Westport is hardly your average tourist town. Westport packs a serious punch with high impact activities and attractions that will leave you with a whirlwind of memories and thrills. You can discover a dream daredevil vacation in Westport with white water rafting along the mighty Buller River, jet boating and caving among the main local attractions. Sometimes, relaxing means blowing off a little steam. And you can definitely do that in Westport.
You can also discover a relaxing vacation in Westport, if that's what you're after. Visit local museums. Explore the history of Westport and the history of the coal and gold mining industries. Watch seals as they bask on rocks or walk the beaches of the Tasman Sea.
Getting in and around Westport
Westport Airport
This small airport has regular flights to and from Wellington, courtesy of Sounds Air. Flying is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get to Westport. Of course, driving is also an excellent option for getting to Westport with lots of beautiful scenery to see along the way.
Westport Transport
Cycling gets you to your destination more quickly, giving you more mobility in where you'd like to go. Walking is also a refreshing option for transportation. You'll enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Westport Car Hire
If you wish to travel beyond Westport to some of the popular nearby destinations, Westport car hire is recommended. Care hire is available at the Westport airport.
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Westport accommodation
Westport hotels are known for having unique charm and personality. Each resort, hotel or motel in Westport is different from the next. No matter what your budget is, you know you'll be staying in a quality, privately owned hotel. Cosy five-star lodge resorts and charming backpacker resorts bring the concept full circle, each with their own unique perks.
Luxury
Birds Ferry Boutique Bed and Breakfast is rustic and elegant. You'll love the cosy furnishings and the wonderful service.
The Bay House is a boutique island-style retreat that is only 15 minutes from Westport. The Birds Ferry Lodge is rustic and elegant. You'll love the cosy furnishings and the wonderful service.
The Punakaiki Resort has an elegant, modern aesthetic that is entirely unique and beautiful scenery to match the picture windows.
Mid-range
Archer House is a luxury bed and breakfast in a Victorian style heritage building. Charming Creek is a delightful, creative accommodation, drawing on the sights and sounds of nature for its inspiration.
Budget
Buller Bridge Motel is located on the beautiful Buller River. The motel boasts quality and comfortable accommodation for travellers on a budget.
Westport Motor Hotel is a quality establishment with every amenity accounted for. You'll be met with friendly service and cheerful decor. The Buller Bridge Motel is located on the beautiful Buller River, the motel boasts quality and comfortable accommodation for travellers on a budget.
The Westport Motor Hotel is a quality establishment with every amenity accounted for. You'll be met with friendly service and cheerful decor.
Backpackers
YHA Westport has a lovely, charming exterior that's the product of years of renovations. This is one hostel that you'll never want to leave.
Bazil's Hostel & Surf School is charming and colourful. Guests feel an instant sense of community and it's a great place to get to know other travellers. The TripInn Hostel has a lovely, charming exterior that's the product of years of renovations. The TripInn is one hostel that you'll never want to leave.
Bazil's Hostel is charming and colourful. Guests feel an instant sense of community and it's a great place to get to know other travellers.
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Things to do in Westport
Known for its rich history of coal mining and gold mining, many of the activities in Westport focus on the exciting background of the city. But for those who tend to grow weary of museum hunting, there are plenty of thrills to be had in Westport. Whitewater rafting and caving are just a few pastimes bound to get your heart rate up.
Coaltown Museum. Explore the history of Westport at the Coaltown Museum that showcases the coal mining and gold mining history in the area. Numerous artefacts and displays complete the experience as well as a simulated coal mine that's complete with sound effects.
Westport jet boating. Those seeking some edge-of-your seat fun will love this activity. See the surrounding natural beauty and enjoy the high-speed ride.
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Day trips in and around Westport
Cape Foulwind Seal Colony. This year-round seal colony is only 15 minutes from Westport and only a 10-minute walk from the car park. You will love seeing the new born pups born in December as much as the kids will.
Westport whitewater rafting. The Buller River is home to some of the best white rapids in the world and whitewater rafting is a very popular, high-thrills activity in Westport. Raft the Earthquake Rapids of the mighty Buller River with a skilled guide for a day of thrilling fun.
Nile River Rainforest Train. In nearby Charleston, you can experience the exotic beauty of the Nile River Rainforest. Board a charming train that will take you safely and comfortably through the forest where you'll see colourful wildlife and beautiful foliage.
Glow Worm Cave Tour. Also in Charleston, is one of the area's most famous attractions - the Glow Worm Cafe Tour. You'll explore the wonders of the underground in this spectacular activity that features spectacular glowworms and incredible rock formations.
Denniston. Historic Denniston is another great nearby township, just half an hour away from the centre of Westport. Here you can further explore the local coal mining history. It's also ideal terrain for hiking and mountain biking.
Westport Caving. There are numerous caves in the area that are fun and safe to explore on your own. In the Oparara Basin, for example, you can hike along the river to explore several interesting must-see caves. Just remember to bring a torch.
Pancake Rocks. See the incredible artistic talents of the Tasman Sea that's carved these spectacular, if not unusual, rock formations. You can walk along the 20-minute loop to see these rocks and blowholes. Check in at the Punakaiki Visitor Centre for details.
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