Directions

Just off Highway 6, halfway between Westport and Punakaiki at historic Charleston. The turn off toward the Tasman Sea and the Reserve is clearly marked. The Reserve has a toilet, plenty of parking, inviting areas for a picnic or BBQ, and ample room to turn motor home. Once you’re at the Reserve, the walk starts to the left.

Constant & Joyce Bays

The Charleston Reserve features a charming walk through flax fields to open cliff tops above the Tasman Sea.

An interesting area of multiple small bays--including twin bays Constant and Joyce. Constant Bay was an early West Coast sea port. The area is rich in geologic history, and pods of rare Hector dolphins can often be spotted from the cliffs. Excellent photo opportunities of rugged seascape and unique bush.

Well maintained, the walking track gently winds through giant flaxes, and climbs slightly to open cliff tops. If you dare, take a peek over Charleston Rocks, a 60 metre cliff face and a favourite of area climbers. The views from the cliff tops are both panoramic and stunning. The historic settlement of Charleston nestles in the bush under the jagged Paparoa Mountains, and the Tasman Sea often creates spectacular displays of spray and foam as it wages war against the cliffs. Occasionally Hector dolphins can be seen feeding as they cruise the coast line.

This walk is best in late afternoon when the sun slants over the landscape giving it a golden glow which accentuates the colour, texture and contour of this magical area. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Be sure to spend time at the twin bays, Constance and Joyce. The rocks that form these bays and cliffs are some of the oldest in New Zealand, dating back to the Precambrian Period, and you’ll find seams of quartz and mica in the granite surrounding the bays. If you’re sharp eyed, you may even find an opaque red garnet crystal washed up by the tide. At low tide, both bays have nooks and crannies galore—sometimes occupied by sleeping fur seals. Agile visitors often scramble over the rocks to the mouth of the bays. But be careful here, the occasional high wave can come dangerously close, especially during coastal storms. The Tasman Sea, during stormy weather, can be gloriously wild, particularly as seen from the cliff tops above Charleston Rocks.

History and How it got its name

Charleston and Constant Bay are said to have been named in honour of Captain Charles Bonner, skipper of the supply ship Constant, who risked his life to bring food to over 1,000 starving miners cut off from food supplies by high rivers and storms.  In early mining days the Bay offered deeper water than it does now.  But the narrow passage in was still death-defying and the only way a ship could tie up safely was into giant iron rings set into the rocks on each side of the Bay.

For an interesting look into the past, visit the two local cemeteries - one for the Protestants, north on Nile Hill, and one for the Catholics 400 metres south.  The headstones tell stories of early and often violent death. 

Itinerary ideas

Headquartered in Charleston just across Highway 6 is the Bush Train and Glow Worm Caves Experience. You may want to spend a day or two in this area. Accommodations from camping to award winning eco backpackers are within an easy 20 minute drive.

 From Charleston the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are about 30 minutes south, or continue north up the West Coast to Westport for many more walks and activities such as rafting and quad biking.