Click HERE for a map of Westport and
surrounding areas
Westport is located on the
north-west coast of the South Island, at the mouth of the Buller
River, 63 miles (100 kms) north of Greymouth, and 141 miles
(226 kms) south of Nelson, both on State Highway 6.
It is believed that the area was
first settled by the Moari's as early as the end of the first
century AD. The first European settlers, who were gold miners
arrived in 1861, and the town grew steadily, and today the town has
around 4,000 permanent residents.
The town economy relied mainly on
the gold mining, in the early days, and this was supplemented by
coal mining, which still continues to this day. The other
main modern day economic activities that support the area are
fishing, dairy farming and to a lesser extent, tourism.
For the visitors, there are a
number of things of interest to do in the area, including rafting
and jet boating in the Buller Gorge, walking and hiking, horse
trekking, and Fur Seal watching in the Oparara Basin Arches
and Cape Foulwind coastal areas.
The area is relatively quiet with
tourists, so might be a good stop on a west coast trip for
some peaceful relaxation.
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS AND
PRICES ARE CURRENTLY BEING CREATED. IF YOU NEED DETAILS AND
PRICES AT THIS TIME PLEASE CALL OUR
RESERVATIONS TEAM.