Reefton to Westport
West Coast Self Drive Travel Guide
Travel Facts
Distance: 77km (48 miles)
Approximately: 1 hour 10 minutes
Road Conditions:
State Highway 69 Reefton to Inangahua Junction
State Highwya 6 Inangahua Junction to Westport.
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Reefton - Inangahua Junction - Westport
This drive from Reefton to Westport is an easy comfortable journey over one of New Zealands most scenic routes the Buller Gorge Road.
Beginning in Reefton we follow State Highway 69 across the Inangahua river flats through farmlands between the Paparoa and Victoria Ranges to the junction with SH 6 and the the mighty Buller River.
Inangahua Junction
The township of Inangahua lies to the east of the junction (5 minutes). 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.
Reefton - Inangahua Junction - Westport
From the junction the drive to Westport follows the Buller around the edge of mountains, skirting river flats to Berlins through the Lower Gorge Road. At Hawks 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 the mouth of the mighty River.
Reefton - Inangahua Junction - Westport
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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 - 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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