Entertainment

The West Coast is a fascinating area for entertainment or the arts as much of it is tucked away, almost as if to protect it from prying eyes. You might be lucky enough to sit in a local pub and hear a wonderful tale or two from one of the world’s best story tellers; or listen to a jam season and later find out they are top musicians from well-known bands - the Coast is like that! There are several well-known artists who live and paint or photograph on the Coast. The West Coast has the largest area of protected land of any region in New Zealand and provides access to five of the country’s 13 national parks, so it’s not hard to see why it has featured in several films and been photographed countless times. The southern West Coast area has been designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site for its unique qualities and in recognition of its special place in the world. To this amazing natural landscape you can add good accommodation, fine foods, festivals and first class local guides.. In the townships of Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika, you can learn about the West Coast's colourful past and shop for pounamu, the local treasure that's only significant source within New Zealand is in the West Coast's raging mountain rivers.

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