Westport - South Island, New Zealand

A port town where the Buller River meets the Tasman Sea, Westport is an excellent base for exploration of the upper West Coast namely the Buller Gorge and Charleston Ranges, plus a logical stopover on the way to Karamea, and there is a seal colony west of town.

Most visitors spend their time in the surrounding area, however the actual township does have a decent Museum presenting the history of the Buller Coalfield and mining, and there is Miner's Brewery which is worth a visit for a tasting.

Westport Activities

Twelve kilometres west of town is Cape Foulwind a dramatic stretch of coastline. The Cape Foulwind Walkway (one and half hour's return) is a 4 kilometre walk with exposed, wild coastal views.

It passes a replica of Abel Tasman's astrolabe (a navigational aide) and a lighthouse. The walk's northern end is accessible by car from Lighthouse Road.

Along the walkway is the Tauranga Bay Seal Colony where platforms overlook a breeding colony of fur seals. Pups are born from late November to early December.

South of Westport is the 38,000 hectare Paparoa National Park and its highlights - the Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaki, where crashing waves have forced spectacular blowholes through stratified, pancake-looking piles of limestone rocks.

Take a 15 minute walk from the highway when the tide is right and witness the sea creating spectacular visual drama as it surges into the caverns and blowholes.

Paparoa National Park has many walking routes amongst unique sea cliffs, a mountain range and rivers, as well as the world's only nesting colony for the Petrel (a rare sea bird). There are canoes, kayaks and horse treks on offer in the Park as well.

North of Westport are plenty of walks - the Britannia Track (4 hours return, 12 kilometres) which winds towards gold mining country. Further north is Charming Creek Walk (6 hours return) which follows an old coal line.

100km north of Westport is Karamea, a peaceful and isolated town which is literally at the end of the road and is the start to the famous Heaphy Track.

There is no shortage of things to do in the area and in the southern section of the Kahurangi National Park. There is swimming and fishing in the Karamea River, canoeing through the Karamea Gorge, or top class white-water rafting on the Karamea River.

Westport Accommodation

Westport has several motel options as well as hostels and a camping ground. Karamea has a selection of motels, lodges and camping spots.

LooknbookNZ can organise your Westport accommodation and Westport activities allowing you and your family/friends enjoy the thrills and pleasures of Westport adventure activities.