The Kawatiri Coastal Trail is a Grade 2, family friendly cycling and walking heritage trail connecting the Buller District communities of Westport and Charleston.

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.

Comprising of eight gentle sections, the diverse landscapes combine to create a memorable journey across 40 km.

Multiple access points, bike hire, and transport options are available, making it simple to incorporate an overnight stop or two. As a Grade 2, family-friendly cycle trail it is suitable for most ages and abilities.

The trail can easily be combined with other local adventure activities, and additional cycling and walking trails, including Kawatiri River Trails, Denniston Plateau Trails, West Coast Wilderness Trail, Old Ghost Road, Heaphy Track, Paparoa Track, and Reefton Trails. Visitors and residents alike are spoilt by all the Buller region has to offer.

Kawatiri Coastal Trail Highlights

Martins Creek

Travel on a boardwalk through pristine wetland forest and then cross Martins Creek suspension bridge with views of the expansive estuary with its abundant birdlife. Explore the Shelter (Whare), called Ngahue. In the surrounding fields is an historic Māori Archaeological Site dating back to around 1350, thought to be one of the earliest and most significant New Zealand settlements.

Carters Beach

Expansive and uninterrupted views of the Tasman Sea and the extensive flat grass grounds of the domain combine to present a magnificent open landscape. The beach, playground and cafe make it an ideal place to relax before continuing on your way. Time your walk or ride to take in the incredible sunrise and sunsets along this stretch of coastline.

Cape Foulwind

From the elevated Cape Foulwind headland there are spectacular coastal views. Visit Gibsons Beach at low tide and explore the reefs and rock pools and check out the amazing geological formations. There are also great views inland to the Paparoa Ranges and on a clear day Aoraki / Mt Cook can be seen to the south. For an extra adventure follow the track along the coastal bluffs to the iconic Cape Foulwind lighthouse or the rookery of kekeno, the New Zealand fur seal.

Tauranga Bay

This area is an important site for seals and little blue penguins and is one of the best locations on the West Coast to observe a wide range of sea birds. Visit the seal colony viewing platform. The bay is renowned for its great surf and world class waves. Watch the local surfers as they catch the perfect wave. Dramatic night skies feature in this area .

Nine Mile Beach

From Tauranga Bay, the long sandy Nine Mile Beach stretches away towards Charleston. In the gold rush days, stage coaches used the beach to get passengers and freight to Charleston. Surfing is popular at the northern end of the beach.

Ōkari Lagoon

The Ōkari lagoon is one of the biggest on the West Coast and has extensive mud flats at low tide. With abundant shellfish and fish, the lagoon hosts large numbers of a wide range of birds. It is a real bird watchers paradise.

Ōkari– Totara Forest

For anyone interested in ecology take your time as there is plenty to see. Featuring over 6 km of beautiful native forest, this section has a wide diversity of plants and hosts good numbers of a range of native birds. The great spotted kiwi lives in these forests. Patches of pakihi are dominated by manuka and are home to fernbird.

Nile River

A short  detour off the trail takes trail users to the highly scenic mouth of the Nile River. The trail itself follows the Nile  River gorge for about 500 metres until crossing the award- winning Nile suspension bridge from which beautiful views can be obtained. Little blue penguin nest near the river bank.

Charleston

During the 1860’s gold rush Charleston and the surrounding goldfield had a population of 10,000 and boasted 80 hotels. Today the sleepy village is rejuvenated with  visitors eager to experience some of Charleston’s history and its outstanding natural environment. Historic Constant Bay, goldfield walks and cave rafting in the amazing Metro caves are key attractions.

Flora & Fauna

Experience the abundance of this natural, ever-changing wonderland, with its kahikatea wetland, pākihi, podocarp forest and nikau palms. The exceptional variety of wildlife including weka, kiwi, seals, penguins, and other birdlife offers outstanding close-up encounters.