Understand
[edit]
Westport is the main town of the Buller District with a population of around 4,660 which increases somewhat through Whitebait season, September to November. Coal and gold mining are the primary employers in the district, with a growing fishing fleet as well. Westport encompasses the Carters Beach, Cape Foulwind, and Tauranga Bay communities to the west, and other communities to the north.
- Westport i-SITE Information Visitor Centre, 123-25 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 6658, [email protected].
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]- 1 Westport Airport (WSZ IATA). Sounds Air has one to three flights a day Su–F from Wellington. Adult $199, child $179.
By car
[edit]Westport is at the mouth of the Buller River, about 5 km up State Highway 67 from the junction with State Highway 6.
- When travelling from Nelson or Christchurch, take State Highway 6 from Inangahua Junction via the Buller Gorge to the junction with State Highway 67. Allow at least an hour for travelling the gorge. The road through the Buller Gorge is single lane in several places and frequently traveled by buses and trucks. Take care, be patient, and enjoy the scenery.
- When travelling north from Greymouth, take State Highway 6 along the coast via Punakaiki to the junction with State Highway 67. Allow 1.5 hours driving, plus set aside an hour to see the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.
By bus
[edit]Intercity have a daily coach from Nelson via Murchison, arriving in the morning and going onwards to Fox Glacier. There is also a daily service from Fox Glacier, via Franz Josef, Hokitika, Greymouth (connecting with the train from Christchurch) and Punakaiki.
East West Coaches run shuttle buses from Christchurch via the Lewis Pass, or via Arthur's Pass and Greymouth. The bus stops at the Caltex Gas station, 197 Palmerston Street.
Get around
[edit]
Map of Westport
Westport is an easy town to explore and navigate by walking or bicycle. Taxis are also available. Carters Beach is a few kilometres out of town, Cape Foulwind 12 km, and Tauranga Bay a further 5 km. Each of the beach communities stretch a kilometre or two along the shore.
- Buller Taxis, ☏ +64 3-789 6900.
- Westport Cabs, ☏ +64 3-789 6260.
- Habitat Sports, 234 Palmerston St, ☏ +64 3-788 8002, toll-free: 0800 843 653. Bike hires.
See
[edit]- 1 Clock Tower - Municipal Chambers, 119 Palmerston Street. Historic 1930's art deco building. A prominent landmark of Westport. Informal Saturday-morning market with local food and crafts can be found in front of the building (may be seasonal).
- 2 Victoria Park - Gates of Remembrance, Russell Street and Brougham Street.
- 3 Coaltown Museum, 123 Palmerston St. Adults $10, Children (5-16) $2.
- 4 Marilyn Rea-Menzies Art Studio & Gallery, 241 Palmerston St, ☏ +64 27 474 3441, [email protected].
- 5 Memorials to Lost Seafarers, Westport Jetty-Tip Head.
- 6 Old Orowaiti Cemetery, 102 Utopia Road (Hwy 67 towards Karamea, left on Utopia Road). Historic cemetery used from approx. 1867 to 1893.
- 7 Denniston Coalmining Historic Area (Hwy 67 north to Denniston turnoff). 27 km east of Westport. Interesting exhibits, amazing views.
Beaches
[edit]With the relatively small population of the West Coast region and the quantity and size of the beaches, you'll find you have them almost to yourself. Follow conservation practices - do not approach or feed wildlife, nor collect souvenirs from the beach. Dogs should be leashed to protect wildlife, especially the vulnerable little blue penguin population found throughout the wild West Coast.
- 8 Kawatiri Beach Reserve (Derby Street to end of the road). Wide sandy beach popular with picnickers, surfers and horseback riders.
- 9 Carters Beach. Beautiful wide sandy beach perfect for walking, biking, horseback riding and of course swimming and surfing.
- 10 Gillespie Beach (Hwy 67a, right on Lighthouse Road, right on Domain road). Access the beach from Omau Domain which overlooks it. Ramp leads to beach which is safe only at low tide. Beautiful beach with rock arch. (3/2021 Update: ramp is closed due to unsafe conditions.).
- Cape Foulwind Beach (Hwy 67a, right on Lighthouse Road (Cape Foulwind) to parking on right, before arriving at lighthouse parking lot). Access the beach from small parking area on the beach side, by the gate. Path and steps lead to beach. Find the cave at low tide.
- 11 Tauranga Bay Beach. A broad sandy shell-shaped beach. Sensitive habitat for little blue penguins. Dogs must be leashed.
