Carters Beach is a nine-kilometer-long, north-facing sandy beach located six kilometers west of Westport on the West Coast of the South Island. Its north-facing aspect and position provide a degree of shelter, contributing to its reputation as one of the best and safest swimming beaches on the West Coast. The beach is directly accessible from State Highway 67A, and the Carters Beach Top Ten Holiday Park is situated right on the beachfront, providing convenient facilities for visitors. The beach itself is spacious, offering ample room for launching and landing paddlecraft directly from the sand. The area is a starting point for the Kawatiri Coastal Trail, a wide and smooth 40-kilometer path that connects to nearby destinations like Tauranga Bay, a sheltered surfing beach, and Cape Foulwind, which features a famous seal colony and a lighthouse walkway. These landmarks provide clear objectives for coastal paddling trips or combined paddle-and-hike excursions.

The overall character is that of a classic, expansive West Coast beach with significant exposure to the Tasman Sea. Paddlers must be acutely aware of prevailing weather and sea conditions, as the area is known for heavy weather and high seas, as evidenced by maritime incidents. The beach is adjacent to the mouth of the Buller River, which is noted for a treacherous, continuously shifting sandbar at its entrance, a significant hazard for any craft attempting to cross. While the beach is safe for swimming and wave-jumping, the open coast means conditions can change rapidly. The water body's aesthetic is defined by a long, sandy shoreline suitable for activities like kite surfing and gathering driftwood, backed by holiday parks and coastal vegetation. Wildlife of note includes the New Zealand fur seal colony at nearby Cape Foulwind.