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Civilized Comfort in New Zealand’s Wildest Frontier. |
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THE ACCOMMODATION: Westland Lodge was built in 1978 on
the site of a historic coach stop, boarding house and post office. The house features
spacious living areas with two lounges and a trophy/games room with pool table. There are
three bedroom suites with superior comfort beds and with bathrooms ensuite
(two with water jet spa baths). Westland Lodge provides two guest
lounges and a game room with TV, reading, tea/coffee facilities, and
bar. Full laundry facilities are
available. Several inviting outdoor sitting areas offer guests alternative
privacy for reading and conversation. |
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THE SETTING: Set in tranquil surroundings, this modern colonial style lodge overlooks its own small farm which specializes in breeding wapiti (Rocky Mountain Elk) and red deer. The owners/hosts are native Kiwis with the pioneer spirit typical of this remotest part of New Zealand. Bev is a local elementary school teacher. When not tending the elk farm, Grant is an expert hunting and fishing guide. Together, they enjoy hosting guests at Westland Lodge, and share their enthusiasm for their extraordinary part of New Zealand. To that end, Grant welcomes guests to his evening feeding of the elk. The 6PM farm tour enables one to learn about the challenge of succeeding in this remote place, and how to hand-feed wapiti. Grant explains why the animals are farmed on this small specialist breeding unit. |
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THE LOCATION: Westland Lodge is located about midway along the west coast of the South Island in New Zealand's Westland region. Westland is a long, thin New Zealand state wedged between the Tasman Sea and the 13,000' high Southern Alps. Great rivers tumble from the glaciated mountains, carrying silt and stone to the sea. This wild territory is home to many species of wild game and game fish. There are no large population centers in Westland. Greymouth, 70 miles to the north, is the region's largest town. As such, there are few services, stores, or restaurants. This is a land of unexpected geographic drama, and little civilization. From Buller Canyon at the northern entrance to Westland, to the oddly formed Punakaiki (Pancake) Rocks, to the wild Wanganui River, to the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, to the daunting Haast Pass, the southern gate to the region, Westland provides surprise after |
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ACTIVITIES IN THE REGION: Fish in the wild glacial streams for brown trout and salmon. Hunt for big and small game. Take an evening glowworm tour through the rain forest. Walk in the region: walks range from short easy strolls to multi-day treks. Raft the white water of the Wanganui River. Go bird watching—especially for the region's rare white herons at Okarito Lagoon. Pan for gold where the mines played out a century ago. Shop for native greenstone jade jewelry. Go heli-hiking on the magnificent Fox Glacier in the Southern Alps within sight of the Tasman Sea. Fly in a light plane to towering Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. |
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Learn more about HOME AT FIRST's travel program to: NEW ZEALAND. |
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HOME AT FIRST IS
A DESIGNATED "KIWI SPECIALIST" |