Wharariki Beach

Stunning Wharariki beach is a 'must-see' attraction, with bold cliff lines, high arches, caves, rock bridges, line after line of massive dunes and surreal islands which are home to fur-seals and seabirds.

Approximately an hours drive from Takaka, towards Farewell Spit. From Puponga, a gravel road leads visitors to a car park and the start of a 20 minute stroll across private, rolling farmland. The final section crosses a small gully to a short bush track, from which you emerge to view the dramatic beach landscape below. Here the actions of wind and wave have combined to produce one of the best coastal landscapes found anywhere.

We recommend that you explore Wharariki Beach two hours either side of low tide, when beach access is available and submerged caves and pools are revealed.