Irresistible call of the Coast

Janet Gawn finds it slightly amusing to look across the road at Franz Josef Primary School from her home at Westwood Lodge.

Years earlier she came to Franz Josef when her father was a hotel manager for the Tourist Hotel Corporation in the 1950s, but moved away.

The old hotel has gone, but hospitality still runs in the family, and it's hard to resist the call of the coast.

Bill and Janet were looking for an opportunity in the business in 1997 and happened upon the Westwood, back then a fairly plain roadside stayover.

They renovated and added a huge high-ceilinged lounge with an open fire and marketed the lodge overseas.

The lodge is about two minutes' drive out of Franz Josef town, but a night-time walk to town and back on the path between the edge of the bush and the roadside is a must.

Lit by glowing orange lamps, it's one of the most magical, mystical strolls you can take.

Westwood Lodge

Westwood Lodge is on the web at Westwood Lodge (link below) or can be contacted on (03) 752 0112.

Rates start at $450 per person per night and include pre-dinner drinks, four-course dinner, bed and breakfast.

Further information

Tourist information about the West Coast can be found at Glacier Country or West Coast Tourism websites.

Details of Okarito are at White Heron Tours (see link below) or the Okarito website.