When you aren't firing up the communal BBQs for an easy dinner, you will find the local food scene is surprisingly accessible. You don't have to go far for a decent meal or a morning brew.

Stroll across the road to Donaldo's for your daily coffee. It is the hub of Carters Beach and has that quintessential coastal charm. The coffee is excellent, but it is also a popular spot for a casual lunch or a stacked burger in the evening. If the sun is out, snagging a table outside is the best way to soak in the local pace.

For an iconic West Coast experience, make the short trip to The Star Tavern at Cape Foulwind. This pub is a local institution, offering a warm welcome and hearty portions. It is the perfect place to settle in with a cold drink and a plate of whitebait patties while swapping stories with other travellers.

In Westport, Portside Bistro and Bar offers a more contemporary dining feel with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce. It is a solid choice for a reliable steak or a fresh seafood dish in a polished setting.

For a unique dinner experience, Denniston Dog Restaurant & Bar in Westport is a must. It leans into the region's mining history with plenty of memorabilia on the walls, and their stonegrill dining — where you cook your own prime cuts on a 400-degree volcanic stone — is a truly unique experience.

You don’t have to venture far to fill your days here. On-site, the kids will likely disappear towards the jumping pillow, the playground or the pedal karts the moment you arrive. For a slower pace, the park’s position right on the edge of the sand makes it easy to wander down for a swim or a long walk along the coast whenever the mood strikes.

The Kawatiri Coastal Trail is a must for everyone. It is a flat, grade two trail that passes right by the park, making it perfect for a morning bike ride or a gentle walk. You can head north towards Westport or follow the coastline south to take in the views. If you are after wildlife, the Cape Foulwind Seal Colony is just a few minutes down the road. It is an easy 10-minute walk from the Tauranga Bay car park to the viewing platform where you can watch the fur seals lounging on the rocks below.

For a bit of history, take the 30-minute drive up to the Denniston Plateau. It sits 518 metres above sea level and offers some of the most dramatic views of the coastline you will find. The heritage mine site, once called the eighth industrial wonder of the world due to its incredibly steep incline railway, is an atmospheric spot to explore. It is rugged, often misty and feels like a step back in time.

If you have a morning to spare, the drive south to the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki is one of the most scenic stretches of road in the country. It takes about 45 minutes to get there, and the loop walk around the limestone formations is spectacular, especially if you time it with high tide to see the blowholes in action.

On Sundays from Labour Weekend through to Easter, the Fox River Market is worth the trip south for local crafts, food and a bit of West Coast character. If you are visiting in late October, keep an eye out for the Westport Whitebait Festival, where the town comes alive to celebrate the region's most famous delicacy.

While most of the West Coast is a battle with the elements, Carters Beach has its own microclimate and is famously one of the few spots in the region that is largely sandfly-free. It is also one of the few places where you can legally have a classic bonfire on the beach