Westport

We are now here ... the port town of Westport is the largest centre of the Northern West Coast and the perfect starting point for exploring the region's heritage and scenery.
Westport is steeped in history; a visit to Coaltown Museum will help you imagine life as it was for New Zealand's pioneering coal miners as you walk through a simulated underground coal mine. Nature lovers can visit the Cape Foulwind Seal Colony, and the nearby coastal walkway offers views of the magnificent West Coast sunsets.
Charleston
Just twenty minutes south of Westport lies the historic gold mining township of Charleston where you can explore the gold-workings. Relax and take in nature's wonders from the Nile River Rainforest Train. Charleston is also famous for its Glow Worm Cave Tour. The galaxies of glow worms and incredible stalactites and stalagmites formations in one of New Zealand's largest caves will astound you.
Denniston
Just 15 minutes from downtown Westport is the village of Waimangaroa - the gateway to the historic settlement of Denniston, located 600metres above sea level with sweeping vistas of Westport and the surrounding landscape.
Denniston was established in the 1800s by coal miners working on the Burnett's Face, Ironbridge and Coalbrookdale mines. Originally, the only access up 'the Hill' was the steep Bridle Path, or a heart-stopping ride in a coal wagon up the Incline. It's arduous and often treacherous access meant that many of the early settlers came down from 'The Hill' as they called it only once a year - some, particularly women, not for a decade or more. Today, shingle roads linking the original settlements provide vehicle access across the plateau. The remnant relics, mine sites, rope roads and townships remain as an evocative reminder of one of the harshest and most unforgiving environments in which to live. The plunge from the head of the incline is a view not to be missed.
As well as its incredible history, Denniston offers a wide range of walking tracks from a few minutes to a full day.
For those looking to pit their skill and endurance against the remarkable terrain, the Department of Conservation and local recreation groups have developed a number of mountain biking and four-wheel driving tracks.