Westport
DISCOVER SENSATIONAL NATURAL ATTRACTIONS
Long empty beaches, river estuaries, incredible granite and limestone formations. Better known for its legendary, rich coal mining history, the northern West Coast region of Buller surprises with some of New Zealand’s most sensational lesser-known natural attractions.
Kawaitiri Pounamu Pathway
This is an immersive experience that celebrates the heritage and endeavour of the people of the Buller District.
Getting to Buller District
Westport Airport is served by direct flights to and from Wellington with Origin Air.
You can access Westport via the Great Coast Road, rated one of the top 10 coastal drives by Lonely Planet, the Lewis Pass, or via SH 6.
Plan your visit using the 100% Pure New Zealand's travel and distance calculator.
Ask the experts at the local iSite below
Kawatiri Westport isite: 123 Palmerston Street, Westport 7825 (next to the Clocktower Building, inside the Museum of Kawatiri).
Open: Mon to Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat, Sun & public holidays, 10am-4pm, Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Anzac Day.
Contact: +64 (0)3 789 6658 / info@westportinfo.co.nz
Tauranga Bay
Windswept Cape Foulwind — a promontory south of Westport — is home to New Zealand’s largest colony of kekeno NZ fur seals.
WESTPORT & BULLER DISTRICT
Buller District extends from Punakaiki in the south northwards along the coast to Kahurangi National Park at the West Coast’s northern tip. It includes the smaller towns of Karamea and Reefton, and Victoria Forest Park to the west.
Oldest town on the West Coast and the main business centre for the Buller District, Westport is located at the mouth of the mighty Buller River. Most famous as a coal mining centre, it’s also the gateway to incredible natural wonders and some of New Zealand’s most beautiful off-the-beaten track landscapes.
Kawatiri Trail
The family-friendly Kawatiri Trail travels south from Westport along a spectacular and historic coastal route.
WESTPORT ATTRACTIONS
With its warm, mild climate and three beautiful beaches just minutes from town, Westport is the perfect beach holiday destination. Carters Beach, a family-friendly stretch of endless sand, is ideal for camping, swimming, picnics, sunsets, and bonfires. It's also home to two surf schools for those looking to catch some waves.
A short drive south of Carters Beach, the Cape Foulwind Walkway offers an easy, coastal trail along a breezy promontory to New Zealand’s largest mainland kekeno (fur seal) colony. Visit during breeding season (November to February) for a fun spectacle as playful seal pups learn to navigate the rocky coastline.
For cycling and walking enthusiasts, the Kawatiri Trail is a brand new 40km track that winds its way from Westport to Charleston. Travelling along the coastline, it offers a spectacular scenic route, making a beautiful ride or walk.
Dive into Westport’s rich history at the Kawatiri Experience Centre and Pounamu Pathway, where you can learn about the region's coal mining past and Māori heritage. For spectacular views, head to the Denniston Plateau, where you’ll find the notorious Denniston Incline and tales of the hard life endured by miners. You can also tour the Stockton Mine, an operating site showcasing the area’s mining legacy.
Food lovers won’t want to miss the Westport Whitebait Festival held each October, celebrating the town’s iconic whitebait catches.
The West Coast Pie Company
Offering handmade, ethical, wild meat pies in the heart of Westport
WESTPORT CUISINE
Westport, located on the rugged West Coast of New Zealand, is a hidden gem for food lovers, offering a variety of fresh, local flavors that showcase the region’s coastal bounty. Seafood enthusiasts can indulge at The Quarry Restaurant and Bar, offering a refined menu that blends local produce with modern culinary techniques in a relaxed setting.
For a true taste of the region’s comfort food, don't miss West Coast Pies, where you can savor a selection of hearty, hand-crafted pies made wild ingredients—perfect for a quick meal on the go. If you're in the mood for something cozy and casual, The Denniston Dog offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, serving up delicious pub meals with a local twist.
For a coffee fix or a sweet treat, you can head to either Whanake Gallery or J's Cafe. Whether you’re grabbing a bite after a beach walk or enjoying a leisurely meal, Westport’s food scene offers a true taste of the West Coast.
Underworld Adventures, Charleston
A subterranean wonderland.
CHARLESTON
Located 30 km south of Westport, Charleston was founded during the 1867 gold rush, quickly growing into a bustling town with a population of up to 30,000. Today, Charleston is a peaceful community, with just 522 residents as of 2018.
But beyond its charming history, Charleston is home to Underworld Adventures, where you can journey into one of the world’s most spectacular glow worm displays. Tucked away in a stunning, untouched corner of New Zealand's Jurassic landscape, this subterranean wonderland offers a truly magical experience, showcasing the eerie beauty of the underground world in its purest form. Whether you're exploring caves or marveling at the glowing spectacle, Charleston’s underworld will transport you into another world.
SEE, DO & STAY
$10 to $125
Buller Swing Bridge
Feel the rush of the Cometline ride, experience the thrill of a jet boat, walk the heights of New Zealand's longest swingbridge, pan for gold, or simply relax and take in the views of Buller Gorge.
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Wild Rivers Rafting Ltd
Rated "Top Choice" by lonely planet, 2012 edition, Wild Rivers Rafting rafts the renown Earthquake Section of the Buller Gorge.
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Hector Pottery
Hector Pottery Studio is in northern Buller, Kawatiri, on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.
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The Sawmill Restaurant
The Sawmill Restaurant is fully licensed 40 seat restaurant specialising in wholesome West Coast New Zealand cuisine. Surrounded by untouched lush native bush, rugged mountains, and beautiful rivers, be prepare to be bewitched, charmed, and enchanted by one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets – Buller and the Northern West Coast.
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