Kawatiri Coastal Trail Out & Back
 

Words, photos & video: Deane Parker

To save a fortune on an overseas family holiday we decided a week in Charleston mid-July would suffice for a tropical getaway. One of the draw cards being the recently completed Kawatiri Coastal Trail. 40km in length, running between the mining, fishing, farming town of Westport and the quaint village of Charleston, via Cape Foulwind.

With the family off prospecting for their fortunes on a tour I decided to hit the trail on the Salsa Cutthroat and do an out n’ back on the southern section of the KCT.

To be honest it was mesmerising from the get-go, with the first section swooning down a gentle grade to the impressive swing bridge over the Waitakere / Nile River estuary. Then another several kms of easy going well gravelled trail to the big tōtara crossing, with the beach one side and the picturesque Paparoas and rolling farm land on the other. The next section of enjoyable coastal forest sections gently rolls back down to the beach.

That was 18km, I returned the same way on dusk and to be honest it was the best ride I’ve had in ages. The Buller District has many gems!

The Kawatiri Coastal Trail journeys through eight sections, with multiple access points allowing users to complete the trail in full or in parts. Each turn reveals ever changing coastline and dramatic natural scenery. Along the way, riders and walkers encounter suspension bridges, boardwalks, pristine wetlands, shelters and interpretive signage sharing remarkable stories and local secrets.

www.kawatiricoastaltrail.co.nz