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 50 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.
The Kawatiri Coastal Trail is under construction and will open in stages. The full 50 km Trail is due for completion mid 2023. Currently the Pūwaha, Omau and Waitakere Sections are fully Open. The Kawau and Tauranga Sections are partially Open. More information can be found on the Trail Section Pages.
Trail
Sections
Kilometres
of Trail
Grade 2
Family Friendly
Trail Sections
Pūwaha
Westport – Carters Beach
5.5 km (1-2 hours)
STATUS: Open
Kawau
Carters Beach – Cape Foulwind
7 km (1-2 hours)
STATUS: Partially Open
Omau
Cape Foulwind – Tauranga Bay
3 km (1 hour)
STATUS: Open - caution
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: Open
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 mid 2023, 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
Trail Tips With Lyndon Chandler
Diane and Lyndon Chandler from Nelson, New Zealand are avid explorers and ‘soft’ adventurers (their words not ours!). The fun seeking duo recently made the short drive from Nelson to Westport to enjoy as much of the open Sections of Trail. Until more Sections are open...
Whenua Iti Outdoors – Nature Connection Programme
Whenua Iti Outdoors have been delivering outdoor and adventure based programmes for over 30 years, and are passionate about providing quality experiential learning programmes, to benefit both individuals and the communities they come from. In partnership with local...
Trail Tales With Barry Gordon From Westreef
It’s fast becoming clear to see the Kawatiri Coastal Trail is on track to become one of the West Coast’s most loved cycling and walking trails. Its construction opening up a whole new journey along the coastline, where locals will enjoy learning about places that have...