Stretching 40 kilometres from Westport to Charleston, the Grade 2 walking and cycling trail was completed in March 2025 and has quickly become a popular route for locals and visitors. The award will be formally presented in 2026, following a nationwide nomination and selection process.

Kawatiri Coastal Trail Manager Edee Richards said the recognition reflected years of collective effort behind the project.

“This achievement reflects the dedication of many people over a number of years, from those who first shaped the vision through to our volunteers, project team, supporters and sponsors. It has truly been a community effort to be proud of,” she said.

“We are fortunate to have such a beautiful, accessible trail that showcases our heritage, ecology and geology. This award reinforces just how special the Kawatiri Coastal Trail is on a national level, and as visitor numbers continue to grow, the community is beginning to experience the positive economic impact the trail brings.”

Richard Niederer, Kawatiri Coastal Trail Trust Chairperson acknowledged the recognition of Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa/ New Zealand Outdoor Access Commission.

“The Charleston-Westport Coastal Trail Trust is extremely honoured to be a recipient of the 2026 Outdoor Access Champion Award. Coupled with the feedback from visitors and locals alike who are using the trail, we have created a community and public accessible asset which will be enjoyed for years to come.”

Herenga ā Nuku Communications Manager Stephen Day said the awards recognise projects that deliver lasting public access and wider benefits.

“These awards are New Zealand's way of saying thanks to some of the wonderful people who have helped open up the great outdoors to the public.”

He said the Board reviewed nominations from across New Zealand and selected the Charleston–Westport Coastal Trail Trust for its work developing the Kawatiri Coastal Trail, recognising a project that has opened up safe, enduring public access, strengthened community wellbeing, demonstrated strong collaboration, delivered environmental and cultural outcomes, and supported economic resilience in the district.

A key factor was the trail's success in opening up access across land that was previously unsafe or inaccessible, including agreements with ten private landowners. The trail also provides a safe off-road alternative to sections of State Highways 6 and 67, improving safety for both walkers and cyclists.

The trail was nominated by Development West Coast's Nature Economy Project Lead Zak Shaw, who said the award reflected the strength of local collaboration.

“Inspired by local creative vision, the KCT offers a world-class experience connecting rainforest to coastline, history to habitat, and locals to visitors, all in a single day. It's a driver of regional growth, projected to bring a $79 million dollar visitor spend to the region by 2031.”

Developed in partnership with Ngāti Waewae, the Department of Conservation, Buller District Council, MBIE's Kānoa – Regional Economic Development Unit, Development West Coast and community volunteers, the Kawatiri Coastal Trail is now recognised as a nationally significant public trail.

The Outdoor Access Champion Award has previously been awarded on the West Coast in 2019 to the Mokihinui–Lyell Backcountry Trust for the Old Ghost Road; a trail also located in the Buller district.