The latest from the West Coast

A southerly change with snow and heavy rain is expected to affect the highways across the lower and central South Island this weekend. People are asked to drive to the conditions and be well prepared.

Te Koharaki Mason (Ngāi Tahu, Kāti Waewae) was awarded for her idea of a sea to source jetboat experience from Te Tai o Poutini, Hokitika, through the sky-blue braided river plains up the Hokitika Gorge.

A rockfall between Haast and the top of the Haast Pass has closed State Highway 6 today. The highway will remain closed until further notice, the next update will be at 12pm Wednesday 14 August.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has announced that the massive effort by volunteers to clean-up the Fox landfill spill will end on Sunday after a final push by the biggest volunteer force yet.

While the South Island is full of iconic spots, Fox Glacier is a gem of town tucked away on the West Coast and well worth the visit.

Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks are the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast, so the opportunities for Insta-friendly photos or widely shareable videos are here in force.