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.
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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: Open with Notification
Kawau
Carters Beach – Cape Foulwind
7 km (1-2 hours)
STATUS: Partially Open
Omau
Cape Foulwind – Tauranga Bay
4 km (1 hour)
STATUS: Open
Tauranga
Tauranga Bay – Ōkari Lagoon
5 km (1-2 hours)
STATUS: Partially Open
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
The Big Dig 2022
The Big Dig returns to Carters Beach on Sunday 17 April. Held during the first weekend of the Easter school holidays, the event is a fundraiser for the maintenance of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail. Last year, a combination of the entrance fees, Raffle, Merchandise and...
Buller Heritage 10 Fun Run 2022
The Trail Trust are thrilled to welcome back the Buller Heritage 10 Fun Run to the Kawatiri Coastal Trail. Joining the Buller Gorge Marathon Events once again for 2022, the family friendly event is run on the Pūwaha Section of the Trail, making the most of our lush...
Tender Notice
TENDER NOTICE The Charleston-Westport Coastal Trail Trust is pleased to invite tenders from suitably qualified civil and/or building construction suppliers for the construction of Section 6 of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail – a Section extending from Virgin Flat Road to...