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New Zealand's Pioneer Heartland
The West Coast has always been New Zealand's pioneer frontier, its cultural 'heartland', and like other such places around the world, it has generated its fair share of legends and stories. The region is populated by just 31,000 people, known by New Zealanders as 'Coasters', a term synonymous with friendliness and hospitality.  | The Greenstone Trails
The human history of the West Coast is particularly rich. First came Maori seeking sacred pounamu (greenstone, or nephrite jade) at its sole sources in New Zealand. Maori settlements on the Coast date back centuries. | | |  | Pathways of the Pioneers
Gold fever in the 1860s brought Europeans, many of whom stayed on to start farming, forestry and fishing - tourism businesses. Boom towns appeared almost overnight. During the gold rush days, Hokitika (today a bustling township of around 3000 people), had a population of more than 25,000 with over 100 pubs! While many of these gold rush towns disappeared when the gold ran low, some exist today as sustainable communities. | | |  | Coasters
Isolated from the rest of New Zealand by the Southern Alps, Coasters have developed a distinctive culture of their own, where the pioneering values of self-reliance and hospitality are as strong today as they were 100 years ago. Today you'll find museums and historic buildings, fine food and cuisine, a range of accommodation and first class local guides who add to your enjoyment of the West Coast's hundreds of natural, historic and adventure experiences. Read more about Heritage Sites on the West Coast. |
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