Do
[edit]Westport
[edit]- 1 Bazil's Surf School, 54/56 Russell Street, ☏ +64 3-789 6410. Also provides private ensuite rooms and dorm rooms, as well as tent and campervan sites.
- 2 Skate Park at Victoria Park, Corner of Russell & Lyndhurst.
- 3 Buller Adventures (The Adventure HQ), 193 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 5 084 86877, [email protected]. Outfitter for Old Ghost Road and Paparoa Track.
- 4 NBS Theatre, 105 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3 789 4219. Kiwi and international movies on this local screen. Venue also hosts concerts and other events.
- 5 Kawatiri River Bike Trail. Bike trail along the lower Buller River and continuing on to the Kawatiri Beach Reserve. 8 km of easy track in Westport.
- 6 Kawatiri Coastal Trail. A 55 km trail connecting Westport to Charleston is expected to be completed in 2022. The Pūwaha section connecting Westport to Carters Beach, the first 5km of the track, opened in December 2020. Trail has many historical signs, and travels through open farmland, over wetlands, through rain forest, and by the Buller River. Raised boardwalks and a new swing bridge make this an interesting and enjoyable journey on bike or foot. Wheelchair accessible.
- Denniston Plateau Mountain Biking Tracks (Hwy 67 north to Denniston turnoff). 27 km north of Westport. DOC and Buller Cycling Club have partnered to create 3 to 27 km loops (20 mins to 8 hours). No dogs. Tracks - Easy (Grade 2), Intermediate (Grade 3).
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Carters Beach
[edit]- 7 Westport Golf Club, Marine Parade, Carters Beach (Hwy 67A towards Cape Foulwind; Right on Golf Links Road, Right on Marine Parade), ☏ +64 3-789 8132.
- Carters Beach Market, Carters Beach Domain and Hall. The Carters Beach Market is the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, off-season (winter) it may be monthly. Check their Facebook page to confirm.
- Carters Beach Playground, Carters Beach Domain. Bring the kids to enjoy some a fun playground next to the beach.
Cape Foulwind and Tauranga Bay
[edit]- 8 Cape Foulwind Walkway. starts just a few km from town and follows the coast along a ridge from the Cape Foulwind Lighthouse to the Seal Colony and Tauranga Bay. It's a nice hike and if you're lucky the fog will be rolling in, the wind will be blowing and the surf pounding and you will see why Captain James Cook named the area Cape Foulwind. About two hours return, the non-stop views are well worth the time and effort.
- 9 Tauranga Bay Fur Seal Colony, Tauranga Bay. The 10-minute track from the car park is suitable for wheelchairs and leads to viewing platforms directly overlooking the colony.
- 10 West Coast Surf School, 299 Tauranga Bay Road (Hwy 67a to Cape Foulwind to Tauranga Bay), ☏ +64 27 255 2651, toll-free: 0800 927 873, [email protected].
Buy
[edit]In Westport they prefer to slow down and enjoy life, and hope you will as well. You'll find most shops are closed on Saturday afternoon, and all day on Sundays. Cafes and restaurants are open, as are all the beautiful outdoor activities.
- Saturday Market (at the Clock Tower). Sa, 07:00 - 16:00. Seasonal weekly farmer's market.
- 1 The Soap Box, 114 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 8828. Gifts, NZ-made goods, cards, and large section of used books with return policy.
- 2 Heritage Giftworld, 176 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 8776. Gift shop with handmade New Zealand items. Find Owner's Utopia Farms hazelnuts.
- 3 It's All Good, 6/363 Fairdown Road, ☏ +64 21 0665972, [email protected]. Organic shop.
- 4 Dennis Bookshop and Stationary, 179 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 8813.
- 5 Surf Fevah, 153 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 6911. Surfing clothing and gear.
- 6 Habitat Sports, 234 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-788 8002. Bike hires, track shuttles. Fishing, hunting, biking gear. Over 20 lines of NZ-made goods.
- 7 Phil Wood Menswear, 190 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 8800. Iconic shop. Chat with the owner, Phil Wood, who has a long history of West Coast exploration and knowledge.
- 8 Buller Fabric & Fibre, 180 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 5022. Knit, sew, quilt and fabric shop.
- 9 Toyworld, 176-178 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 6293.
- 10 Heritage Jewellers, 174 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 8630.
- 11 Reynolds Shoes, 126 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 03-789 8291. Shoes, sandals, boots
- 12 Footlite & Sole, 184 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 8626. Clothing, athletic shoes, accessories
- Postie, 152 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-788 8360. Clothing shop.
- Bed Bath & Beyond, 152 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 5385.
