A fantastic day hike to Wharariki Beach
During our second three-month trip to New Zealand, we decided to venture even further than the well-known hotspots. In this case, not just Abel Tasman National Park, but all the way to the northernmost tip of the South Island. And there, a wonderful gem awaited us: Golden Bay. So what do you do then? Exactly, you make a mini road trip out of it!
We started by spending a few days in Pohara, but naturally, we wanted to go further north. Cape Farewell and Wharariki Beach beckoned us, and to fully enjoy those places, we camped for three days in Puponga. This was the perfect base for an unforgettable day trip to two of New Zealand’s most impressive locations.
With our campervan, we first drove to Cape Farewell, the northernmost point of the South Island, with its rugged cliffs and amazing views. From there, we started an incredible hike through the dunes toward the truly astonishing Wharariki Beach, a place where nature continually leaves you awestruck.
It was quite windy (read: hair flying everywhere, sand in your ears), but aside from that, we enjoyed perfect weather and a fantastic afternoon. And as the cherry on top? The seals on the western side of Wharariki Beach, who greeted us in great numbers.
In this blog, we take you along on this wonderful day filled with wild nature, endless views, and golden beaches. Be inspired and discover why Golden Bay and Wharariki Beach absolutely belong on your New Zealand travel wishlist!
Wharariki Beach en Cape Farewell
Cape Farewell and Wharariki Beach are not just spots on the map; Cape Farewell is literally the northernmost point of New Zealand’s South Island. That alone makes it special, but there is so much more. As soon as you arrive here, you immediately understand why travellers, and why we, are so excited about this place. From Cape Farewell, you have an absolutely stunning view over the expansive ocean and spectacular, rugged cliffs. It truly feels as if you’re standing at the end of the world, with nothing but endless blue in front of you. And in our case, massive whitecaps on the waves because of the wind.
The area surrounding Cape Farewell is perfect for beautiful hikes. Walking through rolling dunes and along narrow sandy paths, you will pass through a landscape where the wind has free reign. On the way, you will encounter fascinating rock formations and be treated to amazing views of cliffs dropping vertically into the sea. Nature here feels genuinely pristine, almost as if you are discovering it for the first time.
A few kilometres west of Cape Farewell lies Wharariki Beach, considered by many (and definitely by us!) to be one of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches. Wharariki Beach is exactly how you imagine the ultimate wild, remote beach would look. Wide, expansive, and surrounded by impressive sand dunes. On the beach, you will find remarkable rock formations rising from the sea, shaped by thousands of years of wind and waves. These rocks create a magical atmosphere, especially at sunset.
But perhaps the most exciting thing is this: the further west you walk, the higher your chances of coming face-to-face with the local residents, a large colony of New Zealand fur seals. Particularly at low tide, they gather in large numbers on and around the rocks, playing and sunbathing, seemingly unbothered by visitors. An amazing experience!
Cape Farewell and Wharariki Beach together form a truly unique destination, where nature, adventure, and wildlife come together perfectly.
How to Get to Wharariki Beach & Cape Farewell
Wharariki Beach and Cape Farewell are located at the very northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island. From Pohara, a charming little town on the southern side of Golden Bay, it is about an hour’s drive to reach these incredible spots. The journey itself is already spectacular, treating you to beautiful views of rolling hills, expansive countryside, and the rugged coastline that makes Golden Bay so loved.
Of course, you can make a day trip from Pohara, but we highly recommend spending the night locally, either camping or staying in nearby accommodations. Staying close by allows you to fully experience the beauty and tranquility of this stunning area, especially during sunrise or sunset. Arriving early or lingering late gives you the chance to enjoy Wharariki Beach almost entirely to yourself, an unforgettable experience.
Below you will find some useful links for campsites and accommodations for your stay around Cape Farewell and Wharariki Beach:
Seals at Wharariki Beach
Meat the seals on the western end of the beach but keep respectable distance
Our Day Hike from Cape Farewell to Wharariki Beach
Because we chose to camp locally in Puponga, we could start our morning in a relaxed way, no rushing, no pressure, exactly how we love to travel. From Puponga, we made a leisurely drive to Cape Farewell, only a short five-kilometer ride away. Although the last section is unsealed road, a piece of cake for our good old campervan.
As soon as you arrive at Cape Farewell, you immediately feel you have reached somewhere special; after all, this is literally the northernmost point of the South Island. Just a short walk from the parking area brings you to a viewing platform with an incredible panorama of rugged cliffs dropping dramatically into the waves of the Tasman Sea. This view alone made the short drive more than worth it.
From here, you can choose to hike east or west through the dunes; we took the adventurous Cape Farewell Track heading west, towards Wharariki Beach. This path is simply spectacular, with winding dune trails, towering cliffs, and endless views, making it one of our top hikes in New Zealand.
Although the weather was beautifully sunny, there was a strong wind, making it occasionally challenging to remain upright. Sand in our ears and hair flying everywhere! But honestly, this only added to the thrill. On one side, rolling dunes stretched endlessly; on the other, the roaring ocean captivated us. Gradually, the iconic Wharariki Beach appeared in front of us. Although the walk is only about three kilometers, we took our time, spending over two hours strolling, enjoying the views, taking countless photos, and simply savoring every moment.
Wharariki Beach itself is truly a dream beach, wide, expansive, and remote. Just offshore, stunning rock formations rise impressively from the ocean, shaped by thousands of years of wind and waves. Archway Rocks definitely deserved its name. Walking westward along the beach, we soon encountered a rock formation famous for its large seal colony. Indeed, there they were, basking in the afternoon sun. We could approach within a few meters without disturbing them, which made the experience even more unforgettable.
We spent about an hour quietly enjoying their presence. As the sun slowly began to set, the changing colors created magical moments, and we frequently paused to look back and appreciate the spectacular sunset during our return walk. With the last light of day, we followed the road back to Cape Farewell, where our campervan was patiently waiting to take us back to Puponga. We were already reminiscing about this fantastic day, and honestly, we still are!
Endless Beach
Wharariki Beach definitely feels like an endless beach
How to prepare, what to pack, and safety and weather Tips
When planning the hike from Cape Farewell to Wharariki Beach, it is important to be well-prepared. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, as the trail covers varying terrain including sand, dunes, and rugged paths. Sturdy footwear is particularly helpful due to some steep and challenging sections of the trail.
Make sure to bring enough food and water, as there are no true shops or dining options along the route. Pack energy-rich snacks, fruit, and plenty of water. The hike can easily take several hours, especially if you prefer a relaxed pace like we did, taking time to enjoy the scenery.
Additionally, prepare for changing weather conditions. Even on sunny days, strong winds can make it chilly, especially towards the evening. Bring a windproof or waterproof jacket and dress in layers to easily adjust to varying conditions. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses! And maybe your bathing suit on the perfect day.
Final Thoughts: If you have the chance, Go Wharariki Beach!
If you have the opportunity and are spending a bit longer in New Zealand, we strongly recommend driving beyond the famous Abel Tasman National Park and exploring the stunning Golden Bay area. While there, do not miss the chance to visit the beautiful Wharariki Beach and impressive Cape Farewell. Two hidden gems where you will experience New Zealand’s rugged beauty at its best. These places are absolutely worth the extra kilometers and the scenic journey, and they will enrich your travel experience immensely.
After reading this blog, do you still have questions about New Zealand, this specific trip, or about hiking and camping in the area? Please do not hesitate to leave them here. We are more than happy to answer your questions and share additional personal tips and experiences. Our goal is to make you as excited about this trip as we are. So let us know, and enjoy the anticipation!
The Booming Journey | 17 March 2025 | ©all rights reserved