Westport (New Zealand)

Westport is the main town of the Buller District, in the northern part of the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Westport has spectacular beaches at its back door, and the mighty Buller River, the largest river by volume in NZ, runs right beside the town. Breathtaking views of the Paparoa Mountains and the Brunner Range are the backdrop for this scenic town. Outdoor adventures abound, coupled with fabulous eateries and hospitable locals.

Understand
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.



By car
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
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
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.



Beaches
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.

Cape Foulwind and Tauranga Bay




Buy
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.

Coffee
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.

Eat and drink
Some cafes and restaurants are closed Monday and Tuesdays. Call ahead to verify.

Sleep
Westport welcomes self-contained freedom camping, except in the communities of Carters Beach, Cape Foulwind, and Tauranga Bay.

Westport
Camping and cabins

Hostels and homestays

Motels and motor lodges in New Zealand are usually self-contained with a kitchenette in the room. Confirm before booking.

Hotels usually have amenities such as an on-site restaurant or bar.

Bed and breakfast

Carters Beach
Freedom camping is not permitted at Carters Beach.

Cape Foulwind
Freedom camping is not permitted at Cape Foulwind.

Tauranga Bay
Freedom camping is not permitted at Tauranga Bay.

Connect
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.

Public toilets
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

 * West Coast Laundry, 58 Palmerston Street. 7AM-8:30PM, 7 days.

Go next
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

 * 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

 * 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)

East

 * Reefton – inland to the south-east
 * Murchison - inland to the east