- 13 Mitre 10, 47 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 7879, [email protected]. 07:30-17:00 M-F; 08:00-13:00 Sat; 10:00-13:00 Sun. Camping supplies.
Coffee
[edit]New Zealand has a particular affection for coffee, and the West Coast is no exception. Westport boasts two local coffee roasters. You may find their products in local supermarkets and cafes.
- Kawatiri Coffee Roasting, Virgin Flat Road km 21.
- 14 U92 Coffee, 92 Palmerston Street.
Eat and drink
[edit]Some cafes and restaurants are closed Monday and Tuesdays. Call ahead to verify.
Westport
[edit]- 1 PR's Cafe, 124 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 7779, [email protected]. Comfortable cafe with outdoor seating offering freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items all day. Coffee, tea, house-made slices and muffins.
- 2 Yellow House Cafe and Restaurant, 243 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 8765, [email protected].
- 3 Johnny's Restaurant & Bar, 62 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 6474. Full restaurant and bar for lunch and dinner. Offering day menu including breakfast items starting at 11am.
- 4 Buller Cafe (Golden Horse Chinese Takeaway), 97a Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 8736. Fish & chips takeaway. Chinese food takeaway or eat-in.
- 5 West Coast Brewery, 10 Lyndhurst Street. Book a tour in advance. Brews craft beers, including Green fern organic lager. Tours $30.
- 6 Denniston Dog Restaurant, Cafe and Bar, 18 Wakefield Street, ☏ +64 3-789 5030.
- 7 PortSide Bistro and Bar, 13 Cobden Street, ☏ +64 3-789 7133, [email protected].
- 8 The Copper Pot, 110 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 6255. Indian eat-in and takeaway.
- 9 The Quarry Restaurant, 284 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 5579.
- 10 Kathrin's Taste of Europe (Cake and More), 15 Rintoul Street (corner of Palmerston), ☏ +64 3-789 7816.
- 11 Whanake Gallery & Espresso Bar, 173 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 5076. Walk-up coffee takeaway.
- 12 J's Cafe, 160 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 8288. Nicely prepared food. Dark windows and entry.
- 13 Gibby's Cafe, 194 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 8453.
- 14 West Coast Pie Company. Premium wild game pies. Shop online for delivery, and some locations along the West Coast. Check their Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/WestCoastPies.
- 15 Club Buller, 44 Queen Street, ☏ +64 3-789 8770, [email protected]. Restaurant and event space.
- 16 The Nourish Nook, 10A Lyndhurst Street. Food cart.
- 17 Grumpy's Takeaways, 40 Derby Street, ☏ +64 3-789 5544.
- Rainbow Tearooms & Bakery (Rainbow Cake Kitchen), 76 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3 789 7899, toll-free: 0800 105 060, [email protected]. Multi-generational family run bakery. Takeaway fresh milk and cream from a local grass-fed organic dairy.
- 18 Scarlett & Co., 25 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 6653. Coffee and freshly prepared food using local organic ingredients, gluten free options available. All food and drinks are takeaway. Also offer locally made jams and jellies. Location for Saturday market, weather permitting.
- 19 Smiley's Pizzas and Takeaways, 232 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 6694.
- Gado Gado, 298 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 020 4144 4981. Food cart with freshly prepared-to-order Thai and Indonesian style food that is worth the wait. May be closed in bad weather. No credit cards.
- 20 The Thai Asian Treats, 181 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-429 7278. Takeaway Thai food. Ring to place order.
- The Pines Tavern, 816 Fairdown Road (North on State Highway 67 for 10km), ☏ +64 03 789 9872, [email protected]. A historic tavern offers an outdoor beer garden in good weather, as well as indoor bar and restaurant. Open Tuesday-Friday from 2pm, Saturday-Sunday from 1pm. Also a park-over property, powered and non-powered caravan sites available. Owner Tania Newmans is your host.
- 21 New World Supermarket, 244 Palmerston Street. Daily 8:00AM-8:30PM.
- Fresh Choice Supermarket, 18 Fonblanque Street, ☏ +64 3 789 8546. The post office is inside the supermarket.
- On the Spot (Luffy's Dairy), 40 Derby Street, ☏ +64 3 7898464.
- On the Spot (Mill House Dairy), 229 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3 7897215.
- Buller Discounter Dairy, 96-98 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 8111. Small grocery store with local produce.
Carters Beach
[edit]- 22 Donaldo's Cafe and Restaurant, 23 Marine Parade (Hwy 67A to Golf Links Road, left on Marine Parade), ☏ +64 3-789 7409, [email protected]. Beautiful views of the beach, the Steeples and Cape Foulwind from this comfortable cafe serving freshly prepared food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Small convenience store offers baked goods and staples, and scoop ice cream. Across from the Domain and playground. Outdoor seating available in the front, to better enjoy the views.
