Whether you’re into recreational boating, commercial fishing, or a key player in the primary industries, Westport Harbour has you covered.
The harbour and its facilities are run by Buller District Council. For decades, Holcim New Zealand shipped locally made cement out of the port until its Cape Foulwind plant closed in 2016.
Several significant improvements have been made to the harbour’s facilities in recent years, thanks to a $4M funding boost from the Provincial Growth Fund, with further support received from the Regional Infrastructure Fund in March 2025.
The new funding will enable construction of a roll-on roll-off (RORO) ramp in the Floating Basin, allowing direct-to-land barge shipments of vehicles and supplies such as fuel that may not be accessible if road and rail access to the West Coast is compromised in a natural hazard event.
The existing floating pontoon marina berths installed in 2021 will also be extended, expanding the port’s berthage capacity. Dredging work has been completed on the channel for the RORO ramp, and work to improve the main wharf buffers, as well as the design and build of the additional floating pontoons, is due to commence in mid-2026.
What’s on offer?
Once safely in port, recreational and commercial fishing boats can find everything they’ll need. Take advantage of the renovated marina and mooring facilities; since late 2021, crews have been enjoying the greatly enhanced port experience, making the most of the secure, comprehensive facilities just a stone’s throw from their boats.
Need to unload your catch? Power, water, ice, fuel and wharf facilities—you name it, it’s here. Recently renovated crew amenities are also on offer, including shower and toilet facilities, plus a full laundry with a washing machine and clothes dryer.
Harbourmaster Domonic Venz has a nautical background as broad as it is deep, including considerable experience as a safety inspector and investigator for Maritime New Zealand. He welcomes recreational craft to Westport Harbour and offers important safety advice for a safe passage to and from the port:
“We appreciate that skippers coming into Westport are the experts when it comes to their own vessels, but we want to provide them with as much good-quality information as we can to ensure a safe passage in and out of our harbour. Skippers are encouraged to plan ahead – they are welcome to make contact with the port team on 0800 497 8427 and have a conversation so they can allow sufficient time to get in ahead of the weather.”
Comprehensive harbour website
Skippers are encouraged to check the Westport Harbour website, which displays all-important information to help visitors plan their voyages and make informed decisions before they cross the bar and enter the safety of Westport Harbour.
The website gives crews access to high-quality bar soundings, which are taken at least fortnightly. It also displays tide and wind information, relevant local weather conditions and river flow data provided by the West Coast Regional Council. You’ll also find webcam footage providing two views of the Buller River mouth at five-minute intervals, as well as a time-lapse of the previous day’s images.
“While we do our best to keep the bar as well-managed as possible, it’s really important that skippers entering Westport Harbour observe the relevant bar safety guidelines, which include only crossing an hour either side of high water. They must also make an ‘all ships’ call on VHF Channel 14 on every entry and exit. Safety first, always” explains Domonic.
Westport Harbour looks forward to welcoming you this summer—the harbour team is keen to receive feedback from port users so they can continually improve the Westport Harbour experience.
Click here for a link to Westport Harbour website.
Thanks to the series contributor Anna-Marie Barnes from Buller District Council for this amazing view of Westport.
