A West Coast
Adventure
The Kawatiri Coastal Trail is a Grade 2, family friendly cycling and walking heritage trail and will connect the Buller District towns of Westport and Charleston.
Open Under Alert Level 2 | Click here for our Covid-19 Guidelines
ABOUT THE TRAIL
This extraordinary West Coast adventure journeys between the mountains to the east and the coastline to the west, with views towards the majestic Paparoa Mountain Range.
Diverse landscapes combine to create a memorable journey across 55 km. Comprising of nine gentle Sections, with multiple access points, the Trail is manageable for riders to fully complete, at each turn revealing unrivalled and ever changing coastlines.
The breathtaking route meanders an enviable mix of rugged cliffs, crashing seas, wildlife, forest, suspension bridges, boardwalks, pristine wetlands, shelters and interpretive signage brimming with remarkable stories and local secrets. With views from mountains to sea, the trail traverses highlights such as Carters Beach, Cape Foulwind, Tauranga Bay, Ōkari, Tōtara and Charleston.
Trail
Sections
Kilometres
of Trail
Grade 2
Family Friendly
Trail Sections
Pūwaha
5.5 km (1-2 hours)
STATUS: Notification
Kawau
Carters Beach – Cape Foulwind
7 km (1-2 hours)
STATUS: Partially Open
Omau
Cape Foulwind – Tauranga Bay
4 km (1-2 hours)
STATUS: Under Construction
Tauranga
Tauranga Bay – Ōkari Lagoon
5 km (1-2 hours)
STATUS: Planned
Ōkari
Ōkari Lagoon – Virgin Flat Road
7 km (1-2 hours)
STATUS: Planned
Tōtara
Virgin Flat Road – Rahui
10 km (2-3 hours)
STATUS: Planned
Rahui
Rahui – Nile River
2 km (30 minutes)
STATUS: Planned
Waitakere
Nile River – Charleston
2 km (30 minutes)
STATUS: Planned
Tauhinu
Charleston – 4 Mile Road
8 km (2-3 hours)
STATUS: Planned
The area’s unique geology, diverse ecology, extensive Māori and European history and vast seascapes make this one of New Zealand’s finest day or multi-day rides.
Following a dedicated cycle path between Westport and Charleston, the awe inspiring heritage trail offers riders an invigorating experience along a truly spectacular coastline. Along a wide, smooth path through Podocarp Forest, Nikau Palms and expansive beaches, riders journey back in time to the days of Māori Pounamu gatherers and the glittering gold rush era.
Once complete, the all seasons Trail can be ridden in either direction, with the option to slow down the pace and split into shorter rides, taking in major highlights along the way.
Tales from the Trail
On the couch with Kay and Gov
Kay Morgan has owned and run the Star Tavern for 20 years. Located in Omau, Cape Foulwind, the iconic pub is open daily from 4.00pm through Winter, providing an ideal stop along the Trail. Keen to spend more time with grandchildren, Kay told us she hopes to sell the...
The Nile River Bridge Opens
A second suspension bridge for the Kawatiri Coastal Trail For safety, The Nile (Waitakere) River Suspension Bridge was opened at a private ceremony on 14 June. Marilyn Berendt and Stu Henley were the first (mātua) to cross the Bridge. Marilyn took along a photograph...
Introducing Richard Niederer
Richard Niederer has been the Chairperson of the Charleston - Westport Coastal Trail Trust since its inception. Forever the voice of reason, Richard has expertly guided the trail project through the Trust, and has been instrumental in networking and building really...