Cape Foulwind
[edit]- 23 Star Tavern, 6 Lighthouse Road (Hwy 67A to the turnoff for Cape Foulwind), ☏ +64 3-789 6923.
Sleep
[edit]Westport welcomes self-contained freedom camping, except in the communities of Carters Beach, Cape Foulwind, and Tauranga Bay.
Westport
[edit]Camping and cabins
- 1 Westport Kiwi Holiday Park, 37 Domett Street, ☏ +64 3-789 7043, [email protected]. Closest holiday park to Westport centre. Motel rooms, tent sites, powered camper sites. Park-like setting in 12 acres of native bush. Playground, mini-golf course.
Hostels and homestays
- 2 TripInn Hostel (Westport YHA), 72 Queen Street, ☏ +64 3 789 7367. 85-bed backpacker hostel in a historic 1860s building. Tent sites. Outdoor area. Bicycles available.
- Havenlee Homestay, 76 Queen Street, ☏ +64 3 789 85 43, [email protected]. Jan and Ian Stevenson are your hosts at this homestay location.
Motels and motor lodges in New Zealand are usually self-contained with a kitchenette in the room. Confirm before booking.
- 3 Buller Court Motel, 235 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 03-789 7979, toll-free: 0800 832 432. Motel rooms. Laundry facilities.
- 4 Bella Vista Motel, 314 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 03-789 7800, toll-free: 0800 235 528.
- 5 Palm Court Motels, 306 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 03-789 7247, toll-free: 0800 472 567, [email protected].
- 6 Westport Motels, 32 The Esplanade, ☏ +64 03-789 7575, [email protected].
- 7 Buller Bridge Motels, 32a The Esplanade, ☏ +64 03-789 7519, [email protected].
- 8 Chelsea Gateway Motor Lodge (Asure), 330 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 03-789 6835, [email protected].
- 9 Ascot Motor Lodge, 74 Romilly Street, ☏ +64 03-789 7832.
- 10 Sunset Accommodation Motel, 9120 State Highway 6 (State Highway 6 south junction with Highway 67.), ☏ +64 022 189 4814, [email protected]. Self-contained ensuite rooms for 1-3 people in this rural setting 10km south of Westport. Guest BBQ available. Guest laundry facilities. Hosts Bill and Cheryl Rodmell.
Hotels usually have amenities such as an on-site restaurant or bar.
- 11 Westport Motor Hotel, 207 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 03-789 7889, [email protected]. Budget motel near the centre of town.
- 12 Cosmopolitan Hotel, 136 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 3-789 6305. Hotel, restaurant and bar.
- 13 Westport Spa Hotel, 239 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 03-789 5273. In-town hotel within walking distance of town centre.
- 14 McManus Hotel, 39 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 03-789 6304, [email protected]. Hotel with restaurant and bar, pool tables and gaming room.
Bed and breakfast
- 15 Archer House Bed and Breakfast, 75 Queen Street, ☏ +64 3-789 8778, [email protected]. Beautiful historic home in garden setting in center of Westfield. Non-smoking. No children or pets.
- River Garden Retreat, 3784 Buller Gorge Road (State Highway 6) (State Highway 6 north of the junction with Highway 67.), ☏ +64 27 275 1892, [email protected]. Ensuite king and double rooms, one with disability access. Beautiful rural location overlooking expansive gardens and the Buller River. Venue for weddings and parties. Easy 8-minute drive to Westport. Hosts Kathleen & Jim Rea, lifetime locals.
Carters Beach
[edit]Freedom camping is not permitted at Carters Beach.
- 16 Carters by the Sea, 27 Marine Parade (5 minutes' drive west of Westport on highway 67A, across the street from the Domain), ☏ +64 3-789-8169, [email protected]. Check-out: 10:00. Studio apartments with gorgeous views of the beach and Paparoa Mountains. Completed in December 2014, the 30 m2 (320 ft²) studios are modern. Each studio has large sliding doors to a balcony. Passive heat capture from the northerly aspect make them cozy all year round.
- 17 Top 10 Holiday Park, 57 Marine Parade (5 minutes' drive west of Westport on highway 67A), ☏ +64 3 789 8002, [email protected]. Motel rooms, cabins, powered and non-powered camp sites.
- 18 Carters Beach Units, 16 Schadick Avenue (Hwy 67A, right on Golf Links Road, right on Shadick), ☏ +64 027 253 1115, [email protected].
