Hokitika to Westport
West Coast Self Drive Travel Guide.
Travel Facts
Distance: 137km (85 miles )
Approximately: 2 hours 5 minutes
Road Conditions:
State Highway 6 Hokitika to Westport.
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Hokitika - Greymouth - Punakaiki - Cape Foulwind - Westport
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From Hokitika to Kumara Junction (20kms) the road is interesting and easy traveling passing through coastal farmlands and historical places.
At Kumara Junction we follow SH6 north to Greymouth as we cross the Greymouth, Hokitika rail line. This is well sign posted.
An interesting stop is the HoneyPot Cafe at Kumara Junction, here you can Taste the Honey or purchase a memento from a range of local artisians.
From the Junction the road winds easily through the coastal bush and farmland to the Taramakau River crossing.
Here we cross on one of those unique features of New Zeland roads the single lane bridge. This bridge is even more unique in that it also provides the rail crossing for the Greymouth Hokitika Rail line. Remember the Train always has the right of way.
The road now winds over the coastal flats through Gladstone and Paroa to Greymouth approximately 20 minutes drive north.
Hokitika - Greymouth - Punakaiki - Cape Foulwind - Westport
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Originally a Maori settlement of cave dwellers, and known as Mawhera, the settlement (Greymouth town today), was a major place for Maori from the North and South who came here to trade for jade (pounamu) which they used for jewellery, weapons and tools instead of steel. It was harder, in fact, than most metals.
Modern Greymouth is the largest town and central hub of the West Coast, named for it's locality beside the Grey River the town has a population of around 13,000.
Here you will find, Shantytown, Garth Wilson Jade, On Yer Bike and many other attractions and adventures to occupy your time for a s long as you desire.
The town of Runanga 10km north of Greymouth is a classic mining village. Set between the Paparoa and Rapahoe Ranges there are several state mines in the vicinity. Along the way you will pass "On Yer Bike" where much fun can be had riding the muddy trails on 4x4 bikes or karts.
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At Rapahoe, the road meets the rugged coast, providing spectacular views and photo opportunities of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea all the way through to Punakaiki. White capped breakers and rugged rocks on one side, bush-clad mountains on the other side.
Approximately 9 miles north you come to the 9 Mile One Lane Bridge, the entrance and exit to this are steep and winding roads with tight corners, please take care. Slow down and be prepared to stop.
Although travelling north you have the right of way over the bridge, this is only yours if the road is clear.
Hokitika - Greymouth - Punakaiki - Cape Foulwind - Westport
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Punakaiki is famous for its pancake rocks and blow holes.
The centrepiece of the Paparoa National Park, the area is packed with a variety of stunning landscapes and offers many excellent coastal or inland walks among the many other attractions and adventures.
Seeing the Rocks and Blowholes is an experience you will remember, especially if the Tasman is a bit moody and the three blowholes are in action.
When the tide is right, and the sea is rolling from the south the blow holes are truely spectacular as the Tasman booms through them.
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The blowholes are caused by the incoming tidal surge bursting through rock funnels and chasms that are said to date back about 30 million years being created by layers of limestone, overlaid by rock and clay.
From Punakaiki the Scenic Drive continues following the coast line before winding round the Coastal ranges returning to the Coast briefly at Charleston.
Charleston
At Charleston, formerly a prosperous gold town, you can arrange underground rafting and cave exploring trips on the Nile River.
It is hard to imagine that in it's hay day the township boasted over 80 hotels, a hospital and three banks.
The limestone caves on the nearby Nile river offer a unique Underworld Rafting experience. There are also the RainForest Train, Glow Worm Tours and Gold Mine walks to be investigated in the area.
Mitchells Gully Mine just north on SH 6 is another opportunity to walk through the history and ancient beach that provided so much of the regions early wealth.
Hokitika - Greymouth - Punakaiki - Cape Foulwind - Westport
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Then it's back on the road and north west to Tauranga Bay and Cape Foulwind. To visit the Seal Colony at Tauranga Bay (14kms) on Cape Foulwind (13kms), take the left turn onto Wilsons Lead Road, the turning is well sign posted so you cannot miss it.
At the Cape we strap on the walking shoes to investigate the Walkway and Seal colony.
The Cape Foulwind Walkway is an easy to moderate walk that can take 30 minutes or 3 hours to cover the full walk. Features include, the breeding Seal Colony, Lighthouse and spectacular coastal scenery. Which is all awesome even on an over cast day.
From Cape Foulwind the final leg of the journey is interesting passing through farm and scrub lands to Carters Beach, a popular holiday and swimming spot, and then on to Westport.
Hokitika - Greymouth - Punakaiki - Cape Foulwind - Westport
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The largest town in the Northern Buller Region of the Coast, Westport is known as a coal mining town and a base for outdoor adventures. The local coal mining museum is a good place to learn more of the history of the town and region while experiencing the reality of being down the mine.
At the mouth of the mighty Buller River, the township can righfully boast as being the first port of the Coast. Founded in June of 1861 by an adventerous storekeeper Ruben Waite, who established a small permanent settlement after exploring Buller. Waite latter helped in the establishment of Greymouth.
There are numerous side trips to be enjoyed in the region, and awesome adventures to be had on the Lower and Upper Buller enjoy your stay.
Welcome to Westport ... enjoy your stay
This guide last Updated: February 2011.
Driving Distance and Times
The distances and times are based on travel at an average of 80 to 90kmph in good weather and light to medium traffic, allowing for a break of 10 minutes from driving in each full hour.
Allow extra time for:
Sight seeing, Heavier traffic conditions, Inclement weather and any other needs you have.
There are many factors beyond the authors and our control that can and will impact upon the true distance travelled and time taken to complete any journey.
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