Local Attractions

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The Westport Area

Approach Westport from the North - East through the magnificent Buller Gorge and from the South via the breathtaking Coast Road, rated in the top10 drives in the world!Set at the mouth of the mighty Buller River, Westport lies between the Paparoa Mountains and the Tasman Sea.Wide, desolate beaches and native bush abound. Enjoy the magnificent sunsets over the sea.

Coaltown Museum

Visit the Coaltown Museum in the i-Site building. Displays show the amazing achievements as well as the terrible hardship suffered by the miners and their families in their struggle to survive.

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Buller Court on Palmerston

Coaltown Museum
Buller Court on Palmerston

Pulse Energy Recreation Centre

Pulse Energy Recreation Centre

Have a swim, or visit the gym at Pulse Energy Recreation Centre!

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Seal Colony at Tauranga Bay

The seal colony can be found just out of Westport on the edge of Tauranga Bay. The 10 -minute track from the car park is suitable for wheelchairs and leads to viewing platforms directly overlooking the colony. Although the seals are at home all year-round, the best time to view them is October to March when the BIG BULL SEALS return to mate and the pups are at their most playful.

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Buller Court on Palmerston

Seal Colony at Tauranga Bay
Buller Court on Palmerston

West Coast Surf

West Coast Surf

Tauranga Bay is an idyllic surf beach, tucked into a sheltered bay on the stunning west coast. Lessons are tailored to the individual needs of the students, whether beginners or experienced surfers. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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Underworld Adventures

  • Take the Nile River Rainforest Train through lush vegetation, explore breathtaking pristine stalactites and stalagmites, then float through Glow-worm lit grottoes on a tube before bouncing down the Nile River rapids…that’s Underworld Rafting!
  • Not up for the rafting? Take the superb Gloworm Cave Tourtour which includes seeing the awesome "galaxies" of Glow-worms
  • Adventure Caving is full on expedition style caving, including airy abseils, fun climbs, squeezes and crawls!
  • The Nile River Rainforest Train is an adventure in itself, riding in open carriages through pristine rain forest in the magnificent Nile River Canyon

Suited to everyone, young or old

Allow 1.5hrs return from our Charleston Base

Trips depart 9am, 11.30am, 2pm (10am and 12,30pm in winter)

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Buller Court on Palmerston

Underworld Adventures
Buller Court on Palmerston

Rain Forest Train
Buller Court on Palmerston

Outwest Tours

Outwest Tours – Guided scenic off road 4WD tours

A choice of three unique adventures:

Explore the genuine wilderness, rugged terrain, fast-flowing rivers, deep gorges and waterfalls of The Mackley.

See the Denniston Plateau on an historic guided tour exploring early coal mining history of the plateau.

Go off the grid to meet Johnny and see the wild red deer in the depths of the Lost world of the Awakari Valley

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Punakaiki/Pancake Rocks

Part of the Paparoa National Park, the Pancake Rocks are accessed by the easy walk of approximately 20 mins right in the centre of Punakaiki, 50 minutes south of Westport. Formed over 30 million years ago, these ancient limestone stacks are the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast.

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Buller Court on Palmerston

Punakaiki/Pancake Rocks