THE CHURCH REEFTON — A HISTORIC STAY ON NEW ZEALAND'S WEST COAST

Stay somewhere with a story. The Church Reefton is a restored historic church at 173 Buller Road, offering distinctive, self-contained Reefton accommodation with stained-glass windows, high ceilings and generous spaces to spend time together.

Whether you're planning a family holiday, a getaway with friends, a mountain biking trip or a few days of trout fishing, this is a welcoming base for exploring the West Coast of New Zealand. Reefton's cafés, shops and Little Biddy Gin cellar door are within strolling distance, while the surrounding forests, rivers and mining heritage give you plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.

Make breakfast, pull out the map and decide where the day will take you. Come evening, share a meal, swap stories from the trail or challenge someone to a game of pool. The Church gives your holiday a memorable setting from the moment you arrive.

A CHURCH WITH A STORY

Originally built in 1884 as the Knox Presbyterian Church, the building has been restored and converted into guest accommodation. Its history is part of the experience: the proportions of the old church, the colour coming through the glass and the sense of space make it a special place to spend a few days.

For travellers who enjoy heritage accommodation, unusual holiday stays and places with personality, The Church offers a chance to experience Reefton's past while making some new memories of your own.

SPACE TO SPEND TIME TOGETHER

The open living and dining area is the heart of the stay, with comfortable couches and a fireplace. Gather over dinner, settle in with a book or enjoy an unhurried morning before heading out.

A separate entertainment room adds a pool table, television and board games, with a heat pump for comfort. It's a handy option for an evening in or a rainy afternoon between adventures.

There is room in a holiday for both the big days out and the smaller moments: breakfast that runs into a second coffee, a competitive game, or a long conversation after dinner. Plan a busy itinerary or leave a few days open and see what takes your fancy.

SELF-CONTAINED COMFORTS

The kitchen has gas cooking, an oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, toaster and Nespresso machine, plus cookware, crockery and utensils. Prepare picnic lunches for the day ahead or cook a shared meal when you return.

Queen, twin and king-single bunk bedding provide different sleeping options. The bathroom has a bath and separate shower, and there are two separate toilets. A washing machine, dryer and free Wi-Fi make longer stays practical.

For families and friends travelling together, being able to prepare meals and do a load of washing can make the whole trip easier. Bring your favourite holiday recipes, pick up supplies at Fresh Choice or Four Square on Broadway and enjoy having time to sit around the table together.

EXPLORE REEFTON FROM YOUR BASE ON BULLER ROAD

Reefton is a historic inland town in the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island. It's a place to wander along Broadway, stop for coffee, browse the shops and enjoy a town whose gold-mining past is still part of its character.

Spend a morning exploring local galleries and vintage finds, then visit Reefton Distilling Co., home of Little Biddy Gin. The nearby Blacks Point Museum is another good stop for visitors interested in the area's mining and pioneering stories.

You don't have to fill every day with a long drive. A stroll through town, a riverside walk and a good lunch can be a holiday in themselves. Staying for several nights gives you time to enjoy Reefton as well as the wider region.

WALKING, HIKING AND NATIVE FOREST

If you're looking for accommodation near Reefton's walking tracks, The Church makes a comfortable starting point for days exploring Victoria Forest Park and the surrounding area.

Choose a shorter outing such as the Golden Fleece Walk at Blacks Point, or explore Alborns Walk, where old coal-mine workings add another layer to a forest walk. Tawhai Walk offers a short introduction to the area's beech forest, while longer routes provide options for experienced walkers.

Murray Creek is another place to explore Reefton's combination of native bush and mining history. Around the district, old tracks and historic sites show how closely the town's story is tied to the land.

Closer to town, the Powerhouse Walk connects a riverside outing with Reefton's electrical heritage. In 1888, Reefton became the first town in New Zealand to have electric street lighting.

Choose walks to suit your group, the weather and the time you have available. Track access and conditions can change, so check current local information before heading out.

MOUNTAIN BIKING AND WEST COAST CYCLING

Bring your bikes and make Reefton part of your South Island cycling holiday. The riding around Blacks Point and Murray Creek includes forest tracks and routes through historic mining country, with options that require different levels of fitness and technical skill.

For mountain bikers, there's plenty of appeal in planning a trip around the local trails and returning to town each evening. Check current trail information and grades to choose a ride that suits everyone in your group.

For a different cycling experience, plan a driving day trip to the Kawatiri Coastal Trail. This 40 km cycling and walking trail connects Westport and Charleston, passing through a mix of coastline, native forest and wetlands.

Multiple access points let you choose a shorter section or plan a longer ride. The full route is a point-to-point trail, so arrange your return transport if needed. It's a chance to combine an inland Reefton stay with a day exploring the Buller coast.

TROUT FISHING AROUND REEFTON

Reefton accommodation is a practical choice for anglers wanting to explore the Inangahua River and surrounding West Coast fishing waters. The Waitahu River, Larrys/Awarau River and Mawheraiti/Little Grey River offer further possibilities in the wider district.

Fly fishing and other permitted methods give anglers different ways to experience these rivers. Conditions vary between waterways and through the season, so choose your outing with current river information in mind.

Set aside a few days of fishing, with time to enjoy the rivers at your own pace. You can plan around the weather, explore different water and still leave room for a walk or a meal in town.

A valid sports fishing licence is required for trout fishing. Check the current regulations for the particular water you intend to fish, along with access arrangements and river conditions.

GOLD-MINING HISTORY AND DAYS ON THE COAST

Reefton is a rewarding place for anyone interested in New Zealand's gold rush history. Visit Blacks Point Museum, explore the historic township of Waiuta or try recreational gold panning at Slab Hut Creek.

These outings can be woven into a longer holiday alongside walks, cycling and time in town. Choose a heritage stop one day and a forest outing the next, without trying to do everything at once.

Further afield, Westport, Cape Foulwind and the Buller coastline offer options for a driving day trip. Explore a section of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail, spend time by the sea or visit the seal colony at Tauranga Bay before returning to Reefton.

The Church works well as part of a West Coast road trip, but there's also plenty of reason to make Reefton a destination in its own right. Give yourself time for the places you came to see and the ones you discover along the way.

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME IN REEFTON

Come for the forest walks, the fishing, the cycling or the history. Stay for shared meals, evenings together and the pleasure of spending your holiday somewhere with character.

The Church Reefton brings a memorable heritage setting to your West Coast holiday, with the everyday comforts that help you settle in and enjoy it.

Choose your dates to plan your stay. If you'd like help deciding whether the accommodation suits your group, send an enquiry through this listing.