- 19 The Links Carters Beach Apartments, 11 Schadick Avenue, ☏ +64 03-789 6770.
Cape Foulwind
[edit]Freedom camping is not permitted at Cape Foulwind.
- 20 The Lazy Seal Cottages, 1042 Cape Foulwind Road (10 minutes' drive west of Westport on highway 67A), ☏ +64 3-789 5668, [email protected].
- 21 Omau Settlers Lodge, 2 Omau Road (10 minutes' drive west of Westport on highway 67A), ☏ +64 3-789 5200, [email protected].
- 22 Omau Retreat Hotel, 24/2 Lighthouse Road (10 minutes' drive west of Westport on highway 67A), ☏ +64 3-789 4050.
- 23 Steeples Cottage and Studio B&B, 48 Lighthouse Road (10 minutes' drive west of Westport on highway 67A), ☏ +64 3-789 7884, [email protected].
Tauranga Bay
[edit]Freedom camping is not permitted at Tauranga Bay.
- 24 The Bay House Beachside Accommodation, Seal Colony Road, 433 Tauranga Bay Road (15 minutes' drive west of Westport on highway 67A), ☏ +64 3-789 4151, [email protected]. Each unit has small kitchen facilities. Outdoor gas BBQ on the main deck is available.
Stay safe
[edit]- Police station, 111 Wakefield Street, ☏ +64 03-789 7339. Dial 111 in an emergency, or 105 to report non-emergencies.
- Buller Health, Cobden Street, ☏ +64 03 788-9030. Health services. There are no walk-in after-hours emergency services. In an emergency, dial 111. If you are unsure what to do, a nurse is available 24/7 to take your call at +64 03-788 9277.
- Westport Dental Clinic, 141 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 03-789 8901, toll-free: 0800 846 983. Dental services
- Noel Templeton Optometrists, 217 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 03-789 7677. Closed weekends. Noel's mobile +64 027 496 2107 for assistance if needed.
- Buller Pharmacy, 168 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 03-789 7629.
- Health 2000, 112a Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 03-789 7595. Holistic goods.
Connect
[edit]Wi-Fi is available in cafes (on request) and internet access is offered at the Public Library during library hours. Wi-Fi is not strongly available on the street.
Post Office - NZ Post is located inside the Fresh Choice Supermarket, 18 Fonblanque Street.
- EPIC Westport, 10a Lyndhurst Street, [email protected]. For the traveler needing a work space for a day or more. Co-working (shared space) and meeting room available by the hour for non-members; private offices available at a weekly rate. Open Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, and after-hours by arrangement. Book directly on website or contact EPIC for more information.
Cope
[edit]Public toilets
[edit]Public toilets are available on Palmerston Street a half-block block north of Lyndhurst. They are also available at Victoria Park: on Brougham Street between Russell and Queen, and on Russell Street between Brougham and Lyndhurst.
Laundry self-service
[edit]- West Coast Laundry, 58 Palmerston Street. 7AM-8:30PM, 7 days.
Churches
[edit]- Living Water Church, 27 Cobden Street.
- St. Canice's Catholic Church, 18 Brougham Street, ☏ +64 03-789 8615, [email protected]. 9:30am Sunday Mass.
- St. John's Anglican Church, 67 Queen Street, ☏ +64 03-789 8348. Historic church
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 10 Dellaca Place.
- Vision Church Westport, 50 Wakefield Street.
- Westport Elim Church, 54 Palmerston Street, ☏ +64 03-789 7363.
Go next
[edit]It is best you check your fuel tank before leaving Westport, as it may be 70-90 km to the next filling station whether you're headed north, south or east.
North
[edit]- Granity - to the north on State Highway 67, a historic mining town with some notable features (25 minutes (30 km))
- Karamea - About 1.5 hours (90 km) drive to the north on State Highway 67, and the start (or finish) of the Heaphy Track. (There is no exit road from Karamea other than State Highway 67, so make it a day trip, at least.)
South
[edit]- Charleston
- Punakaiki - stunning coast road south on State Highway 6 (48 minutes – 56 km)
- The Truman Track is south along the coast from Westport and is a 15 minute hike to the coast with excellent breakers and a pebble beach.
- Pancake Rocks & Blowholes at Punakaiki, Paparoa National Park. Exceptionally interesting rock formations viewed from a paved trail, much of it wheelchair accessible.
- Barrytown - a hamlet with a gorgeous beach and a great vibe
- Greymouth - the next sizeable town to the south, 1 hour 30 minutes (98 km)