If you're looking for classy, upmarket accommodations in Westport, stop now -- you won't find any. You will, however, find one or two smart, moderately priced options that are bound to bring a satisfied smile to your face. Campers can head for Westport Holiday Park, 31-37 Domett St. (tel. 03/789-7043; www.westportholidaypark.co.nz), which has chalets, tent and caravan sites, and bunk rooms in a native bush setting. Archer House, 75 Queen St. (tel. 03/789-8778; www.archerhouse.co.nz), has three large bedrooms (two with en-suite bathrooms) in a beautifully restored character home. They're probably the best B&B rooms in town and they cost from NZ$150 (US$106/£54). Chelsea Gateway Motor Lodge, 330 Palmerston St. (tel. 0800/660-033 in NZ, or 03/789-6835; fax 03/789-6379; www.nzmotels.co.nz), lacks inspiration but it's clean, comfortable, and reasonably priced.
All rates quoted include the 12.5% GST and free off-street parking unless otherwise noted.
Punakaiki
Many travelers now stop over in Punakaiki on the trip from Nelson to the West Coast. It's an excellent place for a rest before heading south to the glaciers.
Punakaiki Rocks Hotel & Villas, State Highway 6 (tel. 0800/786-2524 in NZ, or 03/731-1163; www.punakaiki-resort.co.nz), opened in 2001 with bright new rooms right on the beach from NZ$190 (US$135/£69). It's the closest to the Pancake Rocks and includes a restaurant overlooking the beach. Paparoa Park Motel, State Highway 6 (tel. 0800/727-276 in NZ, or 03/731-1883; www.paparoa.co.nz), is just a short distance south of the Pancake Rocks over the Punakaiki River. It has tidy native-timber studios and family units.
The Rocks Homestay, 33 Hartmount Place (tel. 0800/272-164 in NZ, or 03/731-1141; www.therockshomestay.com), is 3km (2 miles) north of Punakaiki; their three rooms cost from NZ$155 to NZ$200 (US$110-US$142/£55-£72). They also manage a modern, self-contained house that sleeps four for NZ$175 to NZ$250 (US$125-US$178/£63-£90). Farther south, 29km (18 miles) from Punakaiki and 15km (9 miles) north of Greymouth, Breakers Seaside Bed & Breakfast, 9 Mile Creek, State Highway 6 (tel. 03/762-7743; www.breakers.co.nz), has four en-suite rooms for NZ$190 to NZ$285 (US$135-US$203/£69-£103). Ask for the Breakwater Room for fabulous views.
