Walks

In Buller Kawatiri, walking isn’t just a way to get from A to B. It is how you properly meet the place. Many of our most memorable spots are best discovered on foot.

From short riverside strolls and coastal loops to full-day alpine climbs and multi-day backcountry adventures, Buller offers walking and hiking experiences for every pace and appetite.

Expect wild coastlines, deep rainforest, dramatic gorges and layers of history woven through it all.

Around Westport

Kawatiri River Trail

The Kawatiri River Trail follows the mighty Buller Kawatiri River as it winds past bush, wharves and harbour edges, connecting Westport township with North Beach.

Starting near the Buller River Bridge, the trail threads through peaceful riverside bush before emerging near the historic wharves and Palmerston Street. From here, walkers and riders can continue toward the Floating Basin Boardwalk, crossing the harbour to enjoy expansive views back toward town and the mountains beyond.

From the boardwalk, options open up.

A gentle Harbour Loop offers a short wander, while continuing beside the Lost Lagoon leads to Shingles Beach and the tracks of the Kawatiri Beach Reserve.

It is an easy way to combine river, beach and town in one outing, with plenty of spots to pause or swim along the way.

Kawatiri Coastal Trail

This remarkable coastal journey stretches between the Paparoa Range and the Tasman Sea, offering one of the most varied trail experiences on the West Coast.

The route weaves together rugged headlands, forest pockets, wetlands, suspension bridges and sweeping sea views, linking places like Carters Beach, Cape Foulwind, Tauranga Bay, Ōkāri, Totara and Charleston. Interpretation panels along the way share stories of wildlife, industry and early settlement.

Whether tackled in sections or as a longer adventure, it is a trail that constantly reminds you how close mountain and ocean sit here.

Westport Domain

Tucked away on Menzies Street, the Westport Domain offers a network of easy gravel tracks through the remnants of lowland podocarp forest.

Set alongside the river, it is a sheltered and calming place for a short walk, especially on breezy days. Though some large trees were lost during Cyclone Ita, the area remains a favourite local escape.

Millennium Track

Time: 12 to 15 minutes
Distance: 1 km

Starting near the recreation area off The Esplanade, this short section of the Kawatiri River Trail follows the riverbank toward the town centre.

It is a quick but rewarding bush walk that delivers birdsong, river views and a sense of calm just minutes from town.

Granity and Northern Buller

Charming Creek Walkway

Time: 3 hours one way
Distance: 6.8 km

Following an old railway formation between Ngākawau and Seddonville, this walkway passes through a landscape rich in geological, botanical and industrial history.

Tunnels, coal mine remains and old sawmill sites sit alongside lush bush and river views.

A highlight is the suspension bridge overlooking Mangatini Falls. Shorter walking options are available from both ends.

Granity Dam

Time: 10 minutes return
Distance: 400 m

A brief walk from the Granity Millerton Road leads to the remains of an old dam and part of the incline rail system once used to haul coal down from the plateau. It is a quick stop that hints at the scale of the area’s mining past.

Millerton Bathhouse

Time: 20 minutes return
Distance: 1 km

Behind the old Millerton township, the concrete shell of the miners’ bathhouse marks the start of several short walks to mine entrances and building remains. Wide open views stretch from sea to mountains, pairing history with landscape in classic Buller style.

Cape Foulwind

Cape Foulwind Walkway and Seal Colony

Cape Foulwind is a place where coastline, wildlife and history come together. The headland is home to a permanent colony of kekeno, New Zealand fur seals, along with sooty shearwaters and little blue penguins.

Known to Māori as Tauranga, a sheltered anchorage for waka, the area later caught the attention of early European explorers including Abel Tasman and Captain Cook. Today, a well formed walkway allows visitors to experience the headland safely while soaking up expansive ocean views.

Tauranga Bay to Seal Colony Viewpoint

Time: 15 minutes one way
Distance: 0.5 km

A fully accessible path leads from the Tauranga Bay car park to a viewing platform overlooking the breeding colony. Seals can be seen year round, with peak numbers during summer.

Seal Colony Viewpoint to Cape Foulwind Lighthouse

Time: 1 hour 15 minutes one way
Distance: 2.9 km

From the viewpoint, the track follows coastal bluffs past the lighthouse. Interpretation panels along the way share stories of sea voyages, timber milling and early industry.

Upper Buller Gorge and Inland Walks

Lyell Walkway and Croesus Battery

Time: 45 minutes one way
Distance: 2 km

Beginning at the Lyell picnic and camping area, this gentle walk leads to the remains of the Croesus gold crushing battery. Along the way, you will pass a small goldfield cemetery and tailings left behind by early miners. The return can be made via the historic Old Dray Road.

