40 Mins (return) 2 km

Highlights

  • Playful seals
  • Caves and sand dunes to explore
  • Horse riding

Proximity

GRADE: EASY

This hike is a great option for children.

A easy walk along the most spectacular coastline in the region, passing through farmland and forest.

Nelson Tasman
Wharariki wild west coast, Nelson Tasman

The track to Wharariki Beach travels over farm paddocks and through a section of coastal forest, before arriving a the beautiful windswept coast.

The best time to visit is at low tide, when you can walk the length of the beach and take in spectacular coastlines, caverns, islands, and enormous sand dunes along the way.

Department of Conservation

Click the link below for more information and detailed maps about this hike and others in the area.

Farewell Spit and Wharariki Beach Walks(opens in new window)

More information

Alternative Routes

There are several walking tracks in this area, with some leading as far as Cape Farewell and Farewell Spit.

Cape Farewell: Follow the markers (5min one way)
Farewell Spit: add another few hours to your hike.
Puponga Hill Top Track: The full walk takes 3 -5 hrs.

 

Getting there

  • Take SH60 from Takaka along the coast to Wharariki Rd. 

 

Need to know

  • The big seas at this wild and remote beach mean it's best suited to exploring on foot rather than swimming.

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