Charleston Travel Guide

Explore Charleston, the culturally and naturally rich destination in New Zealand. Discover its must-visit places, hiking/biking trails, food & drink scene, local culture & customs, etc.


Introduction to Charleston

Charleston, a charming village in the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is a hidden gem for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Dotted with ancient forests, pristine beaches, and rugged cliffs, Charleston makes for a perfect itinerary stop between Punakaiki and Westport. With a rich cultural and historical background, Charleston is also popular for its museums and historical places. If you’re planning a trip to the South Island, make sure to explore what Charleston has to offer.

List of Places to Visit in Charleston

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Charleston offers unique opportunities to experience New Zealand’s culture and history.

  • Underworld Adventure: A popular cave and gold mine tour, Underworld Adventure narrates the stories of the West Coast gold rush era, and visitors get to explore the cave’s beautiful formations.
  • Coaltown Museum: Discover the story of the region’s mining industry through the displays of artifacts and photographs.
  • Historic Schoolhouse: Built-in 1887, this historic schoolhouse features a unique blackboard and other school-related items.

Natural Attractions of Charleston: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For nature enthusiasts, Charleston’s outdoors are a must-visit.

  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes: Explore the natural formation of pancake rocks and blowholes in Punakaiki, a 20-minute drive from Charleston.
  • Charleston Beach: This beautiful and secluded beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and lush-green forests.
  • Limestone Cliff Walkway: Take a 35-minute hike through the native forest and be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of Charleston Bay from the top of the cliffs.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Charleston

Charleston offers an unparalleled experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some trails worth exploring:

  • Inland Pack Track: This track, a four-hour hike, follows the old horse and pack track used in the 1800s to deliver goods to the gold miners.
  • Coal Creek Walkway: A 30-minute walk, this short track passes through the Charleston historic railway tunnel.
  • Charming Creek Walkway: A one-hour drive from Charleston, Charming Creek Walkway takes you through historic coal mines, old railway bridges, and beautiful waterfalls.

Best Things to Do in Charleston: Activities and Tours

Charleston offers plenty of activities and tours to make your trip memorable. Some of the best ones are:

  • Horse-riding: Explore Charleston’s beaches and forests on horseback with Charleston Horseback Adventures.
  • Jet boating: Get an adrenaline rush on the Buller River with the guys at Tatare Tunnels Jet.
  • Kayaking: Take kayaking trips in the estuary at the Paparoa National Park with one of the many tour companies.

Week-Long Itinerary for Charleston

Day 1 Arrival, check-in accommodations
Day 2 Charleston Beach & Limestone Cliff Walkway
Day 3 Visit to the Coaltown Museum & Historic Schoolhouse
Day 4 Full-day trip to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes
Day 5 Jet boating and kayaking on the Buller River
Day 6 Inland Pack Track hike
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Charleston

Must-Try Dishes

  • Meat pies: These delicious pastries are a must-try when in Charleston. They’re made with a savory filling of beef mince and vegetables.
  • Whitebait: A local delicacy, these small freshwater fish are found only in New Zealand’s coastal streams.
  • West Coast seafood: Fresh seafood like oysters, salmon, and crayfish can be found in many local restaurants.

Local Beverages

  • Beer: Monteith’s Brewery, located just an hour away from Charleston, offers some of the best brews in the region.
  • Wine: The West Coast region is also becoming known worldwide for its wine.

Where to Stay in Charleston: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Charleston offers a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences.

  • Omau Settlers Lodge: A luxurious lodge located between Westport and Charleston, Omau Settlers Lodge offers stunning views of the Tasman Sea and has an award-winning restaurant.
  • Charleston Lodge: A boutique accommodation located close to Charleston’s attractions, including the Underworld Adventure.
  • Charleston Holiday Park: This holiday park offers camping, cabins, and motel rooms, and is just a short walk to the beach.

What to Buy in Charleston: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Greenstone pendants: Jade is a stone with a significant cultural significance in New Zealand’s Maori culture, and you can find beautiful greenstone pendants in many souvenir shops.
  • Handmade jewelry: Many local artisans sell unique handmade jewelry made of jade, bone, and paua shells.
  • Paintings and crafts: The area around Charleston is home to many artists, and you can find beautiful paintings, pottery, and other crafts in local shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Charleston

New Zealand’s indigenous Maori culture is an essential part of the country’s identity, and visitors should respect the customs and traditions of the Maori people. Charleston itself is a small, tight-knit community, and visitors should respect the locals’ privacy and property.

Best Time to Visit Charleston

The best time to visit Charleston is during the summer months (December - February), when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the West Coast region is known for its unpredictable weather year-round, so visitors should pack for all weather conditions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Charleston

Do:

  • Do your research: Read up on the local customs and etiquette before visiting.
  • Pack for all weather conditions: The region can get cold and rainy throughout the year.
  • Support the local economy: Buy local products and souvenirs to support the community.
  • Be respectful: Respect the locals’ privacy and property.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter: Keep the beaches and nature spots clean.
  • Don’t wander onto private property: Respect the locals’ privacy and property rights.
  • Don’t underestimate the weather: Always dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Charleston

Charleston is a relatively safe destination, but visitors should take standard precautions, such as not leaving valuables in plain sight in their vehicles.

Health in Charleston

The area around Charleston is served by the Buller Community Health, and visitors are advised to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Getting to Charleston: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Charleston

The nearest international airport is Christchurch International Airport, around four hours’ drive from Charleston.

Bus Stations Near Charleston

Bus connections are available from Westport, Greymouth, and Christchurch.

Other Options

Car rentals are available from major cities, and some tour companies offer transportation services.

How to Get Around in Charleston

Having a car is the easiest way to get around Charleston, but there are a few tour companies that offer transportation services. Bike rentals are also available at some places.

Where to Go Next from Charleston: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Westport: A town known for its beaches, good weather, and friendly locals, Westport is only a 20-minute drive from Charleston.
  • Nelson: A beautiful city located on the coast of Tasman Bay, Nelson is around two hours’ drive from Charleston.
  • Kaikoura: A coastal town known for its marine wildlife, Kaikoura is around four hours’ drive from Charleston.

Conclusion

Charleston is a beautiful destination with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in natural beauty, cultural attractions, or outdoor adventure, you’ll find plenty to do and see in Charleston in a week. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the wonders of this charming West Coast village.

Charleston New Zealand with Paparoa Mountains in the background Charleston New Zealand with Paparoa Mountains in the background