My Wife & Myself went to Westport in January & we loved our few days there too.
Everyone was very Friendly Helpful & Polite.
Some really lovely Cafes there too.
We had dinner at Johnnys Restaurant & Bar which was really Lovely too.
Would Thoroughly Recommend Johnnys to Everyone.
Also Donaldsons Cafe out at Carters Beach is Excellent too.
The Staff are also Helpful Friendly & Polite here & Happy to help.
i went to the south island once.
got as far as kaikoura before it was declared 'too cold already and its going to get colder'
so a dignified retreat was made back to the picton pub
On our way to Westport We stopped at Beechwoods Cafe at Murchinson & It was Excellent.
Plus Refull again as Last Refulling stop till you get to Westport.