-	All photographs of Westport

Westport is a coastal port town, in the West Coast Region on the South Island of New Zealand. Westport is located 233 km southwest of Nelson via the Buller Gorge and is connected to Greymouth, 105 km south, by State Highway 6. Situated on the northern bank, at the mouth of the of the Buller River, Westport is the gateway to the north-west coast.

Westport was the scene of a short lived gold rush, from 1864-1867, during this time major coal deposits were discovered in the area, so when the gold run out the locals turned to coal mining. Today Westport still operates New Zealand's only bituminous coal mine. Native forest logging also was a thriving industry in the area as late as 1999. The deep sea port at Westport serves as the gateway for the regions imports and exports. Today Westport’s main industry’s are dairy farming, fishing, coal mining and tourism.

Westport is not short on activities to keep you busy. West Coast surfing has some of the best and most consistent breaks in the country, you will enjoy a jet boat ride, go white water rafting or kayaking. Local fishing and hunting guides can point you in the right direction to enjoy the best game that this area has too offer. There are old mining tracks all over the region to explore on foot, mountain bike or one of the 4WD tours. Some of the old mineshafts in the region have been restored and are an interesting place to view the our history. There are plenty of places to try your luck at panning some gold. Local arts and crafts are also worth checking out, as is the West Coast Brewery.

South-west of Westport is Tauranga Bay and Cape Foulwind, the name was given by the explorer Captain James Cook for the difficult winds that they experienced while sailing in this area. There is a short walk to another one of the New Zealand's most accessible fur seal colonies. The nearby Charming creek also has a charming walking track, it’s a good place to experience the local flora and fauna, especially the chorus of the native birds in the Ngakawau River gorge.

Charleston, 25 km south of Westport, was the centre of a massive gold rush in the mid 1860’s. Today its limestone caves draw thrill seekers to the area to experience black water rafting and its exciting caving options.

Karamea, 98 km north of Westport on the coast, is the gateway to Kahurangi National Park, with it’s abundant wildlife. Here you might be lucky enough to see the rare Spotted Kiwi, short and long tailed bats or the native giant snails. Karamea is at the western end of the 82 km Heaphy Track, which is classed as one of the Great walks.

Westport is served by InterCity Coachlines from Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier, Greymouth and Nelson, Air New Zealand has 7 flights departing per week from Westport to Wellington.

There is a good range of accommodation here, but it does get busy throughout the summer months. We recommend that you pre book your accommodation.