Average Temperatures ( Celsius)
Summer: (December to February) 12-25
Autumn: (March to May) 9-17
Winter: (June to August) 5-15
Spring: (September to November) 8-18

5 National Parks
Kahurangi, Paparoa, Arthur's Pass, Westland and Mount Aspring.

World Heritage Area
Te Wahi Pounamu - The South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

Closest Cities
Christchurch - East
Queenstown - South
Nelson - North

West Coast Drive
The full length of the West Coast (Karamea) - (Haast) is about 600 kilometres

Airports
Westport (ex Wellington)
Hokitika (ex Christchurch)

Rail
The TranzAlpine train
(Christchurch - Greymouth)

Bank Locations
Kiwibank Westport/Greymouth/Hokitika
ANZ Bank Westport/Greymouth
ASB Bank Westport/Greymouth/Hokitika
BNZ Bank Westport/Greymouth/Reefton/Hokitika/Franz Josef
National Bank of NZ Greymouth/Hokitika
Westpac Westport/Greymouth/Hokitika

Winter
Weather on the West Coast is generally very settled, with crisp mornings, blue skies, and snow on the mountain tops giving the region a wonderful fresh feel.

A Land for all Seasons
The peak tourism season on the West Coast runs from mid October to the end of April. Pre-booking accommodation and activities is recommended during this period. During the winter months the warmer currents of the Tasman Sea make the West Coast's temperatures relatively mild compared to other parts of the South Island.

Outside the summer months there are fewer visitors, which makes this an ideal holiday time for visitors who want to really connect with the local culture and explore the region in depth.

Easy Drives
Highways to and within the region are fully sealed and easy to drive, while minor roads offer exploration opportunities to four-wheel-drive enthusiasts. There are links with Christchurch and Wellington via three airports, and one of the world's great rail journeys aboard the TranzAlpine train. Bus services connect with Wanaka and Queenstown, Christchurch, Hanmer Springs, Nelson and Picton, and light plane services connect with neighbouring scenic spots.

Disability Information
Disability Information Service
phone: +64 3 768 4600
freeph: 0800 100 946 (within NZ)
fax: +64 3 768 4605
email: wcdis@minidata.co.nz