Active Pursuits

Abseiling (Rappelling) & Adventure Caving -- Norwest Adventures Ltd., Main Road, Charleston (tel. 0800/116-686 in NZ, or 03/788-8168; www.caverafting.com), can introduce you to the mystery and intrigue of the underworld. The Adventure Caving trip costs NZ$295 and requires high levels of fitness for people ages 16 and over -- don't try it if you get claustrophobic or are afraid of heights. The Glow Worm Cave Tour (NZ$90) is the dry, passive version of the Underworld Rafting tour (below). You travel by Rainforest Train to the huge Nile River glowworm caves, where you get to see amazing stalactites and stalagmites. You need to be able to walk unassisted on uneven surfaces, and robust footwear and warm clothing are advised. The Underworld Rafting experience involves making your way by raft along underground stream passages and out into the Nile River rapids. Some consider it a tamer adventure than that offered by Wild West Adventure in Greymouth. It's a 4- to 5-hour trip that costs NZ$145 per person.

Ecorafting -- For multiday white-water rafting expeditions, check out Eco-Rafting Adventures NZ, 108 Mawhera Quay, Greymouth (tel. 0508/669-675; www.ecorafting.co.nz). They offer a range of adventure packages on different West Coast rivers priced from NZ$500 to NZ$2,000, depending on the river and length of the trip.

Kayaking -- Ultimate Descents, Buller Gorge (tel. 0800/748-377; www.rivers.co.nz), offers three types of kayaks for all skill levels on Grade II to III rivers. You must be 13 years and over to participate in the 4 1/2-hour trips.

Surfing -- Chief among the best beaches is Tauranga Bay, 15 minutes south of Westport.

Swimming -- There are just two phrases to sum up swimming on any of the West Coast beaches -- extreme care and are you mad? Undertows are common and an ever-present hazard on beaches exposed to the westerly swell. Always seek local advice about safe areas. If you're uncertain, never get wet!

Swing Bridge -- If you haven't found enough ways to test your nerves already, enlist in a walk across New Zealand's longest swing bridge. Buller Gorge Swingbridge & Adventure Park, State Highway 6, Buller Gorge (tel. 03/523-9809; www.bullergorge.co.nz), offers a heart-pumping distraction 1 hour from Westport.

Walking -- Tauranga Bay is a popular place to explore beaches, coastline, and seal colonies. There is a good-quality short track through the area, specially designed to accommodate wheelchairs. The seal-colony walk is 20 minutes round-trip, and the Cape Foulwind Walkway is 1 1/2 hours. The Department of Conservation's brochure with maps of both walks is available at the visitor center.

White-Water Rafting -- Call Buller Adventure Tours, in Buller Gorge (tel. 0800/697-286 in NZ, or 03/789-7286; www.adventuretours.co.nz), which also offers jet-boating and horse-trekking tours. Eco- and white-water rafting start at NZ$120, horse treks at NZ$80, and jet-boating at NZ$79.