Following the 500-year-old pounamu and 1860’s gold rush trails, the Kawau section of trail offers 7km of mostly flat terrain. This section features vast outlooks of the Tasman Sea coastline, the stunning Carters Beach and Buller Bay, as well as impressive views of the Paparoa Range and Mount Rochfort.

Kawau Point is at the eastern limit of Cape Foulwind which projects its headland into the Tasman Sea. The name Kawau derives from the Māori name for the Cormorant or Shag, a large diving bird commonly found on rivers, estuaries, harbours and coastal waters. The once heavily vegetated Kawau Point supported a rookery of kawau pu (black shag).

Kawau Point was historically a vital lookout for Māori, allowing them to communicate with Kawatiri using smoke signals to warn of the arrivals of friend or foe. Be sure to stop at the Giant chair and take in the distant view of the historic Kawau Point.

The shoreline is also home to the little blue penguin (kororā). This protected native species is the world’s smallest penguin, at just over 25 cm and weighing 1 kg. Kororā are very faithful to their home site, generally returning to within metres of where they were born to set up their own nests, and never move away.

The trail initially runs adjacent the shoreline of Carters Beach then veers inland travelling alongside Cape Foulwind Road. In paddocks across the road you can see signs of the historic Cape Foulwind railway that operated from 1886 to 1940, once transporting granite from the Cape quarry into Westport for port breakwater construction. Curves in the line between the Kawatiri River and Omau resulted in some large blocks falling from the train. These large granite rocks can be seen in the farm paddocks across the road from the trail, with some also being utilised for landscaping along the trail.

The trail crosses Cape Foulwind Road at the base of ‘Holcim Hill’ then rises gently before reaching two short, steep hairpin pins. These can be challenging for the less experienced cyclist, so take your time. As you exit this short section of bush you will pass the site of the old Holcim Cement Works. Established in 1958 by the NZ Cement Company, the works once employed 120 workers on site. The once bustling industry operated for 58 years from 1958 to 2016.

After passing the old cement processing plant site, trail users will continue down the old Haul Rd, finishing this section at the settlement of Omau and the Star Tavern.

Outlooks to Kawau Point,  Tasman Sea and Paparoa Range.

The Giant Chair.
Carters Beach Reserve (Great swimming beach, playground, public toilets, community bbq, shelter, seating and outdoor shower).
Donaldo’s Cafe and Restaurant, Top 10 Holiday Park.
Views to Mt Rochfort and the Mt William Range North of Westport.Little blue penguins (kororā) & hector dolphins.