Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > West Coast > Westport - Buller - Reefton > Charleston Bays

Charleston Bays

Location

Halfway between Westport and Punakaiki along SH6 is the once thriving gold mining town, Charleston. The most well known bays are: Constant Bay, Joyce Bay, Ladies Bay and Doctors Bay. The turn off is well signposted.

Description

The reserve has parking, public toilets, and is a good place for a picnic or BBQ. It is also a good starting point to explore the tracks through the dense flax bushes. At the start of the reserve immediately to the left is a track leading to Doctors Bay and further to the Charleston Rocks, a popular spot for climbers on the 60m rockface. Pods of Hector dolphins are regularly sighted cruising the coastline. Wonderful views can be enjoyed from a variety of vantage points. Allow 1 hour.

There are 2 new tracks called The Argyll and The Bromielaw that are 2-3 hours each. They are open to the public but not advertised.

Amenities

• BBQs
• Carpark
• Lookouts
• Picnics
• Swimming
• Toilets

Discussion

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