Westport, a charming town nestled on the rugged West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, offers a unique blend of historical significance, breathtaking natural beauty, and exciting outdoor activities. As one of the few towns dotting this remote coastline and the oldest European settlement in the region, Westport boasts a captivating history intertwined with the allure of the wild West Coast. Despite its modest population of under 5,000, Westport serves as a vital hub in this sparsely populated corner of New Zealand.
The area’s history extends far beyond European settlement, with local Māori having inhabited the land since the 1400s. However, the Westport we know today began to take shape in 1861 with the arrival of European colonizers who were drawn by the promise of gold. This discovery sparked a gold rush throughout the 1860s, transforming the area into a bustling frontier town. In later years, Westport transitioned into a coal mining center, shaping its identity for many decades.
Strategically located at the mouth of the mighty Buller River, Westport, originally named Buller, seamlessly blends its rugged natural surroundings with picturesque vistas and a rich tapestry of history. Situated approximately a 3-hour drive southwest of Nelson and a 90-minute drive north of Greymouth, The Top 10 Things to Do in Westport, New Zealand, the town serves as an ideal stopover for travelers embarking on a West Coast road trip. Here’s a guide to the top experiences awaiting you in Westport:
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Explore the Historic Architecture:
Westport, established by Europeans in 1861, stands as one of New Zealand’s oldest modern towns. A leisurely stroll along the town’s exceptionally wide main street reveals a treasure trove of architectural gems, a feature that sets it apart from many other provincial New Zealand towns. A significant earthquake in nearby Murchison in 1929 caused widespread damage to many of the original buildings, leading to the construction of several Art Deco structures in the 1930s. Among the architectural highlights are the Buller County Chambers and the Westport Municipal Chambers, both prominently located on Palmerston Street, the town’s main thoroughfare. These buildings stand as testaments to Westport’s resilience and its unique architectural heritage.
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Delve into History at the Coaltown Museum:
Adjacent to the distinctive mustard-orange Westport Municipal Chambers stands the modern glass structure of the Coaltown Museum. Opened in 2013, this museum chronicles the captivating history of coal mining in the Buller District. Through a diverse collection of artifacts and engaging displays, the museum seamlessly integrates geology, science, and political and cultural history, providing a comprehensive understanding of the region’s coal mining past. In an era where coal mines are increasingly becoming obsolete, a visit to the Coaltown Museum offers a poignant and insightful experience, highlighting the significance of coal mining in shaping Westport’s identity.
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Relax and Swim at Carters Beach:
The West Coast of the South Island is renowned for its untamed seas and powerful currents, making it a haven for experienced surfers but potentially challenging for casual swimmers. However, if you seek a tranquil beach experience during the summer months, Carters Beach offers a welcome respite. Located just a few miles from Westport, this seaside settlement boasts a collection of charming holiday homes and a sheltered beach that is ideal for swimming. Carters Beach provides a safe and relaxing environment to soak up the sun and enjoy the refreshing waters of the Tasman Sea.
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Ride the Waves at Tauranga Bay:
For those seeking more than just a gentle swim, Westport presents excellent opportunities to hone your surfing skills or embark on a surfing adventure. Several surf schools in and around Westport cater to all skill levels, providing expert guidance to navigate the West Coast’s waves. Tauranga Bay, situated west of Westport, is particularly well-suited for beginners, with its wide breaks and sheltered bay offering a safe and enjoyable learning environment. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a novice eager to catch your first wave, Tauranga Bay provides an exhilarating surfing experience.
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Embark on the Cape Foulwind Walkway:
The Cape Foulwind Walkway offers a scenic and invigorating hiking experience along the rugged coastline. This well-maintained track extends past the Tauranga Bay Seal Colony and along the dramatic cliffs, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Tasman Sea. The walk from Tauranga Bay to the Cape Foulwind Lighthouse takes approximately 75 minutes each way and can be started from either end. Classified as an easy walk by the Department of Conservation, the track is suitable for most fitness levels. However, it’s advisable to pack a rain jacket, a sweater, and a sunhat, as the weather on the West Coast can be unpredictable, often experiencing all four seasons within a single short walk.
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Observe Wildlife at the Tauranga Bay Seal Colony:
For travelers with children or those seeking a shorter, less strenuous walk, the Tauranga Bay Seal Colony offers a delightful wildlife viewing experience. From the parking lot near the beach, a well-signposted walking track leads over the cliffs to a lookout point, where you can observe dozens, if not hundreds, of fur seals basking in the sun. The path is uneven and uphill in places, but generally manageable for most individuals, including children. The best time to witness the seals in their natural habitat is between November and February, the New Zealand summer, although seals can typically be observed year-round.
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Witness the Geological Marvel of Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks:
A short drive south of Westport (approximately 35 miles or an hour’s drive) lies the extraordinary Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. This small village offers limited accommodation, making it a popular day trip destination for those traveling between Westport and Greymouth. Situated on the coastal edge of Paparoa National Park, the Pancake Rocks are a geological wonder formed around 30 million years ago from fragments of dead marine creatures and plants deposited on the seabed. Over time, pressure compressed these fragments, creating the distinctive layered formations that resemble stacks of pancakes. Boardwalks provide safe vantage points to observe the blowholes and surge pools, where the ocean’s power is dramatically displayed.
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Explore the Forest Tracks on a Mountain Bike:
The area surrounding Westport is a mountain biker’s paradise, with its diverse terrain encompassing forests, mountains, plateaus, and coastal trails. The Denniston Plateau is a particularly popular destination for mountain bikers, boasting over 30 miles of tracks ranging from beginner to advanced levels. These tracks can take riders anywhere from one to twelve hours to complete, offering a variety of challenges and breathtaking scenery. Located approximately half an hour’s drive northeast of Westport, the Denniston Plateau provides an unforgettable mountain biking experience.
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Experience the Scenic Buller Gorge Road Trip:
If you’re traveling to Westport from Nelson, a journey through the Buller Gorge is unavoidable. The Buller River, one of New Zealand’s longest, originates at Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes National Park and flows westward to its mouth at Westport. The section of the highway just past Murchison, where it turns west towards the West Coast, is particularly dramatic. In the Upper Gorge, you can visit the Buller Gorge Swing Bridge Adventure and Heritage Park to experience New Zealand’s longest suspension bridge, try jet boating, and learn about local history. Further down, in the Lower Buller Gorge near Westport, the views are even more breathtaking. Even if you arrive in Westport from the south via Greymouth, a detour into the Lower Buller Gorge is well worth the scenic views. The The Top 10 Things to Do in Westport, New Zealand Buller Gorge is a must-see.
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Indulge in the Westport Whitebait Festival:
Held annually in October, the Westport Whitebait Festival brings together locals and visitors alike to celebrate the region’s culinary delicacy: whitebait. The festival features live music, cooking demonstrations, and other entertainment, all centered around the enjoyment of these tiny fish. Whitebait, immature fish of certain species, were once abundant throughout New Zealand, but pollution has led to their decline in most areas, with the West Coast remaining one of the few strongholds. During late spring, it’s common to see whitebait fishers along the rivers, equipped with large nets to capture these tiny delicacies. Whitebait are typically mixed with batter and fried into fritters, offering a unique and flavorful taste of the West Coast. The Top 10 Things to Do in Westport, New Zealand.
