Azteca
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Otorohanga ▷
Pirongia Summit via Tirohanga Track
Outstanding tramp, with several different terrain types and a new challenge awaiting around the next bend.
We did it with children aged 11, nine and eight but they are pretty fit. Got to the summit in three hours 10 minutes, got down in just under three hours. Track in good order but definitely some difficult parts that will require care. Memorable walk.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Truman Track
Excellent short walk along an easy, well-maintained track to the beach at low tide and a hanging waterfall or to a view of both at high tide which provides real atmosphere.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Punakaiki Beach Camp
Fair camp with satisfactory facilities.
Adjacent to beach and has excellent access for walks. Close enough to Pancake Rocks to arrange visit to blowholes to coincide with high tides.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Ashburton ▷
Salmon World
Salmon World was cool because it not only just had salmon, it had different sorts of fish and eels.
Excellent insight into the life cycle of the salmon. The 4D film was fun too though leaves you feeling a shade motion sick afterwards. Having the giant salmon across the road completes a pretty nifty attraction.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
Pancake Rocks is an incredible stop, amazing rock formations and dramatic coastlines with powerful tidal surges.
It is well laid out for visitors and an easy yet breathtaking walk. High tide offers best viewing.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Punakaiki Cavern walk
A worthwhile walk close to Pancake Rocks, takes very little time and gives some idea of geological history of the area.
Take a torch and shoes that will probably get muddy.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Westport ▷
Cape Foulwind Walkway
Viewing area is currently under reconstruction for the seals, which was rather frustrating.
Guide books talked this up but it failed to live up expectations - as others have said there are better seal colonies around. There were a good array of seals, even at this time of year, and the scenery was pleasant. The lighthouse was good and was easy access from the other end of the trail, so the full walk didn't need to be done. The "very good" cafe at the seal colony end was shut for winter.