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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -41.90498, 171.43235. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 850 m loop
- Walking time
- 15 mins
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Westport area
- Dog access
- Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This loop track gives a great view of the rugged West Coast.
This DOC directory entry covers Constant Bay Loop in West Coast, within Westport area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 850 m loop
- Walking time: 15 mins
- DOC grade: Easiest
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The Constant Bay Loop takes around 15 minutes. It provides a great view of the rugged west coast, with waves smashing over rocks and cliffs surrounding you.
While this track is great for families there are exposed sections with drops, and children should be supervised.
Getting there
Charleston is 33 km north of Punakaiki and 26 km south of Westport on SH6.
The track starts from the Constant Bay carpark, Charleston.
Know before you go
The area around Constant Bay is very exposed to weather, so dress appropriately.
There are drops next to the walking track, and possibility of stray waves.
A climber’s access track attaches to the Constant Bay Loop. It is not maintained, with many big drops. This track should not be used without appropriate experience.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
