Millions of years ago, when the tectonic plates forced the Southern Alps to rise from the Tasman Sea, two precious minerals were brought to the surface in abundance: pounamu (jade) and gold. Maori first discovered the dense glass-like jade, and prized it for carving mere (a hand-to-hand combat weapon), and ornamental sculptures.

When Europeans started to arrive here en masse in the 1860s, many came for one thing alone; gold.

Most of the towns on the West Coast owe their beginnings at least in part to those feverish days of the New Zealand Gold Rush. more

• Accommodation in West Coast
• What to See & Do in West Coast

West Coast Feature

Mount Aspiring National Park

is one of New Zealand's largest parks at 355,543 hectares. It lies across the southern-most reaches of the Southern Alps and holds some of the most popular ski fields in the South Island. more

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

PLACE

Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers

Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers are like colossal white-water rapids frozen on high-speed film. These ancient rivers of ice cascade towards their watery destiny at the rate of 1-4 metres a day.

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ACTIVITY

Panning for gold

There are many places to pan for gold on the West Coast. Shantytown has been faithfully restored to reflect the atmosphere of the gold rush days long past.

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ROAD TRIP

Great Kiwi Road Trips

Road trips are as much about the personality of the road as they are the people travelling them. Follow your adventuresome spirit into the sunset. Life’s a journey...take the scenic route.

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