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 for users, Lyndon and his wife Diane decided to aukume (extend) their ride along the popular (and dog friendly) Kawatiri River Trails all the way to the breakwaters. Starting beneath the Buller River Bridge, the trail heads towards Westport through beautiful bush alongside the river, providing users with a unique perspective on the town’s major waterway.

The Kawatiri River and Beach trails have been built over many years by a team of dedicated volunteers from the community. They are passionate about connecting people with the terrain, as well as protecting the environment that makes the area so special. The trails are designed to suit walkers, runners and cyclists with a number of options to suit all ages and abilities.

Photo Credit: Diane Chandler – Kawatiri River Trails

We asked Lyndon to share their top Kawatiri Coastal Trail Tips. Here’s what he had to tell us…

1    Have lunch at the Star Tavern in the garden bar at Cape Foulwind. They also do great coffee. Opening times are seasonal, you can check ahead of a visit here.

2    Don’t miss the Waitakere Nile River and it’s new suspension bridge. We are intending to visit with our paddle boards for an under the bridge adventure.

Photo Credit: Nomad Audio & Video –  Waitakere Nile River Suspension Bridge

3    Add on the Kawatiri River Trail and ride to the breakwaters at the mouth of the Buller River. Starting beneath the Buller River Bridge, the trail heads towards Westport through beautiful bush alongside the river, providing users with a unique perspective on the town’s major waterway.

4    Try some West Coast Whitebait when in season. It’s fresh and delicious and has summer written all over it!

5   Adventure further to Denniston. Once the country’s largest producing coal mine, and home to a community of over 1500 people, today only two permanent residences remain, and the Denniston Plateau is a ghost town.

Photo Credit: Diane Chandler – Denniston