Mount Glasgow

Time: Full day
Difficulty: Challenging alpine route

This marked route climbs to a high point on the Glasgow Range, reaching over 1400 metres. Suitable only in fine conditions and for experienced, well prepared walkers, the reward is sweeping alpine views that rival anywhere in the country. Expect a mix of forest, scrub and exposed ridge walking.

Multi Day Tramps

The Old Ghost Road

Stretching between Lyell and Seddonville, this legendary backcountry route follows an old gold miners’ path through remote rainforest, alpine tops and deep river gorges.

Now New Zealand’s longest single track, it is a bucket list experience for trampers and mountain bikers alike.

While demanding, those who prepare properly are rewarded with an immersive journey through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the region.

A range of supported options, including helicopter assists, luggage transfers and accommodation packages, also make the experience accessible to a wider range of walkers.

Buckland Peaks

Time: 5 hours to hut
Distance: 10.5 km

This demanding climb behind Westport leads to Buckland Peaks Hut, perched high above the coast.

The marked route is suitable only for experienced trampers, with alpine conditions possible at any time.

Denniston Plateau

Denniston’s windswept plateau is layered with coal mining history. Today, a network of tracks allows visitors to explore old routes, relics and viewpoints.

Denniston Bridle Path

Time: 3 hours up, 2.5 hours down
Distance: 4.2 km

Once the only access route to Denniston, this historic bridle path climbs steeply through bush. Side tracks lead to the famous incline and alternative exits.

Brakehead Walk

Time: 40 minutes loop
Distance: 1.1 km

A short loop passing early settlement sites, historic workshops and viewpoints.

Denniston Town Walk

Time: 40 minutes loop
Distance: 1.3 km

This easy circuit follows old streets, chimneys and residential sections, bringing the township’s past to life.

Coalbrookdale Walk

Time: 1 hour return
Distance: 2 km

Following part of the old roperoad, this walk passes tunnels, foundations and one of the country’s best preserved mine fanhouses.

Myra’s Track

Time: 4 hours return
Distance: 5.2 km

A steady climb to the summit of Mt William rewards walkers with expansive views across the plateau and coastline. Weather can change quickly, so warm layers and waterproofs are essential.

Good to know: Many Buller walks lead into exposed or remote terrain. Always check conditions, carry appropriate gear, and let someone know your plans. For detailed track information and maps, visit the Department of Conservation.

Punakaiki

Punakaiki is one of the best places in Buller Kawatiri to explore on foot. Walks here range from short coastal wanderings to multi day backcountry routes that cross the Paparoa Range. Along the way, you will move through lush rainforest, beneath towering limestone cliffs, beside narrow gorges and along clear flowing rivers.

Coastal walks offer chances to spot Hector’s dolphins offshore, while inland tracks are alive with birdsong. Conditions can change quickly, so it is always a good idea to check the Department of Conservation website for track updates and alerts before heading out.

Short Walks Less Than One Hour

Punakaiki Cavern Walk

This short walk leads down wooden steps into the cool interior of the Punakaiki Cavern. Inside, safe passages wind through limestone formations, with stalactites and glow worms visible in places. A torch is recommended, and there is no set time limit for exploring.

Time: As long as you like
Distance: 130 metres of cavern passages
Location: Approximately 500 metres north of Dolomite Point

Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Track

Beginning opposite the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre, this iconic loop track winds through coastal rainforest before opening out to the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes.

The track is sealed and suitable in all weather, making it a good option for families. It is wheelchair accessible with assistance, apart from an optional short section with steps.

Time: Allow around 45 minutes
Distance: 1.1 km loop

Truman Track

This walk begins in dense subtropical rainforest filled with ferns, nikau palms and native trees. The track leads out to a headland with sweeping coastal views.

The entrance is around 3 km north of the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre, with roadside parking available.

Time: 30 minutes return
Distance: 1.4 km

Half Day and Full Day Walks

Pororari River and Bullock Creek Route

This walk follows part of the historic Inland Pack Track, linking the Pororari River Track with Bullock Creek Road. The route passes through striking limestone formations within the Paparoa syncline.

After reaching the Bullock Creek flats, the return follows a gravel road back to the highway.

Time: 5 to 6 hours
Distance: 15 km return

Pororari River Track

A scenic rainforest walk that follows the Pororari River past large limestone boulders and deep pools. After around 15 minutes, a seat offers views into the limestone gorge.

The track becomes steeper as it continues toward the junction with the Paparoa Track, which is shared with mountain bikers.

