WEST COAST 3
CAPE FOULWIND WALKWAY
This spectacular coastal walkway features a seal colony, a lighthouse and panoramic views of mountains and coastline. Panels along the track tell stories of Māori history, sea voyages and early explorers. From the seal colony, a longer walking track leads to Cape Foulwind lighthouse. Return the same way or arrange transport from Cape Foulwind car park.
Where is it? The track is about 16km southwest of Westport. Follow Cape Foulwind Rd (SH 67A) for 11km to the former Holcim cement works. Turn left into Tauranga Bay Rd to access the Tauranga Bay car park (southern end). For visitors doing the longer walk, which includes the seal colony and the lighthouse, there is access from Cape Foulwind lighthouse car park (northern end).
Need to know
TRACK OVERVIEW Starting at the southern end of the walkway, a short walk from the Tauranga Bay car park takes you along the fully wheelchairaccessible path to the viewpoint overlooking the Tauranga Bay seal colony. You can then return to the Tauranga Bay car park or continue the walking track over undulating farmland with an occasional stile over fences to the Cape Foulwind lighthouse and car park. From the viewing platform near the lighthouse, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Paparoa Range and Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana and along the western coastline, both north and south.
Cape Foulwind © Miles Holden / Tourism NZ
1hr 15min; 3.4km one way (car park to seal colony 30min, 1km return)
TRUMAN TRACK 4
Low-moderate fitness required
With forest trails and coastal views, this is an easy West Coast walk with excellent information panels.
Flat/undulating track
Where is it?
Access for dogs on a lead only
www.palmcourtwestport.co.nz
From SH 6, the track starts 3km north of the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre in Punakāiki.
Terrain Well-formed and maintained paths.
No dogs
Reservations: 0800 472 567 306 Palmerston St, Westport Phone/Fax: +64 3 789 7247 Email: palmcourtwpt@xtra.co.nz
• Sunny location • Walk to shops • Motorcycle & cycle friendly • Free WiFi • Tariff: from $115 (2 persons), extra $15 Well-travelled tourists say “the best motel we’ve stayed at”
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The walk is one-way and you'll need to arrange transport from Cape Foulwind car park or return along the same walkway. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather on this coastal walk; carry a weatherproof or windproof jacket, hat and gloves.
30min; 1.4km return Basic fitness required Easy walking track
TRACK OVERVIEW The short but delightful Truman Track takes walkers through pristine subtropical forest where flourishing stands of rātā loom above the path and nīkau palms are found. If the forest alone wasn’t pretty enough, eventually you will pop out on to the fabulous cliff-lined coast with caves, a blowhole and a waterfall that thunders onto a rocky beach. Go down the stairway to gain access to the beach, but know this is a very boisterous coastline so keep your wits about you as you explore. And be respectful of the wildlife; you’ll see all sorts down here from petrels to fur seals, weka to Hector's dolphins and, when the kōwhai are in flower, the birds flock to this neck of the woods. If it’s low tide and you’ve time to explore the rock pools, look out for the magnificent starfish who also live here.
