Discovering Fossil Point Track
Fossil Point Track is located at the western end of Golden Bay on New Zealand's South Island, right at the entrance to Farewell Spit. This track is a gateway to Ocean Beach and Fossil Point, offering a unique opportunity to explore the southwest side of the spit. The area is known for its stunning coastal views and the chance to see fossils embedded in the rocks.
Starting Your Journey
To begin your adventure on Fossil Point Track, head towards Farewell Spit by turning right at the end of the main highway at Port Puponga. After about a kilometre, you will find a large parking area situated next to the start of Farewell Spit on its southern side. This is where your walk begins.
Walking the Track
From the car park, follow the marked trail across the farm to reach the north side of the spit. This walk takes approximately 30 minutes and leads you to Ocean Beach, which faces the Tasman Sea. Be prepared for wet paddocks if it has recently rained. As you near the beach, you'll encounter a connecting track for the Puponga Hilltop Track, which extends to Cape Farewell and Wharariki Beach. This track can also be accessed directly from the car park.
Exploring Fossil Point
The track offers a loop around the western end of the spit to Fossil Point. Depending on how far you choose to explore before crossing over to Ocean Beach, this loop can take anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours. The area is rich in natural beauty and provides a chance to see fossils in their natural setting.
How to Get There
To reach Fossil Point Track, drive to the end of the main highway at Port Puponga and turn right towards Farewell Spit. After about a kilometre, you'll find a large parking area next to the start of the spit on its south side. From here, follow the marked trail across the farm to begin your walk. Nearby, you can also explore the Puponga Hilltop Track, which leads to Cape Farewell and Wharariki Beach, offering even more scenic views and experiences.
