The access road to Cape Farewell is signposted 4 km along Wharariki Rd from Puponga. It’s marked as a 1 km 4WD track, but we had no trouble taking a car up to the car park. It’s then a short walk over farmland and grassed reserve to the cliff edge view of the coast and Tasman Sea. The Puponga Hilltop Track also runs by Cape Farewell, so the access provides shorter walk options on this track. Go right for the Pillar Lighthouse or left for a steep uphill climb before dropping down to Wharariki Beach.
The view from the viewpoint is popular, with a large natural arch immediately in front of you. Being there for sunset behind the arch is a bonus. There is a safety fence around and near the viewpoint, but you do need to be careful if you wander further along the cliff edge. If you climb to the right, remember that there is an electrified predator-proof fence. There are warning signs, but they’re easy to overlook when thinking about the next photo!
