West Coast on wheels
Amidst a glowing 27 percent increase in January visitor numbers, The West Coast Te Tai Poutini stepped into 2026 with economic optimism. If you want a taste of those high vibes, we suggest you head west on wheels. By two or by four, the region’s untamed natural wilderness, natural treasures and rich landscapes are way better on a road trip or cycling the Kawatiri Coastal Trail. Find your guide on the following pages.
Follow the coast along the Kawatiri Coastal Trail
The Kawatiri Coastal Trail is a 40km multi-use trail linking Westport and Charleston. Set between the mountains to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west, it offers a journey through some of the West Coast’s most breathtaking and distinctive landscapes.
Weave through native forests and natural landscapes with the sound of the sea never far away, the Kawatiri Coastal Trail is the fresh escape you’ve been dreaming of. Designed for a wide range of users, the trail invites everyone from families and school groups through to bikepackers, trail runners and handcyclists. Tackle the full 40km in one go or explore the sights in smaller sections across eight accessible stages.
Defined by its ever-changing surroundings, the trail follows the natural landscape as it winds through forest, skirts wetlands, crosses rivers and opens out to long stretches of beach. For travellers from Canterbury, landscapes shift immediately upon entering the West Coast, welcoming a different pace and atmosphere, shaped by weather, water, and a strong connection to place.
The Kawatiri Coastal Trail offers a way to experience that environment up close. Its flexibility makes it easy to tailor a visit, whether a shorter outing or a longer day on the trail. Either way, it’s your chance to spend time outdoors in a setting that feels distinctly West Coast.
One trail user dubbed the Kawatiri Coastal Trail “New Zealand’s longest short ride,” because of the expansive amount of things to experience in just a 40km trail. In places it is smooth and flowing; in others, it reflects the contours of the land more closely. That variation is part of its character, offering an experience that feels connected to the environment it moves through.
Supporting the Buller District
In a small district like Buller, the impact of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail is significant. The trail’s popularity welcomes thousands to the region, supporting local businesses, accommodation providers and services, and creating wider economic benefit for the community. It’s a valuable local asset, providing access to nature and supporting wellbeing for residents, schools and community groups who use it regularly. For many, it has become part of everyday life as much as a visitor experience.
Ongoing support is essential to keep the trail safe, accessible and enjoyable for everyone, ensuring this special Buller taonga continues for years to come. All trail maintenance and improvements are funded through donations and grants, and there are ongoing opportunities for partnerships with businesses that align with the trail’s values and can contribute to its
long-term sustainability.
Come and see New Zealand’s longest short ride for yourself. Find out more and plan your trip at kawatiricoastaltrail.co.nz.
