Nelson to Westport
West Coast Self Drive Travel Guide

  Travel Facts
Distance: 226 km ( 141 miles )
Approximately: 3 hours 45 minutes
Road Conditions:
State Highway 6 Nelson to Westport.

This guide sponsored by: Buller Gorge Swing Bridge.

 

Nelson - Kawatiri Junction - Murchison - Inangahua - Westport

The first section of the journey is quickly covered as we pass through Wakefield and Belgrove before crossing Spooners Saddle in the Golden Downs Forest. Soon after crossong the saddle we arrive at Kohatu Junction where SH 61 from Motueka joins State Highway 6.

Kawatiri Junction, Nelson Tasman, New Zealand

From Kohatu Junction continue on State Highway 6 through the Motupiko River Valley over the Hope Saddle and on to Kawatiri Junction and our meeting with the mighty Buller River.

From the Hope Saddle you can get excellent views of the surrounding lanscape and mountain ranges that are the source of the Gowan River that flows into the Buller just before Gowanbridge in the Upper Gorge.

At the Kawatiri Junction State Highway 63 meets our route State Highway 6. There are a number of short walks in the area centered around the Historic railway.

 

Nelson - Kawatiri Junction - Murchison - Inangahua - Westport

Murchison, Nelson Tasman, New Zealand

From Kawatiri the road follows the mighty Buller through 35kms of farmed river flats and Beech forest to Murchison.

Although part of the Nelson Region, Murchison is our first introduction to the glory and green that is the scenic beauty of the West Coast and Buller Region.

First known as Hampden, Murchison sprang to life with the discovery of gold and later grew into farming.

Devastated on the 17th of June 1929 by an earthquake that killed 17 people as it wrenched the mountainsides blocking rivers and cutting roads. The Museum here is well worth a visit.

 

Nelson - Kawatiri Junction - Murchison - Inangahua - Westport

Just after leaving Murchison the Buller River enters the upper Gorge where the earthquake slips and river rapids are a spectacular sight. At O'Sullivans bridge we cross the Buller and a few minutes later come to the Buller Gorge Swing Bridge.

Buller Gorge Swing Bridge
SH 6 Buller Gorge Road.

At 110 metres in length the Buller Gorge Swingbridge is New Zealands longest swing bridge, and stands a clear 17 metres above the Buller River.

Gold Rush Jet on the Buller, New Zealand

Activites here include, numerous walks from 15 minutes to an hour, Gold Rush Jet Boat, Supaman rides and the Flying Fox, (Zip line) across the river.

At Lyell there is an interesting 90 minute return walk through the forest to a stamping battery which crushed gold-bearing quartz from the Croesus Mine.

Other features along the way include a goldfield cemetery and interesting tailings (mounds of stones) left by alluvial miners after gold-bearing gravels had been sluiced away. Return the same way.

The walkway begins at the Lyell picnic and camping area, located 35 km from Murchison, the area is well sign posted.

Inangahua

The township of Inangahua was devasted by the earthquakes of 1928 and 1967 that hit the region. The Inangahua Hall has an excellent historic display recounting the tremendous power of these two events.

 

Nelson - Kawatiri Junction - Murchison - Inangahua - Westport

From here the drive to Westport follows the Buller around the edge of mountains, skirting river flats to Berlins and on to the Lower Gorge Road. At Hawkes Crag the road way is a single lane that is literally cut into the mountain side.

With banks of native Rata giving way to farmed river flats this final leg to Westport is an easy journey rising over lowland hills to the township at themouth of the mighty River.

Westport

Westport. Buller, West Coast. New Zealand

Westport is the largest town of the Buller 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.

 

Welcome to Westport and the Buller - enjoy your stay.

This Guide last Updated: February 2011