Kawatiri Coastal Trail

Kawatiri Coastal Trail The Kawatiri Coastal Trail is a 40km Grade2/3 cycling and walking heritage trail

The Kawatiri Coastal Trail will eventually connect the communities of Westport, Carters Beach, Cape Foulwind, Tauranga Bay and Charleston. The area’s unique geology, diverse ecology, rich mining history and vast seascapes will make it one of New Zealand’s finest day rides. The breath-taking route meanders through rugged cliffs, crashing seas, wildlife, forest, suspension bridges, boardwalks, pristine wetlands, shelters and interpretive signage brimming with remarkable stories and local secrets. Following a wide, smooth path through Podocarp Forest, Nikau Palms and expansive beaches, riders journey back in time to the days of Māori Pounamu gatherers and the glittering gold rush era. Renowned for its native flora and fauna, early Māori trading history and significant archaeological sites, visitors will become immersed in the region’s abundant cultural and natural heritage. Currently there are 22km of consecutive trail open for users to enjoy, as well as a 1km section at Charleston featuring the award winning Nile River bridge.

07/10/2026

Three trails down, one to go! 🚲

If you have been following along with the team’s journey over the past week, today they take on the Kawatiri Coastal Trail as the final trail of an incredible challenge for a great cause.

Want to meet the team and see them finish the KCT? Check out the post below for their estimated timing and where you can join them along the way.

There is still time to donate and support their challenge too. Head over to their page to follow along and find out more.

07/10/2026

Great interview to give a listen to. It is always nice to hear how many people are familiar with the Kawatiri Coastal Trail and have such positive things to say about it.

With Originair’s direct flights between Wellington and Westport running from December through to April, it is the perfect excuse to plan a West Coast getaway. ✈️🌿

Book your flights, come and get a taste of the Buller, and explore the Kawatiri Coastal Trail for yourself! 🚲🥾

Trail history - Nile River 1905 showing the suspension bridge and the SS Karamea tied up at left.The Karamea regularly t...
04/10/2026

Trail history -
Nile River 1905 showing the suspension bridge and the SS Karamea tied up at left.
The Karamea regularly transported loads of yellow pine sleepers through to Westport.

Its Spring Flower show on the trail. Golden kōwhai are attracting many tui while the dazzling white stars of NZ clematis...
27/09/2026

Its Spring Flower show on the trail. Golden kōwhai are attracting many tui while the dazzling white stars of NZ clematis (puawānanga) are also prominent.
An easy place to see them is near Kings Creek on section 1.

⏰ Time is ticking to get your entry in for the Kawatiri Coastal Trail Rocky Point Run!🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️Join us on the 14th of Nov...
16/09/2026

⏰ Time is ticking to get your entry in for the Kawatiri Coastal Trail Rocky Point Run!🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Join us on the 14th of November for an awesome day out on the Kawatiri Coastal Trail, with distances to suit everyone.

Don’t leave it too late. Support the trail and get your entry in now! 👇
https://rockypointrun.co.nz/

⚠ An orange rain warning has been issued for the Buller from 3pm Saturday until 9am on Sunday.Please check the latest we...
20/08/2026

⚠ An orange rain warning has been issued for the Buller from 3pm Saturday until 9am on Sunday.
Please check the latest weather conditions through MetService New Zealand and plan ahead.

Good morning, West Coasters,

Our good weather has come to an end!🌧️

MetService New Zealand has issued an Orange Rain Warning for Buller and Grey, and a Yellow Rain Watch for Westland.

See warning information below:

🟠 Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Area: Ranges of Buller and Grey Districts
Period: 18hrs from 3:00pm Saturday to 9:00am Sunday
Forecast: Expect 90 to 120 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected Saturday night and Sunday morning. Thunderstorms possible Sunday morning.
Minimal 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.

Issued: 10:01am Friday, 21st August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Friday, 21st August 2026

🟡 Heavy Rain Watch - Yellow
Area: Ranges of Westland District
Period: 24hrs from 9:00am Saturday to 9:00am Sunday
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Thunderstorms possible Sunday morning.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Issued: 10:01am Friday, 21st August 2026
Next Update: 9:00pm Friday, 21st August 2026

Action advice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency.

🌿 Winter is a great time to ride the Kawatiri Coastal Trail.Crisp winter mornings, clear blue skies and a quieter trail ...
25/07/2026

🌿 Winter is a great time to ride the Kawatiri Coastal Trail.

Crisp winter mornings, clear blue skies and a quieter trail can make for some of the best days to get out and explore.

Whether you're a local making the most of a calm day or visiting the Coast, winter offers a different perspective of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail and all it has to offer.

Pictured below is a group of visitors off to enjoy the Trail earlier this month. 🚴‍♀️🌿

22/07/2026

🎥🚴‍♂️ 🌿A great watch from Deane Parker on a recent journey along the Kawatiri Coastal Trail.

Deane recently explored the southern end of the Trail and described it as "the best ride I've had in ages." From suspension bridges and coastal forest to sweeping beach views and the Paparoa Ranges, his story captures what makes this trail such a special experience.

Thanks to Ground Effect Cycle Clothing for featuring the Trail and sharing the beauty of Buller with their cycling community.

Read the blog post and watch the video below:

⏰ Don't leave it until the last minute!The Rocky Point Trail Run is back on 14 November 2026 and offers something for ev...
15/07/2026

⏰ Don't leave it until the last minute!

The Rocky Point Trail Run is back on 14 November 2026 and offers something for everyone, from first-time trail runners and walkers through to seasoned competitors looking for their next challenge.

Choose your distance and experience some of the most spectacular sections of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail.

Register today:
👉 www.rockypointrun.co.nz

🌿 Every entry helps support the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail.

🥝 Vote for your favourite Kawatiri Kiwi! 🥝Head to the Kawatiri Kiwi website to meet the kiwi, watch some incredible foot...
07/07/2026

🥝 Vote for your favourite Kawatiri Kiwi! 🥝

Head to the Kawatiri Kiwi website to meet the kiwi, watch some incredible footage, and vote for your favourite. While you're there, you can also support the amazing volunteer work of TOKEN through their Givealittle page.

Vote and watch the videos: https://www.kawatirikiwi.org/

The Kawatiri Kiwi project showcases the incredible work of TOKEN (Tōtara Ōkari Kiwi Enhancement Network), a dedicated group of volunteers carrying out predator control along and beyond the Kawatiri Coastal Trail. Their ongoing efforts are helping protect our native wildlife and have contributed to a thriving kiwi population in the area.

A special thanks to Peter Coburn for the countless hours he has dedicated to monitoring kiwi and capturing this incredible footage, and to the entire TOKEN team for everything they do to protect this special part of our backyard.

💚 Support TOKEN: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/caring-for-kiwi-1

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Trail HQ, 175 Palmerston Street
Westport

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