The Coast - Westport and Cape

Coastal Adventures – Westport

1. Cape Foulwind Walkway & Seal Colony

This is a must-do: a scenic trail offering dramatic ocean views, a historic lighthouse, and a thriving fur seal colony.

  • Short stroll option: From Tauranga Bay car park to the seal viewing platform—about 15 minutes (500 m). Wheelchair-accessible and perfect for all fitness levels.
  • Longer hike: Continue from the seal colony to Cape Foulwind Lighthouse—2.9–3.4 km (approx. 1–1.25 hours one-way).
  • What you’ll see: Rugged cliffs, seal colonies (best Nov–Jan for pups, but visible year-round), lighthouse, kororā (little penguins), gannets, and sometimes Hector’s dolphins or orcas.

2. Kawatiri Coastal Trail

A Grade 2, family-friendly walking and cycling trail connecting Westport with Charleston. Around 42 km of smooth, flat terrain, divided into easy sections. Learn more.

  • Pūwaha Section: 5 km of wetlands, forest, suspension bridges, and Māori heritage sites.
  • Carters Beach → Cape Foulwind: 7 km of sea views, ridgelines, and old railway relics.
  • Beyond Cape Foulwind: Forest, beaches, wetlands, gold-rush history, and Charleston scenery.

Facilities: Access points, bike hire, and accommodation in Westport, Carters Beach, Cape Foulwind, and Charleston. Perfect for families, walkers, and e-bikes.

3. Surfing & Beach Time

  • Tauranga Bay: A world-class surf break with amazing, consistent waves for experienced surfers.
  • Carters Beach: One of the few safe swimming beaches on the West Coast—sandy, expansive, and family-friendly.

4. Fishing

  • Buller River: Renowned for trout and salmon fishing.
  • Surfcasting: Great along local beaches.
  • Charters: Deep-sea trips for blue cod, groper, and tuna.

5. The Buller River

  • Adventure: Jet boating and white-water rafting (grades 2–4).
  • Scenic: Walks, swing bridges, and gorge views.
  • Fishing: A hotspot for anglers.

6. Tramping

  • Denniston Plateau: Mining history meets big West Coast skies.
  • Charming Creek Walkway: Tunnels, rivers, and native bush.
  • Heaphy Track access: One of NZ’s Great Walks begins nearby in Karamea.
  • Short walks: Lake Hanlon and local reserves.

7. Kayaking Adventures

Paddle from Tauranga Bay to explore dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and coastal ecosystems. Dolphins and seabirds are often seen.

8. Horse Treks by the Sea

Guided rides across coastal farmland and beaches—an unforgettable way to experience the rugged beauty of Westport.

9. Wildlife & Birdwatching

  • Marine life: Fur seals, penguins, dolphins, and sometimes orcas.
  • Birdlife: Weka foraging, kererū soaring, and gannets diving from cliffs.

10. Cycling & Extended Trails

The Kawatiri Trail links into other West Coast cycling icons, including the Old Ghost Road, Heaphy Track, Paparoa Track, and West Coast Wilderness Trail.