The road up to Charming Creek, just north of Westport on the West Coast, is a slice of rugged New Zealand. Winding through dense native bush and alongside the Ngakawau River, it's a narrow, mostly gravel route that hints at the area's mining past. Although the drive is short, the scenery quickly shifts from coastal views to thick, green forest, setting the tone perfectly for the famous Charming Creek Walkway that starts at the end of the road. In truth this is an easy, well-formed gravel road rather than a technical 4WD challenge, accessible to most vehicles. The real reward lies at the end on foot: the walkway follows the old mining and rail route, with historic relics and old mine shafts to discover along the way. Come for the scenery and the history rather than the driving, and bring your walking shoes to make the most of the walk beyond the road's end.