Gentle Annie

If for some terrible, horrible, no-good reason travellers had to undertake a one-stop, one-place, in-and-out trip to the West Coast, Gentle Annie would have to be the chosen destination. For a true taste of what makes the Buller region special, turn off the main highway and detour down the gravel road that leads to Gentle Annie. This is the type of place that families return to for generations, that means something to everyone who stops here. Gentle Annie is a family affair – that’s what it says on the large board covered in family photos located in the Cowshed Café. The story of the Atkins family starts back in the 1970s. It’s been a rocky road, with twisters, floods and changing fortunes, but despite the best efforts of the weather gods, Gentle Annie remains in the safe hands of the second and third generations. There are multiple accommodation options here, from a 27-person lodge to a two-at-a-squeeze caravan, plus a large campground. The Cowshed Café is full of charm – the home baking is mouthwatering (try the brownie) and the pizzas are straight out of the pizza oven. Even better, diners can make their own pizzas and cook them themselves. Gentle Annie is an honesty box type of place – the business seems to run as much on goodwill and kindness as it does on hard work and that’s about as West Coast as can be.

Located on the corner of the Mōkihinui River and another wild Buller beach, outdoorsy types will find themselves exhausted with opportunities.

Leave a trail of breadcrumbs in the native bush maze, peer through binoculars and spot Hector’s dolphin or two, or pop a fishing line in and see what bites.

298 De Malmanches Road, Mōkihinui. (03) 782 1826, gentleannie.co.nz