Westport

Travel Guide

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

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 Bridge Motel

Buller Bridge Motel

3 out of 5
32a The Esplanade, Westport
The price is ¥11,057 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
¥11,057
¥12,732 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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 Jun 14, 2025

Buller Bridge Motel
Buller Court on Palmerston

Buller Court on Palmerston

4.5 out of 5
235 Palmerston Street, Westport
The price is ¥10,208 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
¥10,208
¥11,770 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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 Jun 4, 2025

Buller Court on Palmerston
Westport Spa Motel

Westport Spa Motel

3 out of 5
239 Palmerston Street Street, Westport
The price is ¥11,339 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
¥11,339
¥13,075 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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! (400 reviews)
"Was expecting for there to Be spas in each room. But found out there are only 2 rooms in the whole complex that have spas"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Westport

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 20%
4 - Good
11
4 - Good 73%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Westport was a stopping point for our drive so we did not explore much of Westport. It was a good stopping point from Auckland when traveling down the west coast. We did stop at Cape Foul nearby which was beautiful..

5/5 - Excellent

Dawn

Whitewater rafting with Wild Waters Adventures was fantastic!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We went to Oparara Arch.