Access easements are the foundation of Kawatiri Coastal Trail

Before the bikes and walking shoes arrived, the Kawatiri Coastal Trail needed planning meetings and a series of easements over many different West Coast land parcels.

Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa was excited to witness the Kawatiri Coastal Trail's official opening in March 2025.

We have supported the Kawatiri Coastal Trail since the Charleston Westport Coastal Trail Trust started planning its route in 2015. A trail needs legal access over land before anyone can lift a spade or a hammer to begin building.

We have helped the trust obtain a written agreement from landowners that is transferable to a new owner should the land be sold. An Agreement to Grant an Easement (ATGAE) template was developed to do this. ATGAEs give greater certainty to trail builders working with landholders.

Herenga ā Nuku continued by helping to secure landowners' support, followed by the survey, creating easements, and constructing the route. We helped the trust use the Walking Access Act 2008 walkway easement tool, enabling it to manage the walkway much more as one unit rather than a string of separate sections. We have been working with the trust as it developed agreements with landowners, the Buller District Council and the Department of Conservation.

In 2018 and 2021, Herenga ā Nuku supported the Charleston Westport Coastal Trail Trust with Enhanced Access Grants of $17,000 and $15,000 to help cover the legal and registration costs of securing access agreements and easements.

Herenga ā Nuku Regional Field Advisor Inger Perkins is excited about the impact the trail is having on the West Coast. "As well as being a fabulous recreational asset for the district and the region, Kawatiri Coastal Trail makes it easier and safer for local people to walk and bike between communities," said Perkins.

More information

• Details of the opening ceremony
• The trail: The 55 km trail from Westport to Charleston is a family-friendly heritage cycle and walking trail. It passes through gold rush heritage sites and areas of high significance to Ngāti Waewae. Local trailbuilders built the trail to New Zealand Cycle Trail Grade 2 safety standards. It is mostly flat with gentle climbs on a smooth track, so it will be a pleasure for walkers and cyclists of all ages and abilities. It has several entrances and exit points so walkers and bikers can do short sections, and communities along the trail can provide hospitality and tourism.