Kawatiri Coastal Trail

25/06/2026

⚠️ Trail Advisory – Strong Winds ⚠️

With very strong winds currently affecting the area, we recommend avoiding the Kawatiri Coastal Trail until conditions ease.

Strong winds can bring down branches and debris without warning.

19/06/2026

⚠ An orange rain warning has been issued for the Buller from 11am today (Saturday) until 1am on Sunday.

We advise against using the Kawatiri Coastal Trail until the warning is lifted. Please check the latest weather conditions through MetService New Zealand and plan ahead.

18/06/2026

Flashback. In June 2020 we started the trail construction and six months later section 1 from Westport to Carters Beach was opened. Since then, over 175,000 users have enjoyed this section.
For the Westreef construction team, parts of this section presented some challenging conditions particularly through the wetland forest. The KCT Trust acknowledges the endeavours of the team in building the trail with great care through this beautiful environment. Over the last five years we have received a huge number of favourable comments from trail users, locals and visitors alike, testament to the outstanding work of the trail builders.

30/05/2026

⚠ An orange weather warning has been issued for the Buller from noon Sunday until midnight on Monday.

We advise against using the Kawatiri Coastal Trail until the warning is lifted. Please check the latest weather conditions through MetService New Zealand and plan ahead.

Evening West Coasters, UPDATED FORECAST 8PM FRI 29 MAY.

As expected there are some changes to the forecast as we get closer to the arrival of the weather. Slightly less duration and rain volume in BULLER. Slightly more volume for WESTLAND. Stay tuned for updates tomorrow. We will be monitoring over the weekend.

Area: Ranges of Buller
Period: 36hrs from noon Sun, 31 May - midnight Mon, 1 Jun
Forecast: Expect 200 to 300 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected from Sunday night with thunderstorms possible. Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

Area: Westland south of Hokitika
Period: 42hrs from 2:00am Sunday to 8:00pm Monday
Forecast: Expect 400 to 500 mm of rain about the ranges, and 100 to 150 mm of rain about the coast. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h expected on Sunday about the ranges. Thunderstorms possible.
Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

27/05/2026

⚠️ TRAIL MAINTENANCE – CAUTION ⚠️

Trail maintenance work will be taking place on Section 3 today (Thursday 28th May), as well as Tuesday and Wednesday next week. A small digger will be working here, please proceed with caution when in this area.

27/05/2026

Have you spotted the trap boxes alongside the Kawatiri Coastal Trail? 🌿🚴🏼‍♀️

Behind these is a dedicated group of amazing volunteers known as TOKEN (Tōtara Ōkari Kiwi Enhancement Network), carrying out predator control work along and beyond the Trail.
Their efforts are helping protect native wildlife and to the discovery of a breeding kiwi population in the area.
While trail users may only see a small part of the work, there is a huge amount happening behind the scenes to care for this special environment.
We have now added a new “Our Kiwi” page to the website where you can view kiwi videos and learn more about the incredible work being done. A very special part of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail.

Many thanks to Peter Coburn for his dedication to this Kiwi population and capturing this incredible footage.

https://kawatiricoastaltrail.co.nz/our-kiwi/

18/05/2026

Charleson emerged from nowhere in 1866, as a bustling gold rush town.
Check out the new panels we have provided about Charleston’s amazing history as part of the heritage story along the trail.
Have a read and then go for a walk down Princes Street to Constant Bay.
Things are very quiet now compared to 160 years ago!

15/05/2026

🌿 Sponsor a KM. Leave your mark on the Kawatiri Coastal Trail 🌊

Businesses, individuals and families now have the opportunity to sponsor one of the KM markers along the Kawatiri Coastal Trail.

Whether it’s the section you ride every weekend, where you volunteered, or simply a spot you love, this is a great way to support the ongoing maintenance and future of the trail.

The trail markers are also a great local marketing opportunity, with more than 15,000 users already on the trail this year.

KM markers are available at $200 per year, with a minimum three-year commitment.

Markers are limited and available on a first-in, first-served basis. To secure your preferred KM number, email [email protected]

11/05/2026

The Kawatiri Coastal Trail Rocky Point Run is back for 2026 and registrations are now open 🙌

📅 Saturday 14 November 2026

An awesome event, whether you are chasing the full challenge or just keen for a fun day out, there is a distance for everyone.

Enter here 👉 https://rockypointrun.co.nz/

🚨 Registrations are OPEN 🚨

The Kawatiri Coastal Trail Rocky Point Run is back for 2026 🏃‍♀️🌊
📅 14 November 2026

Set on the stunning Kawatiri Coastal Trail, this event is all about coastal views, native bush, swing bridges and that unbeatable West Coast energy. Whether you're chasing a challenge or just keen for a great day out, there’s a distance for everyone.

Distances:
35km | 22.5km | 12.5km run/walk | 5km run/walk

All proceeds go back into supporting and maintaining the trail.

👉 Register here: https://rockypointrun.co.nz/

07/05/2026

⚠️Trail Caution: Cape Fear Youth Adventure Race
The Cape Fear Youth Adventure Race is taking place this Saturday, 9 May, and will use Section 3 of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail (Ōmau Domain to Tauranga Bay).
⏰Competitors will be on the trail between 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM.
📍Please be aware of increased activity during this time.
We kindly ask all trail users to exercise caution, ride carefully and stop when requested to ensure the safety of everyone on the trail.
Thanks for your understanding and support of this awesome local event!
http://capefear.nz/