West Coast (New Zealand): See
The highway travels through or near several large national parks along the scenic Southern Alps. Westland Tai Poutini National Park is one of the most popular and accessible but can only be reached from State Highway 6. The park contains the western slopes of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman as well as Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, the two most accessible glaciers in the Southern Hemisphere.
Punakaiki is situated along the coast south of Westport. The Pancake Rocks & Blowholes are a photogenic series of rock columns which have been weathered in such a way that they resemble a stack of pancakes. Sea spray frequently covers the walkways as there are a number of blow holes situated between the columns. On a nice day there is also a good view of the dramatic coastline stretching away to the south.
Lake Matheson is a scenic lake near Fox Glacier. When the weather is calm and clear the lake acts as a mirror reflecting the mountains to the east, including Mt Cook and Mt Tasman - above Fox Glacier. The walking trail around the lake is enjoyable on a nice day.
Buller River bar - Watch the fishing boats come in and enjoy the wild seas. Site of a number of accidents.
Cape Foulwind - Windy and wild place with rough seas and walking tracks
Pancake Rocks and blowholes in Punakaiki.
Shantytown
Waitangiroto Nature Reserve
There are many beautiful lakes which are easily accessible by car:
Lake Brunner. The largest of the West Coast lakes, Brunner and its main settlement Moana are good spots for waterskiing and fishing. Access from the Otira Highway just east of Wainihinihi, or from SH7 east of Greymouth.
Lake Kaniere Second largest of the West Coast lakes, Kaniere lies about half an hour drive inland from Hokitika, with a partially unsealed road that loops around the lake via Kokatahi. There are some lovely walks in various bays around the lake, including Canoe Cove (which features a 15 minute boardwalk through native forest), and Dorothy Falls (about 5 minutes walk in from the falls themselves, which are visible from the road).
Lake Mahinapua. Accessible from SH6 south of Hokitika, The Shanghai Bay area of Mahinapua is relatively shallow, and has campground facilities. There is also a fantastic walkway from Woodstock-Rimu Rd to SH6 that passes alongside the lake.
Lake Ianthe. South of Ross, Lake Ianthe is visible from the road, and makes a great picnic spot.
Lake Wahapo
Okarito Lagoon Just south of Lake Wahapo, Okarito is the only breeding site for the kotuku (white heron). You can only enter the kotuku sanctuary as part of a tour [1]
Lake Mapourika Just north from Franz Josef Glacier township lies Lake Mapourika. Lake Mapourika is within the Westland Tai Poutini National Park. There are multiple recreation areas just off the Highway for photo stops, boat launches, swimming beaches and 2 DOC campsites. Lake Mapourika is renowned for fishing holding stocks of Brown Trout and wild salmon. …