The west coast of the South Island is a very rough and rugged coastline with treacherous currents in the water and dangerous for swimming, except for sheltered beaches. Yet, the scenery is more beautiful than the east coast because the mountains rise steeply just after a small coastal strip of flat land, not wider than just a few kilometers. This gives an amazing backdrop for picture postcard style photos.

The picture postcard photos you will certainly be able to take.... if.... well, if it’s not raining. There is temerate rain forest on the west coast, after all! And just the mere expression “rain forest” implies that it rains. A lot. Some areas on the west coast recieve as much as 8000 mm of rain annually. In comparison, Berlin has about 450 mm. But then, there is no moss and lichens hanging off the trees in Berlin and the landscape has a wonderful beauty even in heavy rain. Unless you are walking, soaking wet and hope for the next shelter to come up soon. Some areas like Milford Soud get even more rain and in the mountains there can be as much as 12000 mm of precipitation a year. What does that mean: DON’T FORGET YOUR RAINCOAT! or you will certainly regret it.

The unusual amount of rain has its origin in the geographical location of New Zealand. Warm air is saturated with moisture over the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. Then in westerly winds the moisture laden air hits the islands and has to climb up over the mountain ranges that act as a devide. Not too sursprisingly heavy clouds form on the west coast and it rains. Actually, the Maori name of New Zealand is Aotearoa - The Land of the Long White Cloud.

Pictures of the West Coast coming up soon here.

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