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The Charleston–Westport Coastal Trail Trust has been named the winner of the Outdoor Access Champion Award by Herenga ā Nuku – New Zealand Outdoor Access Commission, recognising the Kawatiri Coastal Trail’s contribution to public access, community wellbeing and regional resilience.
Stretching 40 kilometres between Westport and Charleston, the Grade 2 walking and cycling trail was completed in March 2025 and has quickly become popular with both locals and visitors. The award will be formally presented in 2026 following a nationwide nomination and selection process.
Kawatiri Coastal Trail manager Edee Richards says the recognition reflects years of collective effort.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of many people over a number of years, from those who first shaped the vision through to our volunteers, project team, supporters and sponsors,” says Edee.
“We’re fortunate to have such an accessible trail that showcases our heritage, ecology and geology. As visitor numbers continue to grow, the community is beginning to see the positive economic impact the trail brings.”
Charleston–Westport Coastal Trail Trust chair Richard Niederer says the award acknowledges the creation of a long-term community asset.
“The trust is extremely honoured to receive the 2026 Outdoor Access Champion Award,” says Richard.
“Alongside the feedback from locals and visitors, this recognition shows we’ve created a publicly accessible asset that will be enjoyed for years to come.”
Herenga ā Nuku communications manager Stephen Day says the awards recognise projects that deliver lasting benefits.
“These awards are New Zealand’s way of saying thank you to people who have helped open up the outdoors to the public,” says Stephen.
The commission’s board reviewed nominations from across the country and selected the trust for its work developing the trail, recognising strong collaboration, improved public access, environmental and cultural outcomes, and support for economic resilience in the Buller district.
A key factor was the trail’s ability to open access across land that was previously unsafe or inaccessible, including agreements with 10 private landowners. The trail also provides a safe off-road alternative to sections of State Highways 6 and 67.
The project was nominated by Development West Coast nature economy project lead Zak Shaw, who says the trail is already contributing to regional growth.
“The Kawatiri Coastal Trail offers a world-class experience connecting rainforest to coastline, history to habitat, and locals to visitors in a single day,” says Zak.
“It is projected to generate $79 million in visitor spend for the region by 2031.”
The Outdoor Access Champion Award was last awarded on the West Coast in 2019 to the Mokihinui–Lyell Backcountry Trust for the Old Ghost Road, also located in the Buller district.
