Sun, 29th Mar, 2026 (part1) Kawatiri Beach Reserve, Westport to Motueka Quay freedom camp, Motueka, NZ (Buller River/Gorge area)

15 degrees, overcast and still this morning. I took photos of our little slide-out fridge as I think I missed doing that when we got the camper.

Headed back to Westport to top up the water tanks and use the dump point provided. I cleaned all the salt spray off the windows, mirrors and reversing camera so we are good to go again.

Nice Welcome sign and flowers.

Across the Buller River then left onto the Buller Gorge Highway. Haven’t seen any loaded cyclists up this way compared to down south. Heading into those mountains following the Buller River upstream.

Through farms - narrow waterway with rocky riverbed at the moment. Further up it is full width - view up Lower Gorge.

Lots of photos as we continue along the tannin-stained Buller River. Crossing little streams flowing into it.

Stopped at Kilkenny Lookout - downstream then upstream.

Continued on to a one lane section. Apparently there are lights at the other end to stop people as we come up but I don’t think they were working. Luckily no one was coming.

Someone had named things on Wikicamps - this tree is T-Rex.

Next is Uranium Point then we reach the narrow section and Hawks Crag. We had right of way but no cars about so all good.

This is the photo from my 1982 trip when we got out to watch the coach come through under the hanging rock. We were coming the other way. Should turn around and take another photo!

Pulled over to hopefully photograph another vehicle coming through. You can see how they carved out the rock to provide clearance for the vehicles.

Walked back along to get a great photo with the horseshoe bend in the river.

A car came along then a van went up the same way as my coach. Doesn’t looks as bad with a van!

Just got the photo of the Big Bug at Berlins Cafe. We didn’t stop to find out what type of bug it is.

Nice view of the river here too.

Turned away from the river as we follow the hill edge around a big flat area. Covered in green pastures for a while. The river is on the other side hugging the base of the mountains.

Back to the river again. Looks like lots of river stone in the high bank on the other side.

Continued on. View down to the Buller River where the Inangahua River flows into it.

We followed the Inangahua River around then crossed it as we reached the village of Inangahua.

Green farmland and big powerlines.

Right turn takes us back to Reefton which we visited before. We continued on towards Murchison.

Back to the river again but no many photo opportunities as we are higher than the river. Back down and the river goes left in a big sweep - white water rafting area.

Across the river on the old Iron Bridge over the Buller River - the lights are working here.

Pulled up and walked back for photos.

There was a side road going off alongside the river so walked along for a better photo.

Had a cuppa then continued on up the other side of the Buller River.

Crossed Lyell Creek then turned sharp left up to the camping area at the site of the old Lyell Township. Nice camping area. A tree landslide has left its mark.

Lots of info and those pesky sandflies.

Hard to imagine the town now. There is one house still here.

Scanned around the campground area.

You can pan for gold here. Don’t have a gold pan to see if there is any gold left. Nice door handle in the shelter.

More information about the ‘Old Ghost Road’ - mountain bike and hiker trail.

Walked down to a real suspension bridge - got very wobbly - not Steve’s favourite thing but he was fine.

Walked along the Old Ghost Road for a bit along the high slope. Nice clear water. Back over the bridge and up to the hut again.

Along a bit we found another sign about the walk to the cemetery and further on to the old battery. It is an hour and half return walk so we headed back to the camper as we have seen lots of stampers and cemeteries.

Continued on along the edge of Buller River on 7km of winding road. Passed a sign - ‘view of 1968 earthquake slip’ but we didn’t notice it.

Stopped at a lookout to check out the Brunner Memorial and a clock! Not sure what the clock was about. Maybe from the mine!

Great view - long way down - slip beside the car park.

At one end of the carpark I hear water - there is a little waterfall from creek off the mountain. 

Continued on the tree-lined road by the river. The road has all dotted lines even on the corners - which doesn’t make sense re overtaking.

Old building needing some loving.

Passed 2 guys on bikes. Across the one lane over the Newton River. It flows into the Buller River which is on our right.

Around big horseshoe bend where the Buller Gorge Adventure Park is. There is big swing bridge across the river, rafting, kayaks and gold panning but we didn’t go in.

Continued on across O'Sullivans Bridge over the Buller River.