West Coast Treetop Walk facts for kids
The West Coast Treetop Walk is an amazing canopy walkway that lets you explore the tops of tall rimu trees! It's located near Hokitika on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. This cool tourist spot was built in 2012 by an Australian company called 'Canopy01'. It includes a long walkway made of steel, a tall viewing tower, and a special platform that sticks out into the forest.
Exploring the Treetop Walkway
This special walkway takes you right through the very top of the native West Coast forest. You'll be walking about 20 to 25 meters (that's like 65 to 82 feet) above the ground! The path goes close to the crowns of huge rimu trees. You'll also see smaller trees and tree ferns below you.
What You'll See
As you walk, you'll get awesome views of the nearby Lake Mahinapua. There's also a cool platform called a cantilever that reaches out into the forest canopy, making you feel like you're floating among the trees!
The Viewing Tower
Don't miss the 47-meter (about 154-foot) tall steel viewing tower. It has a spiral staircase that takes you up high for incredible views. From the top, you can see the whole forest around you and the northern parts of the Southern Alps. You might even spot ranges like Toaroha, Diedrichs, and Mt O'Connor!
How the Treetop Walk Works
The West Coast Treetop Walk is run by local people. They have a special agreement, called a concession lease, with the Department of Conservation NZ. This agreement lasts for 45 years. The site has a car park where you can leave your vehicle and a cafe where you can grab a bite to eat. From the cafe, it's just a short 5-minute walk to reach the start of the amazing canopy walkway.
