in such a way that they resemble a stack of pancakes. Sea spray frequently covers the walkways as there are a number of blow holes situated between the columns. On a nice day there is also a good view of the dramatic coastline stretching away to the south.
• Lake Matheson is a scenic lake near Fox Glacier. When the weather is calm and clear the lake acts as a mirror reflecting the mountains to the east, including Mt Cook and Mt Tasman - above Fox Glacier. The walking trail around the lake is enjoyable on a nice day.
• Buller River bar - Watch the fishing boats come in and enjoy the wild seas. Site of a number of accidents.
• Cape Foulwind - Windy and wild place with rough seas and walking tracks
• Pancake Rocks and blowholes in Punakaiki.
• Shantytown

There are many beautiful lakes which are easily accessible by car:

• Lake Brunner. The largest of the West Coast lakes, Brunner and it's main settlement Moana are good spots for waterskiing and fishing. Access from the Otira Highway just east of Wainihinihi, or from SH7 east of Greymouth.
• Lake Kaniere Second largest of the West Coast lakes, Kaniere lies about half an hour drive inland from Hokitika, with a partially unsealed road that loops around the lake via Kokatahi. There are some walks in various bays around the lake, including Canoe Cove (which features a 15 minutes boardwalk through native forest), and Dorothy Falls (about 5 minutes walk in from the falls themselves, which are visible from the road).
• Lake Mahinapua. Accessible from SH6 south of Hokitika, The Shanghai Bay area of Mahinapua is relatively shallow, and has campground facilities. There is also a fantastic walkway from Woodstock-Rimu Road to SH6 that passes alongside the lake.
• Lake Ianthe. South of Ross, Lake Ianthe is visible from the road, and makes a great picnic spot.
• Lake Wahapo
• Okarito Lagoon Just south of Lake Wahapo, Okarito is the only breeding site for the kotuku (white heron). You can only enter the kotuku sanctuary as part of a tour
• Lake Mapourika

What to do in West Coast (New Zealand)

• Buller Gorge Swingbridge - you can walk across a swing bridge, or go on a flying fox, and on the other side there are nice walks, some to the epicentre of a huge earthquake.
• Visit the Denniston Incline - Drive to the top and marvel at the near vertical rail incline. This is where they used to load up the coal wagons and send them down for processing.
• Pan for Gold. There is still plenty in the hills, though it is not economic to extract commercially. You might even find enough to cover the cost of the panning fee.
• Climb the mountains.
• Hunting.
• Fishing.
• Glaciers at Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. Take an unguided walk yourself, a guided trip, guided ice climbing, a sightseeing flight, or a heli-hike to the top of a glacier where the ice is blue.
• If you're leaving by vehicle get up early and see how many hours you can drive before meeting another vehicle on the road.
• The entire coastline offers some of the most breathtaking scenic walks and views in the nation.
• Try whitewater rafting in Greymouth or make a knife in Barrytown.

Halal Restaurants in West Coast (New Zealand)

Westland is the major source of whitebait, a New Zealand delicacy. The tiny fingerlings of native fish are pan fried whole in an egg patty.

• Other wild foods are also found here including Possum pies and stew.

The annual Wild Foods Festival is a must-do if you happen to be on the Coast at the right time of year.

Classic Kiwi places to eat such as the RSA and Workingmens club. Quality food available at a number of restaurants. One of note is located at Cape Foulwind. The Coasters have never been afraid of soft drinks or consuming large quantities of it, especially soft drinks. They were never afraid of the licensing laws either and always enjoyed a drink - after hours. The operative word though is were. With the relaxation of drink licensing laws, Coasters have continued in their anti-regulatory approach to life and voluntarily leave the bars early, if they even go there at all.

There are lots of pubs in Palmerston Street, which is the primary street of Westport.

At one time Hokitika, alone, had over 100 drinking establishments. Now you will be hard pressed to find that many in the whole of Westland. However and the brewer's tradition has not been lost and soft-drinks is still the favoured drink after a hard day's work or travelling.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to West Coast (New Zealand)

West Coast (New Zealand) - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to West Coast (New Zealand), is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for West Coast (New Zealand). This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in West Coast (New Zealand) and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to West Coast (New Zealand). The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to West Coast (New Zealand). Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inWest Coast (New Zealand): A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in West Coast (New Zealand).

