The West Coast of New Zealand

Your base for exploring the South Island of New Zealand is the city of Christchurch. Although 2011 brought a devasting earthquake to the city, it is up and going, and welcoming visitors. In fact tours about the earthquake and its consequences are one of the growing trends in the city.

If you head west from Christchurch, you cross rolling farm country before climbing up into the tussock lands of Arthurs Pass before climbing down into the verdant forests and wild beaches of the West Coast. It is one of the great trips in New Zealand, and the best way to do it is on the Trans Alpine Express – one of the truly great train journeys of the world.

You can go over and back in a day – though it is even better to stay and hire a car to explore this amazing area of New Zealand.

There are cycleways, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, stunning walks and wildlife.

Rosemary of Women Travel recently spent a week exploring by car – read some of the stories about the West Coast of New Zealand HERE

Women Travel Posts about New Zealand

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