Travelling north of Greymouth you soon come to a dramatic change of landscape as the coast reveals its ancient limestone beginnings and the warmer temperatures encourage the growth of the magnificent Nikau palms.

Punakaiki, known as the gateway to the limestone country of Paparoa National Park, lies halfway between Greymouth and Westport and is renowned for the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.  It is also home to the Westland Black Petrel which can be viewed here in the winter months - it is a winter breeding bird and hence is not seen during the summer months. 

Learn more about Punakaiki and its fantastic geology at the Punakaik website

Continuing north will bring you to Charleston - a small historic town with a good population of little blue penguin.  This area was once a big coal mining area and includes Denniston and its walks up the famous "Incline".  Twenty minutes north is Westport, the largest centre on the West Coast and steeped in history.  Before arriving at Westport, head slightly to the south and you will arrive at Cape Foulwind.  From here, there is a 1.5 hour coastal walkway to Tauranga Bay and the New Zealand Fur Seal colony. 

This entire area is home to a good population of Westland Weka - one of 4 sub-species of Weka, this is the most common and can often be seen scavenging for scraps at picnic sites and cafes.  A stop at the Paparoa Information Centre will most likely give you a good look at some and be sure to take in the Truman Track while there.  You will likely see spotted shags on the rocks and possibly the Westland Black Petrel.