Now just quiet farming towns these were once settled in the shadow of the Southern Alps were once thriving timber milling towns. 

They carved out their income from the great rainforests forests that surrounded them.   During the milling days schools were bulging, there were large general stores, restaurants and even a hospital.  

Now property values have collapsed as most of the people, services and shops went due to a 1980's government moratorium on milling the valuable native timber.

We can enjoy a guided tour to see the rare White Heron birds nesting in the quiet lagoons on the coast.

See also:- Declining Towns  Settlements in NZ   Settlements in the zone   Link Hari Hari  Link Whataroa