Local attractions
Our area is lush and green. It's a land of contrast where you can enjoy nature but live in comfort.
Where Westway now stands in a quiet valley, there was once a significant industrial site. The 1902 Point Elizabeth No.1 mine entrance can still be seen a short 5 minute walk from Westway and on the boundary of our property is the ropeway tunnel complete with glow worms. By the time the mine was closed in 1920 it had produced 2.4 million tons of high quality steaming coal, much of which was used to power British naval ships.
The Miners Hall in Runanga is a memorial to a fascinating period of local, New Zealand and World history. The façade has been restored and painted with its original slogans which were so important to the social and political aspirations of many people in the early 1900s.
Local artist Les Holmes not only restored and painted the façade of the Miners Hall but is also responsible for many excellent murals around the area. A particularly interesting Historical Montage is on the wall of the Greymouth Evening Star building near the Railway Station.
The impressive Coal Creek falls can be reached two ways:
- A ¾ hour walk from Westway, suited to the physically agile.
- From the Ballance Street car park a 1 hour return walk takes you to the falls (this car park is a 5 minute drive from Westway).
Point Elizabeth Walkway is a mix of scenic coastal views and dense native bush. Take your swimming gear (in the summer) for a swim on the sandy and safe 7 mile beach at the end of your walk, or enjoy a beer at the Rapahoe Hotel. The walk is 3 hours return; however we can assist guests with transport so it can be a 1½ hour one way walk.
Activities
Available activities include:
- Fishing on the many lakes and rivers or even in the Tasman sea. In June the giant Blue fin Tuna season starts. Private and Charter boats come from all over New Zealand.
- Boating, kayaking, jet boating, river rafting and cruises.
- Tramping or walking, there are many walks, long and short, suitable for all levels of fitness.
- Caving adventures in the many local limestone caverns. Glow-worms abound in these places.
- Off road vehicles quad bikes. If you want to make the most of a wet day, take to the hills and hollows in the Grey Valley.
- Being alone with nature. Our area has offers visitors the opportunity to feel as if they have a beach, walking track, mountain or lake all to themselves; it's great.
Local events
- December, January, February. Many country race meetings throughout the area.
- January 10, the famous Kumara Gold Nugget Racing Day, a big day in a small town.
- January 17, the Croesus Crossing Adventure Run. 26km trail run from Barrytown on the Coast to Blackball.
- February 13. The Speight's Coast to Coast is the world's premier multi-sport event. From the Kumara Beach on the Tasman Sea to Sumner Beach on the Pacific Ocean.
- March 14. The Hokitika Wild Foods Festival. An Iconic event to test you taste buds and much more
- April 10. Around Brunner Cycle Ride (107km). There will be high flyers but this ride also caters for recreational cyclists.