Wild coastline, old mining towns, and places to breathe deep
Buller Bay is a dramatic stretch of northern West Coast coastline made up of small seaside settlements, historic communities, and untamed natural beauty. Including Mokihinui, Seddonville, Gentle Annie, Ngakawau, Hector, Granity, and Millerton, this is a destination for travellers who enjoy discovering places with character, history, and space to roam.
From surf beaches and river mouths to elevated historic plateaus and quiet coastal roads, Buller Bay offers a slower, more local side of the West Coast.
Why Visit Buller Bay?
What to See & Do
Scenic Highlights
- Gentle Annie Beach – A long sandy beach popular for camping, fishing, and coastal walks
- Mokihinui River Mouth – Where river meets sea in a striking natural setting
- Rugged coastal scenery between settlements
- Remote beaches, rocky shorelines, and expansive sea views
- Historic cottages and old mining settlements
- Quiet roads and uncrowded spaces ideal for slow travel
Walks & Tracks
- Beach walks along Gentle Annie and the Granity coastline
- Short township walks through old mining communities
- Access to nearby heritage walks and plateau landscapes
- River edge walks around Mokihinui
- Denniston – popular for hiking historic tracks like the Bridle Track and Brakehead walk and mountain biking
- Brittania Track – check for closure details (2026)
- Find your track on DOC website
Activities & Experiences
- Denniston Plateau
- Surfcasting and fishing
- Camping beside the beach
- Scenic coastal drives
- Photography and birdwatching
- Exploring old mining communities and heritage remnants
Wildlife & Nature
- Rich in birdlife, seabirds and coastal wildlife
- Native bush pockets and river habitats
- Dense, subtropical-like podocarp-beech forests, dominated by nikau palms, northern rata, and karaka trees.
- Rugged coastal scenery
Local Area Highlights
Mokihinui
At the northern edge of Buller Bay, Mokihinui is known for its powerful river, bush surrounds and remote coastal feel. It is a favourite for kayaking, whitebaiting, fishing and exploring one of the Coast’s most scenic river environments. The nearby river mouth and beaches are especially striking in changing weather and golden light.
Seddonville
Once a thriving coal town, Seddonville carries echoes of the region’s industrial past. Today it is peaceful, green and surrounded by native bush. It is a base for visitors wanting to explore the northern end of Buller Bay, nearby walks and historic landscapes.
Gentle Annie
A beautiful and lesser-known stretch of coastline, Gentle Annie is loved for its beach, open spaces and windswept beauty. It is ideal for beach walks, surfcasting, photography and travellers seeking a more remote coastal experience.
Ngakawau
Ngakawau is a small coastal settlement with strong mining roots and a dramatic natural setting. It is the gateway to the famous heritage rail trail leading toward the Stockton Plateau and is popular with walkers, cyclists and those interested in the region’s mining history. Drop in to the visitors information centre
Hector
Small in size but rich in character, Hector sits between sea and hills and offers a glimpse into classic West Coast life. It is a peaceful place to stop, enjoy the ocean outlook and experience the charm of a close-knit coastal community.
Granity
Granity is one of Buller Bay’s most iconic settlements. Once a bustling mining town, it now blends heritage buildings, sea views and a creative local spirit. Visitors enjoy browsing local spots, walking the beach, photographing historic streetscapes and soaking up the atmosphere.
Millerton
High above the coast, Millerton is one of the West Coast’s most remarkable historic sites. This former mining township on the plateau offers incredible views, dramatic landscapes and a sense of stepping back in time. The area is popular for walking, photography and learning about the scale of early mining life.
Waimangaroa
A small town north of Westport, offers a peaceful, scenic base on the West Coast, renowned for its rich mining heritage, access to the stunning Denniston Plateau, and close proximity to the Waimangaroa Gorge. Key highlights include walking tracks with spectacular sea views, historic industrial sites, and proximity to coal mining history.
Denniston Plateau
The Denniston Coal Mine – regarded for its dramatic, “eighth wonder of the world” incline railway history, breathtaking panoramic views from 518 metres up, and immersive historical relics. It is a top heritage site for exploring 19th-century mining, featuring remnants like the Banbury Arch, Coalbrookdale walk and panels of historic photographs and stories.
Close By
Westport 8km – The drive from Buller Bay to Westport follows a rugged stretch of coastline where dramatic sea cliffs, wild beaches and historic mining communities tell the story of the northern West Coast. Passing through small coastal settlements, the journey combines powerful ocean scenery with deep mining heritage and a strong sense of remoteness before arriving in the vibrant coastal hub of Westport.
Karamea 50km – The drive from Karamea to Buller Bay is a wild and unforgettable coastal journey where rugged ocean views, native rainforest and remote settlements combine to showcase the untamed beauty of the northern West Coast. Winding past places rich with mining history, windswept beaches and dramatic landscapes shaped by sea and weather. It’s a drive that feels remote, authentic and deeply connected to the raw character of the Coast.
Visitor Facilities
Facilities vary across Buller Bay’s small communities:
- Public toilets available in selected settlements and reserves
- Easy roadside and beach access parking
- Picnic areas at coastal reserves and beach locations
- Limited fuel, nearest major services in Westport
- Small local shops in some settlements
- Nearest major medical services in Westport
- Mobile coverage variable and patchy in places
Shopping
Shopping in Buller Bay is small-scale and local. Visitors may find convenience supplies, takeaway options, and occasional locally made goods depending on the settlement.
This is less about retail centres and more about supporting small coastal communities. For larger supermarkets and broader shopping options, Westport is the nearest main hub.
Food & Drink
Food options are limited but authentic, with local cafés, takeaways, and casual hospitality in selected townships.
Expect relaxed service, local conversation, and places where the setting matters as much as the menu.
Places to Stay
Buller Bay offers a range of accommodation for travellers wanting to stay close to nature:
- Beach campgrounds and holiday parks
- Motels and cabins
- Self-contained coastal stays
- Rustic retreats and holiday homes
- Mokihinui Beach Camp
Good to Know Before You Go
- Easy coastal driving north of Westport
- Wild and changeable coastal weather possible
- Best visited spring through autumn for camping and beach travel
- Mobile coverage patchy in places
- Fuel up in Westport before heading north
- Ideal for travellers who enjoy off-the-main-route exploring
