31 Jul 2022

Work to extend West Coast's Kawatiri Coastal Trail set to begin

1:40 pm on 31 July 2022

Construction is about to start on a trail that will extend the Kawatiri Coastal Trail along the Buller River into Westport.

The all-weather, all-tide trail between the Buller Bridge and Toki Poutangata Bridge allow pedestrians and cyclists to complete the link from Westport to Carters Beach, Tauranga Bay and beyond. Photo:

The all-weather, all-tide trail between the Buller Bridge and Toki Poutangata Bridge is being funded by a $300,000 grant from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

Buller District Council's group manager of infrastructure services Mike Duff said the new route will have safety and wayfinding improvements, while being mindful of future developments.

It will allow pedestrians and cyclists to complete the link from Westport to Carters Beach, Tauranga Bay and beyond.

Future integration with flood protection infrastructure, including stops banks and flood walls has also been considered.

Also included in the $300,000 project is a north connector from the Toki Bridge pedestrian plaza up to the Floating Basin, Kawatiri River Trails and North Beach.

This route will follow established footpaths and streets through town with new line marking and signage for improved wayfinding and user safety.

"Both trails are integral to Westport's master plan and our district revitalisation strategy to position Buller as an attractive place to live, explore and invest. We are very grateful to MBIE for providing full funding for this project."

Construction of the connector trails will commence in August and is expected to be complete in September.