Sandwiched between the formidable mountains of the Southern Alps and the restless Tasman Sea, the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island is a very unique place. The area encompasses five National Parks and offers breathtaking scenery with wild coastlines, glaciers, lakes, quaint towns, interesting history and diverse local cuisine and craft. The fact that there is not one set of traffic lights in the entire area tells of a very relaxed way of life. The local people are known as 'Coaster's' and have developed a ... (more)