Gold mining gave Westport life, but coal mining keeps the town going. From here you can arrange to go underground rafting, caving or jet boating.
Westport was first a gold town and then a coal town. The coal mining museum provides a glimpse of what it's like to work underground. Westport is also a centre for outdoor adventures – jet boating, underground rafting, caving, white water rafting and kayaking. Scenic highlights include old coal towns, goldmining relics, forest hikes and coastal walks. There is a seal colony nearby at Cape Foulwind. Depending on the season, there can be up to 100 New Zealand fur seals in the vicinity. Browse the local arts and crafts galleries – much of the work is produced locally.
Functional facts: Approx. population 3900, i-SITE Visitor Centre, good range of shops and services, plentiful accommodation