Time: Around 1.5 hours
Distance: 7 km

Ballroom Overhang Track

This walk follows the Fox River upstream to the Ballroom Overhang, a large limestone shelter located about 500 metres upstream from the Fox River and Dilemma Creek confluence.

The area contains some of the finest limestone features in Paparoa National Park. The track starts from the car park at the Fox River mouth.

Time: 4 hours
Distance: 12 km return

Pororari and Punakaiki Loop Track

This loop combines the southern section of the Paparoa Track with the Pororari River Track.

From the Waikori Road car park, the track crosses the Punakaiki River by footbridge, climbs over the ridge separating the two river valleys, and returns via the Pororari Valley. A short roadside walk connects back to the visitor centre.

Time: Around 3 hours
Distance: 11 km

Cave Creek Memorial Track Kotihotiho

Starting from the car park on Bullock Creek Road, this track descends into the narrow chasm of Cave Creek, surrounded by moss covered rock walls and overhanging forest.

Renamed in 2020 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Cave Creek tragedy, the track is now known as the Cave Creek Memorial Track Kotihotiho.

Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Distance: 4 km return

Overnight and Multi Day Trips

Inland Pack Track

Built in 1867 during the gold rush, this historic pack track runs between the Punakaiki and Fox rivers, providing a safer inland alternative to early coastal travel.

The route gives access to some of the finest limestone and forest features in Paparoa National Park. There are no huts along the way, but camping is possible beneath the Ballroom Overhang.

Time: 2 to 3 days
Distance: 27 km one way

Paparoa Track Great Walk

New Zealand’s newest Great Walk crosses the Paparoa Range from near Blackball to Punakaiki, travelling through alpine tops, deep forest and open ridgelines.

The track can be walked or mountain biked and includes purpose built huts along the route.

Time: 2 to 3 days walking one way, or 1 to 2 days mountain biking one way
Distance: 55 km one way

Reefton

Reefton’s streets tell part of the story, but it’s once you step beyond the heritage façades that the town really opens up. Surrounding Reefton is the largest forest park in Aotearoa New Zealand, a vast landscape shaped by gold, coal and ingenuity.

Many of the walks here follow old tramways, pack tracks and mining routes carved through the hills during the quartz reef gold rush. Some begin right from Broadway, Reefton’s main street, while others require a short drive into the surrounding ranges. The Reefton Visitor Centre is a good first stop for up to date track information and local advice.

Bottled Lightning Powerhouse Walk

This short loop leads to the birthplace of New Zealand’s electricity supply, where Reefton became the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to have electric street lighting.

Starting from the Reefton Visitor Centre, the track crosses the Inangahua River before reaching the remains of the old powerhouse that lit the town in 1888. It is an easy walk with plenty of historical interest packed into a short distance.

Time: 40 minutes loop
Difficulty: Easy

Alborns Coal Mine Track

A scenic loop through regenerating forest and old coal mine workings, with views stretching toward the Victoria and Paparoa Ranges.

Along the way, you will come across remnants of mining equipment, including makeshift winches and an old Leyland lorry left behind from earlier operations.

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Distance: 2.7 km
Start point: Car park 9 km along Soldiers Road off State Highway 7

Kirwans Track

This classic backcountry route climbs steadily into the rugged Victoria Range, following a well formed historic pack track.

After around six hours of climbing, walkers reach Kirwans Hut, a modern 12 bunk hut set in alpine surroundings. From here, experienced trampers can return the same way or continue on past open cast quartz mine workings, descending steeply toward Montgomerie Hut via sections of an old cableway route.

Time: 2 to 3 days
Distance: 40 km round trip

Waiuta Town Walk

One of the West Coast’s most evocative ghost towns, Waiuta offers a glimpse into a once thriving mining community.

Founded in 1906, the town grew to around 600 residents before being abandoned when mining operations ceased in 1951.

Today, visitors can wander through the remains of shops, houses and recreation areas, with the Blackwater Mine looming above.

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Distance: 2 km return
Access: 16 km off State Highway 7

Prohibition Mine and Ball Mill

From the Waiuta town site, this walk climbs along Pro Road to the deepest mine shaft in New Zealand, sunk to a depth of 879 metres.

Recently restored, the site includes the foundations of the ball mill where quartz was once crushed to extract gold. The walk also offers wide views from around 580 metres above sea level.

Distance: 2.2 km
Highlights: Historic mine remains and elevated views

Snowy Battery Track

This track descends from the Waiuta town site to the remains of the Snowy River Stamper Battery, where ground quartz was processed for gold extraction.

The walk provides a close up look at some of the most impressive surviving gold mining machinery in the area, set among bush and river valleys.

Time: Around 2.5 hours return
Distance: 5.1 km
Highlights: Extensive industrial remains