Last Updated: 4th Nov 2024
Ōkari to Kawatiri on the Coastal Trail
Kawatiri Coastal Trail
Submitted by Stewie Stuart
Last Updated: 4th Nov 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 25 ?
Gnarl Factor: 11 ?
28.3km
215m
235m
Last Updated: 4th Nov 2024
Submitted by Stewie Stuart
Last Updated: 4th Nov 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 25 ?
Gnarl Factor: 11 ?
28.3km
215m
235m
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Beach
Coastal
Riverside
Open farmlands
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +1.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -1.6%
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4:30
Slow
3:30
Moderate
2:30
Fast
This trail run follows the Kawatiri Coastal Trail (KCT), a well-graded, 2m-wide, and clearly signposted cycle trail stretching from Virgin Flat Road to the Buller Bridge in Westport. Please note that parking is currently not permitted at the trailhead on Virgin Flat Road, so additional transport arrangements are necessary.
Starting at Virgin Flat Road, the trail heads east along the Ōkari section of the KCT, weaving through pakihi country. It then traverses Pamu farmland before crossing the Ōkari River via an impressive suspension bridge. Watch for the Kiwi sculptures on your right as the trail runs beside the river, flanked by lush native forest, where great spotted kiwi have been spotted. The path then transitions from bush to farmland, offering panoramic views of the Tasman Sea and the Paparoa Range from the elevated terraces. After descending through a wetland area, the trail leads down to Ōkari Road.
From this point, the KCT follows Nine Mile Beach toward Tauranga Bay, a historic route once used by miners heading to Charleston. The track meanders through dunes at the southern end of Tauranga Bay before emerging onto the beach, where surfers can often be seen. Continuing northward, the trail runs along the seal colony road, with water available in this area.
Do not head up to the seal colony; instead, follow the signs directing you back onto the KCT towards Lighthouse Road. You'll know you're on the right path when you cross a boardwalk surrounded by lush bush and nikau palms. The track gradually ascends for 900m before revealing a metal sign outlining the Paparoa Peaks, then descends through farmland to a beautiful native bush track, offering pure trail running bliss before reaching Lighthouse Road. Follow the KCT signs through Omau Domain, crossing SH67 to the old Holcim Haul Road. At the base of Holcim Hill, you'll cross SH67 again, rejoining the KCT and continuing through Carters Beach Domain before crossing Golf Links Road and Schadick Avenue.
The trail proceeds along the Pūwaha Section, meandering through historic farmland and leading to the towering, ship-like masts of the Martins Creek suspension bridge, which offers elevated views of wetlands, wildlife, and the broader West Coast scenery. The journey continues along a 700m boardwalk through pristine wetlands, a vibrant blur of green as you run by. Upon leaving the boardwalk, you’ll find yourself alongside fields rich in history—historic Māori archaeological sites dating back to around 1350, believed to be among New Zealand's earliest settlements. As you continue, the mighty Kawatiri River will gradually come into view. The trail culminates with a crossing over the Kawatiri Bridge, marking the end of your journey.
Kawatiri (Buller) River, Boardwalk through pristine wetlands, Lowland forest of large mataī, northern rātā and kahikatea trees, Kahikatea forest picnic and rest stop, Martins Creek suspension bridge, Whare Ngāhue (Shelter) with it’s informative interpretation panels, Historic Māori Archaeological Site of International significance dating back to around 1350, Impressive Okari Suspension bridge and other trail infrastructure.
Toilets are available on route at Tauranga Bay, At the end of Seal Colony Road, At the carpark at Lighthouse Road (500m detour) and Carters Beach Domain.
This can be run in either direction however presently, there is no parking permitted at Virgin Flat Road at the official start of the run which hampers a key swap. This is by order of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail Trust who have had difficulties with farmers in the area so please be respectful. It is therefore best to get dropped off at the start off Virgin Flat Road before being picked up again at the end in Westport. Alternatively, you can always hitchhike from the end of the trail at Buller Bridge and start the trail where Virgin Flat Road meets SH6. Adding on 6.4km to the start of the run with this being mainly a decent and a good warmup.
10 km
15 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Do not go up the seal colony track, ensure you follow the footpath and continue along the KCT.
Very patchy.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries
It is not recommended to take water out of the rivers and streams along the trail due to farmland draining into these areas. Water is available at the Seal Colony Carpark at Tauranga Bay as well as Carters Beach domain. Make sure for the first half of the run to bring adequate supplies.
The west coast weather is very changeable. Even though this is a well graded cycle trail, it is still reasonably remote, particularly the first section. In summer, the coast can get incredibly hot so prepare accordingly and wear sunscreen.
This is a cycle trail so it is recommended to not be wearing in ear headphones. There are numerous blind corners and switchbacks where cyclists can sneak up on you at great speed.
Donaldos Beach Bar & Takeaways
23 Marine Parade, Carters Beach
https://donaldoscafe.co.nz/
Rolled icecreams, fish and chips, dairy goods, restaurant dining.
Freckles Cafe
216 Palmerston Street, Westport
https://www.facebook.com/p/Freckles-Cafe-100057034526729/
A local favorite. Has the best mince pasties and some of the best coffees in town.
Whanake Gallery & Espresso Bar
173 Palmerston Street
Real Fruit Icecreams, Coffee & Art.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Ōkari to Kawatiri on the Coastal Trail
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These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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