13.04.2020 Views

Adventure Magazine December 2019/January 2020

Issue @217 - Xmas issue Waves, water, camping and more

Issue @217 - Xmas issue
Waves, water, camping and more

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

WESTLAND<br />

SOUTH ISLAND'S WEST COAST<br />

Between the Towering peaks of the Southern Alps and the Wild Waters of the<br />

Tasman Sea, lies one of the most remote regions in New Zealand; the West Coast<br />

or Westland as otherwise known. It’s an area truly dominated by nature and its<br />

many forms, from Nikau palm rainforests of the North, to the glaciated valleys and<br />

fortress-like peaks of the South.<br />

It’s an astounding fact that this stretch of Coast is over 600km long and<br />

home to only 1% of the Country’s population, leaving a lot of space to roam and<br />

explore. While much can be seen not too far from the State Highway, you will<br />

need adequate gear and potentially helicopters to go off and explore some of the<br />

otherwise unexplorable inner realms. The West Coast is often well-known for its<br />

less-than-favourable weather patterns, with heavy storms often rolling in from the<br />

Tasman Sea.<br />

The ‘Coasters’ are a friendly and independent community who will no doubt,<br />

add to your amazing experience following this rugged coastline. I’ve been lucky<br />

enough to travel the length of the West Coast on multiple occasions, only to<br />

find myself captivated yet astounded by its remoteness and startling change in<br />

ecosystems each time.<br />

Choosing the top 5 places to visit along this 600km stretch of rugged coast is<br />

difficult, but I am certain nonetheless that these natural features and gems, will be<br />

fantastic additions to any travel experience you find yourself on and I’m sure you<br />

will enjoy them just as much as I did.<br />

By Jack Austin<br />

Porters beach, Kahurangi Coast<br />

36//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#217

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!