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in West Coast (New Zealand): A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in West Coast (New Zealand), allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in West Coast (New Zealand).

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in West Coast (New Zealand), ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in West Coast (New Zealand), enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within West Coast (New Zealand) and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in West Coast (New Zealand), stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in West Coast (New Zealand), a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of West Coast (New Zealand) without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for West Coast (New Zealand) is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring West Coast (New Zealand).

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group West Coast (New Zealand) is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in West Coast (New Zealand), please contact:

eHalal Travel Group West Coast (New Zealand) Media: info@ehalal.io

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

The area has a good supply of backpacker accommodation. These are generally all equipped with a bar that will stay open into the wee small hours.

• Wangapeka Backpackers Retreat/Farmstay - Wangapeka Valley Road, Little Wanganui GPS: Approximately 1 hour north of Westport; turn right off the primary street to Karamea and follow the Backpacker/Farmstay blue signs ☎ +64 3 782-6663 - $20 dorm, $35 farm stay single, $55 farm stay double Set in 40 acres of rainforest and 20 acres of farmland, this is a small and personal family-run backpacker farm stay at the start of the Wangapeka Track and close to the Heaphy Track. Facilities are shared with the family, and meals are available on request.

• The Punakaiki Rocks Hotel & Villas is a 63 room hotel situated less than 400m from the Pancake rocks. Full dining facilities and all rooms feature either a king bed or 2 queens. Commanding Views of the turmoilnes that is the Tasman Sea.
• Te Nikau Retreat also near Punakaiki (which is classed as Buller, although referred to as Westland) is a hostel in the palm forest overlooking the sea. Rooms are split between chalets hidden in the trees and the paths are lit by fairy lamps. The chalets have wood fires and various other amenities. Also, one path leads down to the shore where a sharp rocky promontory sticks out over a small beach. Very pretty at sunset.

Stay Safe

Stay safe! Literally - the region is quite isolated so if you get in trouble you may have difficult getting medical treatment or emergency assistance in a hurry. Ensure your spare tyre is in good condition, your emergency kit is stocked up, you have a full tank of fuel, some emergency food, warm clothes and a map; because it could be a long wait if you have a mishap or a long walk to the nearest place to get help. Also, be prepared to stop and assist another traveller in trouble.

It rains here. Carry a raincoat and gumboots (wellingtons), waterproof your shoes or accept being wet - accept it, you will get wet anyway, just more slowly.

Coasters are apparently immune to the endemic sandflies, but visitors need to cover up (especially ankles and wrists) or put up with being bitten. Their bites leave nasty little itchy spots but are relatively harmless otherwise.

Have an emergency? Call 111 for the Police, Fire or Ambulance services, but don't expect to get what you thought you were asking for. Someone will turn up to help, but they might not wear the uniform you were expecting and they might not wear a uniform at all, but they'll help, because Coasters are like that. Mind you, if you see someone and the help you asked for hasn't turned up yet, ask them too. And if you're asked, or even if you're not asked and have to ask if help is needed, - please help - it could be you tomorrow.

Telecommunications in West Coast (New Zealand)

Don't rely on mobile telephones working outside of the settlements of Westport, Punakaiki, Greymouth, Hokitika, Whataroa, Franz Josef and Fox. Heading south from Fox there is no cellphone coverage until Hawea in the Queenstown-Lakes region, although coverage is due in the Haast area by the end of May 2018.

It is feasible to use satellite phones and some businesses may give a satellite phone number as an alternative contact number.

Internet access can be found in the libraries of Westport and Greymouth. Some holiday parks may also have Internet for a fee.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from West Coast (New Zealand)

• Hanmer Springs in Canterbury (New Zealand)|Canterbury region
• Murchison in Nelson Bays region
• Wanaka in Queenstown-Lakes region

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