Travel Information

Westport’s climate is similar to Nelson and Golden Bay – moderate to warm (normal range of around 9 – 25 celsius), frost-free in winter, but wetter than the Nelson region.  The lush sub-tropical nikau palm-studded rainforest needs regular water to stay beautiful and green.

Main routes to and from Westport

The Lewis Pass from Christchurch, Kaikoura or Hanmer Springs (the lowest crossing of the Alps) with beautiful beech forests and landscapes via Reefton to Westport.

Arthurs Pass from Christchurch to Greymouth linking into the Coast Road to Punakaiki and Westport. The Coast Road (the section of State Highway 6 between Greymouth and Westport), was recently rated by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten drives in the world.

The Glacier Highway (State Highway 6) from Haast through Fox and Franz Joseph Glacier Villages to Hokitika and then Greymouth, linking with the Coast Road north to Westport.

Picton/Blenheim to Buller via the Wairau Plains, St Arnaud/Nelson Lakes, Murchison, the Upper Buller Gorge and the magnificent World Heritage Lower Buller Gorge to Wesport.

Golden Bay, Abel Tasman and Nelson to Westport route via  State Highway 6 through Richmond, the Spooner Range and the Hope Saddle to Murchison and the Buller gorges.

Drive Times & Distances getting to and from Westport

Please note the below times are approximate and depend on the vehicle and conditions, etc.

Getting here by public transport

There are daily bus services and shuttles into Westport from all major feeder regions – Nelson/Marlborough, Christchurch and North Canterbury (Hurunui), the Grey District and the Glacier Region, including East West Coaches Christchurch connection, the InterCity bus Nelson–Greymouth connection; and Westport Shuttles offering return travel from Westport to Nelson, Christchurch daily and Picton & Blenheim on request.

Check with the Westport i-SITE for up to date services and availability – phone 03 789 6658, email westport.info@coaltown.co.nz.

You can also travel in comfort through the Southern Alps on the train from Christchurch to Greymouth. Pick up your rental car or connect with other transport services right where the train stops.

You can fly to Westport in under an hour three times a day via Sounds Air