Framed by New Zealand’s spectacular alpine beauty, Buller invites you into a community where visitors quickly feel like locals. Here, every day begins with awe-inspiring views, thrilling adventures, and flavours from our celebrated food and wine scene.
So come on in, explore, and start crafting your perfect Buller escape.
The largest town in the Buller District and its commercial hub, Westport sits on the coast where the Buller River meets the Tasman Sea. Once built on coal mining and gold, today it’s a lively service centre with cafés, shops, galleries, and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy surfing, river rafting, or exploring nearby Cape Foulwind with its fur seal colony and spectacular coastal walkways.
Known as the “Town of Light” for being the first place in the Southern Hemisphere to have electric streetlights in 1888, Reefton has a rich gold-mining history. Today, its charming main street is lined with heritage buildings, boutique shops, and quirky cafés. It’s a popular base for outdoor adventurers, offering mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and access to Victoria Conservation Park.
A small coastal town north of Westport, Granity was once a bustling coal mining settlement. Now it’s a quiet, scenic spot known for its rugged coastline, friendly locals, and strong arts community. The Granity Museum tells the story of the area’s mining past, while nearby beaches and tracks offer opportunities for walking and photography.
At the northern end of the Buller District, Karamea feels like a world of its own. It’s the gateway to the remote northern entrance of Kahurangi National Park and the famous Heaphy Track. Visitors flock here for the stunning Oparara Basin, with its natural limestone arches and caves. The town has a relaxed, off-the-beaten-path vibe, with local markets, arts, and community warmth.
A rural settlement north of Granity, Seddonville is steeped in mining history and surrounded by rugged landscapes. It offers access to scenic bush walks, including the Charming Creek Walkway, which follows an old mining railway line past waterfalls, tunnels, and native forest.
Once a thriving 19th-century gold town, Charleston has transformed into an adventure tourism destination. It’s famous for caving, caving tours, and glowworm experiences, particularly in the nearby Nile River caves. The area also offers white-water rafting, coastal walks, and insights into its gold-rush past.
