Cape Foulwind & the Coast
The West Coast through the eyes of a local
Glaciers, gold mines, rainforest, rain and more rain…is that what comes to mind when thinking of the West Coast? Join me on this short day trip to Cape Foulwind and let me show you what life really looks like around on the western side of New Zealand.
We’ll combine a classic walk along the ocean with local snacks, stories and the enthusiasm of my white shepherd Skadi skipping ahead of us – we Coasters love our Bushdogs.
Some of the highlights…
- Watch a fur seal breeding colony up close.
- Discover the Cape Foulwind lighthouse.
- Stunning views over the seashore and nearby mountain ranges.
- Local West Coast snacks and stories.
The path is well-maintained and leads over wooden platforms, past sandy beaches and native bush – perfect for a short but sweet Adventure. I’ve grown up around here and can’t wait to show you the beauty of our Wild West!
Drew
As a born and bred West Coaster, the bush is in my blood! I love showing off my beautiful Kāinga Tupu (homeland) and all it has to offer. I'm always exploring new places with my best mate Skadi, the white shepherd. My love for exploring the great outdoors is what drove me to leave my hectic day job and create a life that allowed me to get outside more. I'm a big fan of essential living, enjoying the simple things and staying away from material goods; you can get the benefits from all that out in the bush. If you hike with me, we'll visit some spots literally off the beaten track. The beaches on my Instagram are a prime example. I look forward to showing you the Coast!
Experience
- Knows the Coast and the "Coasters" like the back of his hand.
- Good knowledge of survival manuals and outdoor techniques.
- Has a “pretty mean beard”.
- Has lived abroad for 17 years.
- Basic First Aid Certificate.
A rewarding trip combining views, wildlife and history
We’ll start the day in Kiwi fashion, with a coffee and pie. Cape Foulwind is only a short drive from Westport, but I know an even better way to reach it: A walk along the beach, combined with some local stories and snacks. You’re here to explore and fall in love with this Jurrasic coast.
We’ll make our way to the start of the wooden platforms and can take our time at the seal colony before continuing to the lighthouse. The colony is also an important site for shearwaters and blue penguins.
In case you are wondering, Cape Foulwind has no bad smell to it. Originally called Tauranga by Māori, Captain James Cook named it a “place of foul winds” after his ship was blown off course by the strong winds around here.
I’ll tell you more about the history that shaped this area, the rich wildlife found around here and some hidden beaches and spots worth visiting before we retrace our steps to Westport.
Gear
All tours require the proper gear to ensure you’re having the time of your life, and are well prepared if things go south. It’s the real and rugged New Zealand out there!
Required
-
750ML Water Bottle
-
Day Pack
-
Hiking Pants
-
Rain Jacket
-
Recreational Footwear
-
Sunscreen & hat
-
Top Base layer
-
Warm hat & gloves (March to October)
-
Whistle
Optional
-
Cutlery & cup
-
Hiking Socks
-
Insect Repellent
-
Lighter / Matches
-
Personal First Aid Kit
Extras
There are add-on extras for this tour. These are the little things that’ll either make your Adventure easier to organise or more rugged - your choice. You can add these during the booking process.
-
Local snacks and refreshments
Let’s enjoy some typical West Coast snacks and drinks while we make our way towards Cape Foulwind. This can include tea, coffee, juice, baked goodies and other sweets. Simply message me about your dietary requirements and preferences.
+ $45 NZD
Q & A
Your Bushman has added a couple of answers to questions other Visitors have asked in the past to help you with your booking plans. Once you book a tour, you'll be in direct contact with your Bushman for more support.
-
When is the best time to see the seals?
You can watch them all year round, but the busiest time is the breeding season from November to February.
-
Will my kids enjoy this?
Definitely, it’s probably one of our best family-friendly walks around here! Fur seals are always a great hit with the kids (even though we have to keep our distance) and the lighthouse and beach will keep them entertained.
-
Could we just do this ourselves?
Of course, if you can find it. I have some tracks and spots that barely have routes leading to them. These criss-cross down onto the beach where no other human will be spotted. Not to mention, the local knowledge and history you'll get from me. This is where I'm from, it's where my family are from - I would love to welcome you in.
FAQs
Here’s a few answers to the more general questions about the whole journey. You can visit our help and support area for any further information or contact us via the chat function.
-
What is the refund and cancellation policy?
Bushman Tours sets a standard cancellation policy that can be found via our Terms & Conditions. This is globally set at 48 hours notice. However, Bushmen may add to this depending on the requirements for the Adventure (e.g. - hiring gear and renting equipment on your behalf). The final policy will be located at the bottom of the checkout, or you can reach out to us to check.
-
What happens if the tour is cancelled due to weather?
In most cases, the Bushman can arrange another day to run your tour, but this also comes down to when you're available if travelling through New Zealand. We recommend ensuring you have insurance for cancellation of any tours. If the Bushman has to cancel due to a health risk, we will call you to arrange another option.
-
What gear do I need?
Although we have a minimum requirement of gear, you will need the right equipment and gear that is relevant to the Adventure you're booking. This is usually found at the bottom of each tour page, but for our minimum, please visit our FAQs & blog page.
-
Can I hire gear/equipment?
In some circumstances, your Bushman will have equipment for you to hire. This is available to browse and book through the checkout. We may also have options through our checkout. Although you may be able to borrow gear during the tour, it's important to reserve it now.
-
What food shall I bring?
Depending on the length, this can vary. Your Bushman will advise on the tour page what is recommended for this particular Adventure, but typically, what we offer at checkout via the add-ons section is what you'll need. Keep it lightweight and nutritious if you buy your own.
-
Where do I meet my Bushman?
We always try to pick the closest iSite (Visitor Centre) to your Adventure's location. Instructions on precisely where to meet are sent after the booking is made. However, you can also message your Bushman and arrange another location as long as it's close enough to the region.
-
How much extra is it to add family/friends onto the booking?
If you book and find that more people want to come with you, we can arrange to add them onto the booking (this is dependant on the Bushman's preference to the number of people to take out). The more that book on the original checkout option, the cheaper the fee for each individual - so spread the word before you go to book! Please note, you cannot add or bring extra people 48 hours before the tour starts.
-
Can I talk to my Bushman before the Adventure?
Absolutely! Once you book, you will be able to login and chat directly to your Bushman through a private, secure chat. Here you can arrange some extras you would like to do, timings for pick up and much more.
-
Need more help?
In the area
Got a some spare days or need more inspiration? Check out similar Adventures in this region you can book with this one.
