Wharariki Beach
Wharariki
A wild beach at the northwestern tip of the South Island. Offshore arches and dunes make it one of New Zealand's most photogenic seascapes.
Wharariki Beach lies at the far northwestern corner of the South Island. From the car park, you walk about 20 minutes across pastureland and dunes to reach it. Off the beach, the Archway Islands have huge natural arches, which you can approach at low tide. Rock pools often hold New Zealand fur seals and their pups. The area is windy with strong waves and dangerous rip currents, so swimming is prohibited. From Nelson, the drive takes about 3 hours. Most visitors stay in Collingwood or Takaka in Golden Bay.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Farewell Spit
- Te Waikoropupū Springs
- Wainui Falls
- Tākaka Hill (Harwoods Hole & Ngārua Caves)
- Awaroa Beach
- Tonga Island Marine Reserve
- Bark Bay
- Abel Tasman Coast Track