Westport Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Tauranga Bay Seal Colony which includes general coastal views
Tauranga Bay Seal Colony which includes marine life and rugged coastline
Tauranga Bay Seal Colony featuring a sandy beach, waves and rocky coastline
Tauranga Bay Seal Colony which includes rocky coastline
Westport showing tranquil scenes, a bay or harbour and rugged coastline

Hike or bike The Old Ghost Road, watch seals play in the waves and go whitewater rafting on the mighty Buller River in this coastal town of the South Island.

Westport is the gateway to the North West Coast and is surrounded by a wide range of awe-inspiring nature, from the Buller River beside it to the Paparoa Range behind it.

The town is about 1.5 hours north of Greymouth by car and has about 4,000 residents. The main attraction here is the nature directly surrounding the town. Set out on foot along the Kawatiri River Trail and to the Kawatiri Beach Reserve. Many of the tracks were finished in early 2017 to provide better views of the river, wetlands and beach and the abundant birdlife that flocks here.

Head west of town to the dramatic Cape Foulwind, named so by explorer James Cook in 1770 after his ship was blown offshore. Hike along the well-maintained Cape Foulwind Walkway to the Cape FoulwindOpens in a new window Seal ColonyOpens in a new window viewing area. Spot flightless weka birds, which can often be seen on the path and keep scanning the ocean for jumping dolphins.

Experience one of New Zealand's best-kept secrets by hiking or biking along The Old Ghost Road. This much-praised multi-day trail takes adventurers across soaring peaks and through moss-covered forests along tracks that cling to the mountain slopes. One-day adventure tours are available too, even one that drops you off by helicopter halfway along the trail with your bike.

Keep your adrenaline flowing by rafting or jet boating through Buller Gorge. For a more sedate experience, drive along Hawk’s Crag beside the river or take a walk over the Buller Gorge Swingbridge.

Finish off back in town by sampling a craft beer at the small West Coast Brewery. This gives you a chance to appreciate what humans can make with nature, while reflecting back on the untamed nature that abounds in this spectacular area.

Where to stay in Westport

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Carters Beach

Visitors to Carters Beach enjoy its beaches, and if you want to do some exploring, Carters Beach is worth a stop.

Carters Beach
Buller Court on Palmerston
Buller Court on Palmerston
4.5 out of 5
235 Palmerston Street, Westport
The price is NZ$137 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
NZ$137
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star motel in Westport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (276 reviews)
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Reviewed on 4 Jun. 2025

Buller Court on Palmerston
Buller Bridge Motel
Buller Bridge Motel
3 out of 5
32a The Esplanade, Westport
The price is NZ$141 per night from 5 July to 6 July
NZ$141
5 July - 6 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly motel in Westport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (297 reviews)
"Very spacious comfortable motel. Very helpful owner. Love staying here"

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 2025

Buller Bridge Motel
Westport Spa Motel
Westport Spa Motel
3 out of 5
239 Palmerston Street Street, Westport
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$152 per night from 11 July to 12 July
NZ$152
11 July - 12 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Westport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (399 reviews)
"Nice comfortable place."

Reviewed on 24 Apr. 2025

Westport Spa Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Chill & Delight suite

With all the amenities you need at your fingertips
Chill & Delight suite With all the amenities you need at your fingertips
Westport
Stay at this vacation home in Westport. Enjoy free WiFi and air conditioning. Popular attractions Solid Energy Centre and Miner's Brewery are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews)
"Michelle was very helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on 14 Mar. 2025

Chill & Delight suite With all the amenities you need at your fingertips
Seaside with sheltered garden and cycle trail access. Winter discounts now on.
Seaside with sheltered garden and cycle trail access. Winter discounts now on.
Carters Beach
Stay at this cottage in Westport. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions NBS Theatre and Miner's Brewery are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (24 reviews)
Holiday
"Lovely"

Reviewed on 5 Jun. 2025

Seaside with sheltered garden and cycle trail access. Winter discounts now on.
LLU Homes for Explorer
LLU Homes for Explorer
Westport
Stay at this vacation home in Westport. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Miner's Brewery and NBS Theatre are located ...
Kawatiri Bike Trail enthusiasts
"A bit of a surprise to find we (4) were sharing the house with the owners, plus a Canadian. We had thought that our 4 were going to have a bedroom each, as per the BookaBach description of the property. Two guys had to share a room.The owners were a delightful, very helpful Chinese couple, who made ..."

Reviewed on 28 Apr. 2025

LLU Homes for Explorer
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Westport

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
15
5 - Excellent 25%
4 - Good
36
4 - Good 60%
3 - Okay
9
3 - Okay 15%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

There could be more open on the weekend. Had to go to Reefton for breakfast on way out of town. I would have thought that cafes would have been open in Westport but the place was shuttered. not a good look on a holiday weekend with all motels full.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

very friendly residents, lots of easy to find public loos, lovely tidy town, would like to live there

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It was a nice town.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The Copper Pot restaurant in Palmerston St was brilliant. Breakfast options were limited and I struggled to find anything aside from a full cooked breakfast with a the meat (I’m vegetarian). I ended up with a perfectly good coffee and toast w jam.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Close to so many great destinations and attractions on the West Coast including Old Ghost Road (great hike!), Karamea caves and bush walks, Denniston visit was very special.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Seemed more alive then some news articles suggested. Lot of colour

Cities near Westport