Rustic Beachfront Cottage
Charleston
Rustic Beachfront Cottage is located on Little Beach, in the beautiful town of Charleston, New Zealand.
The site of Rustic Beachfront Cottage, formerly called 'Welcome Inn' has been welcoming visitors since the 1800's, when Charleston found itself in the midst of a Gold Rush lasting until 1884. The surrounding native forests now play host to almost-forgotten Gold Mining infrastructure.
Today Little Beach, Charleston offers a secret slice of NZ wilderness, offering the perfect backdrop for paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, fishing, surfing, cycling, hiking, stargazing - the list continues.
It's a magical beach that glitters with Gold, Garnets, Greenstone and semi-precious stones.
One of the most outstanding features is the dark sky. At night the sky is alive and mesmerising. Watch the blood moon or just fall asleep under the stars.
Stargazing
Discover celestial New Zealand, from your private yard, or beach.
If visiting in June/July you're in a beautiful spot to welcome Matariki into our skies. The rising of this Pleiades star cluster marks the beginning of the Māori New Year.
The night sky at Rustic Beachfront Cottage will leave you speechless all year round.
Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is a great way to venture around the Nile River. The mouth of the Nile River is location 200m at southern end of our beach.
We have Paddleboards available for hire.
Cycling
For those keen to explore by bike, Rustic Beachfront Cottage is situated along the Grade 2, family friendly Kawatiri Coastal Trail | Te Huarahi Takutai o Kawatiri. This is a cycling and walking heritage trail connecting Westport and Charleston.
We recommend bringing your own bike to fully enjoy the cycling opportunities however please enquire as we can provide electric-bike hire for gentler alternatives.
National Parks
Great walks, on your doorstep.
There are numerous short bush walks direct from your door.
If interested in more Tramps and Hikes, we back onto Paparoa National Park - it's well worth an explore.
Surfing
Just a 200m walk north from the Cottage is 9 Mile Beach, a popular surf spot and beautiful black sand beach.
Tauranga Bay, a 25 minute drive from the Cottage is another worthy mention and was home to the 2022 New Zealand National Surfing Championships.
Wildlife
The Wild West Coast is teaming with native wildlife (non-threatening).
Rustic Beachfront Cottage is located in a natural breeding ground for a native Little Blue Penguins / Kororā. If you're lucky you may spot some.
It's also a popular spot for New Zealand Fur Seals. If they aren't around the beach then you'll spot some at Tauranga Bay Seal Colony, a 25min drive away.
Fishing & Whitebaiting
Fishing opportunities within walking distance from The Cottage include kaimoana and freshwater fish alike.
Brown Trout is often caught along the Nile, while surfcasting can offer up Snapper, Gurnard and Kahawai.
Whitebait season is also very popular and plays an important part in the West Coast lifestyle and Poutini Ngāi Tahu custom and diet. The Department of Conservation is responsible for managing New Zealand’s whitebait fisheries. Find the whitebait rules and regulations for the West Coast on their website.
Jetboating
Thrill seekers - eat your heart out.
The Buller River, one of NZ's longest rivers (and said to still be laden with gold) will take your breath away...
We can help book your Buller River adventures.
Caving
Interested in exploring the world below?
Te Ananui Caves are a maze of limestone caves formed by the underground capture of Ananui Creek, a tributary of the Waitakere / Nile River.
We can help book you Glow Worm Caving and Tubing adventures.