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The highly anticipated Kawatiri Coastal Trail will officially open on Saturday, March 22, 2025, marking a major milestone for outdoor recreation and tourism on the West Coast.
The 40-kilometre trail, linking Westport to Charleston, has been years in the making, driven by community dedication and volunteer efforts, with $9.36 million in funding from the Provincial Growth Fund/Kānoa.
The trail’s first section opened in December 2020, and after years of hard work, all eight sections are now complete, ready to be explored by locals and visitors alike. Designed for walkers and cyclists of all fitness levels, the trail showcases the region’s rugged coastline, lush native bush, and rich cultural heritage. It offers multiple entry points, interpretive signage sharing Māori and European history, and scenic rest areas where visitors can take in breathtaking views.
The official opening event will take place at 1.30pm at the trail entrance on Rotten Row, Charleston, featuring a public blessing, ribbon-cutting ceremony, and official acknowledgments.
The celebrations will also incorporate the Charleston Markets and live music from 10am-2pm, creating a festival atmosphere for the community and visitors alike. Adding to the excitement, Underworld Adventures will host special Rainforest Train Trips throughout the morning, with proceeds donated to the trail, while Cycle Journeys will provide transport options for riders between Westport and Charleston, making it easy for people to explore the new route.
The Charleston-Westport Coastal Trail Trust has led the development of the trail, with funding through the Kānoa – Provincial Growth Fund. Trust Chair Richard Niederer said the project reflects the power of community collaboration, acknowledging the dedicated volunteers, private landowners, and key partners, including Ngāti Waewae, the Department of Conservation, Buller District Council, MBIE, Ngā Herenga ā Nuku, and Development West Coast.
“We are incredibly proud to see this project come to life. The Kawatiri Coastal Trail is a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared vision. It’s not just a trail; it’s an opportunity to connect with our land, our history, and each other,” says Richard.
The opening of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail comes at a time when visitor spending in the Buller District has reached record highs, reinforcing its potential as a major tourism asset for the region.
New data from Infometrics shows visitor spending in Buller reached $100 million in 2024, an increase of $13 million. The district recorded 14.9 per cent growth, one of the highest rates in New Zealand, while the West Coast region as a whole experienced 8.4 per cent growth, the highest of any region in the country. By comparison, nationwide visitor spending grew by just 3.7 per cent.
DWC destination and marketing manager Andrew Aitken says the completion of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail is a significant boost for the region, further strengthening the West Coast’s reputation as a premier destination for outdoor adventure and cycling.
“With visitor spending in Buller increasing nearly 15 per cent over the past year, the Kawatiri Coastal Trail will only accelerate that growth,” Andrew says.
“This is an outstanding asset that not only highlights the district’s spectacular landscapes but also encourages visitors to extend their stay, explore more, and support local businesses.”
