Whataroa

Whataroa is in the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. It lies at the foot of the western slopes of the Southern Alps, on a glacial-formed landscape.

Understand
Whataroa is a small town in the very scenic Whataroa Valley of South Westland. It is bounded by mountains, glacial landforms and two rivers: the Whataroa river in the north and the Waitangitaona river to the south.

It is home to the annual South Westland A&P (Agricultural and Pastoral) Show.

Get in
Whataroa is on State Highway 6.


 * It's about 1 hr and 30 min from (south of) Hokitika.
 * It's about 30 min from (north of) Franz Josef.

Intercity buses stop outside the Whataroa Store. Northbound buses stop at 9.45am and southbound buses at 4.20pm.

The nearest airport is at Hokitika.

Do
Whataroa offers visitors three main activities, in the air, on the water and on the land, respectively: Air - Glacier Country Scenic Flights Water - White Heron Tours Land - Alpine Fault Tours







Buy
The Whataroa Store provides essential supplies and has a small cafe with meals. The Whataroa Service Station has fuel and repair services.

Eat
The Whataroa Store has a small cafe with meals.

Drink
There is no pub in Whataroa.

Sleep
Whataroa and area has motels, a backpackers with a campground for campervans and bed & breakfasts.

Go next

 * South to Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park and Fox Glacier
 * North to Ross and Hokitika