Westport, New Zealand
Westport
Kawatiri (Māori) | |
|---|---|
Interactive map of Westport | |
| Coordinates: 41°45′29″S 171°36′8″E / 41.75806°S 171.60222°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | West Coast |
| District | Buller District |
| Ward | Westport |
| Electorates | |
| Government | |
| • Territorial Authority | Buller District Council |
| • Regional council | West Coast Regional Council |
| • Mayor of Buller | Chris Russell |
| • West Coast-Tasman MP | Maureen Pugh |
| • Te Tai Tonga MP | Tākuta Ferris |
| Area | |
• Total | 11.53 km2 (4.45 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2025) | |
• Total | 4,600 |
| • Density | 400/km2 (1,000/sq mi) |
Westport (Māori: Kawatiri) is the main town of the Buller District in the West Coast Region of the South Island of New Zealand. Established in 1861, it is the oldest European settlement on the West Coast. Originally named Buller, it is on the right bank and at the mouth of the Buller River, close to the prominent headland of Cape Foulwind. It is connected with Greymouth, 100 kilometres (62 mi) to the south, via State Highway 6, and with Nelson, 222 kilometres (138 mi) to the northeast, via the Buller Gorge. The Westport urban area has 4,600 residents, out of a Buller District population of 10,650, as of June 2025.