The Honeymoon Guide to Westport

© Sven Martin - Tourism New Zealand

Romantic Adventure Activities

If you find romance in nature and the outdoors, you’ll love what’s available around Westport. The first that comes to mind is the nearby seal colony on the Cape Foulwind Walkway! Not only is the 1h15min one-way walk is an easy-going trail that won’t leave you huffing and puffing, but the highlight along the trail is a viewing platform above a New Zealand fur seal colony. While cute seals can be seen there all year round, the best time to visit is between November and February.

A hidden gem just south of Westport is the glowworm and limestone caves of the Paparoa National Park. Underworld Adventures can take you on various epic adventures to experience them, whether its a walking glowworm cave tour or a black water rafting and caving tour. Either way, you’ll see ceilings of stalactites and astounding glowworm colonies that rival those of Waitomo.

An icon of the West Coast, The Old Ghost Road is a hiking and mountain biking trail which offers a rewarding adventure for couples. The 85km (53-mile) trail that was once a gold miners’ road has been revived among majestic native forest, open tussock mountaintops, river flats and long-forgotten valleys. Evidence of the trail’s history still remains as you come across four ghost towns along the route. While accommodation along the trail is basic, there’s something romantic about the private timber sleepouts nestled among the forest, which are an option instead of staying in the bunk huts.

For more outdoor adventures, like the Charming Creek Walkway and Westport’s stunning beaches, check out the 9 Romantic Activities in Westport for Couples.

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Romantic All-weather Activities

Sure, it rains in the West Coast. In fact, it rains a lot! So if you get caught in Westport on a rainy day, don’t let the honeymoon celebrations come to a halt. Use it as a good excuse to check out the West Coast Brewery! Not only does the brewery in Westport offer craft beer tasting paddles but they also do brewery tours, taking you behind the scenes to guide you through the brewing process.

Couples can also use a rainy day to get inspired at one of Westport’s quaint art galleries. The Whakane Gallery is a good choice, which is also an espresso bar arguably pouring the best coffee in town. Alternatively, have a quick browse around the InterSpace Gallery of The Art Hotel to see contemporary art exhibitions.

Need more rainy day inspiration? See the 11 Things to Do in Westport on a Rainy Day.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Romantic Restaurants in Westport

Did we mention that Westport was a mining town? That vibe is still evident, which incidentally, doesn’t strike most couples as “romantic”. Nevertheless, we’ll do our best to give you some dining ideas for date night.

A highlight in the town is Johnny’s (62 Palmerston Street). Enjoy a relaxed dining experience cosied up in one of the booths with the fire roaring in winter. They have a tapas menu with meals designed to be shared and it’s a good place to try some of those famous whitebait fritters.

On your way in or out of Westport as you’re travelling along the Buller Gorge, stop by Berlins Cafe & Bar (1205 Lower Buller Gorge Road) for a coffee, Monteith’s beer, burger or other cheap bites. While the cuisine isn’t anything flashy, the relaxing cafe ambience with amazing views of the Buller River certainly is.

Finally, if you’re looking for a cute place for breakfast or lunch, stop by PR’s Cafe (124 Palmerston Street) in town, serving well-presented plates and coffees in a casual cafe environment with an indoor/outdoor flow.