Coastal Life at the Edge of Te Koko-o-Kupe / Cloudy Bay
Rārangi lies on the northern shore of Te Koko-o-Kupe / Cloudy Bay, about a 15-minute drive northeast of Blenheim. This rugged, pine-lined coastline is known for its heavy surf, coarse dark sand, and driftwood-strewn beach. With a campground situated on the beach edge, short walks to viewpoints, and a strong visual connection to the sea and the surrounding ranges, it is a place to explore rather than swim.
Black Sands, Driftwood, and Rugged Character
The beach faces Cook Strait, with waves breaking heavily onto the dark, gravelly, and pebbly shore. Enormous amounts of driftwood line the high tide mark, and the dumpy surf makes swimming hazardous. Instead, Rārangi is about atmosphere: the sound of waves, wind through the pines, and the striking contrast between coarse sand and white breakers. The shore is best enjoyed on foot, picking among driftwood piles and admiring the ever-changing light on the bay.
Caves, Cliffs, and Coastal Geology
At the north end of the beach, you’ll find caves and rock formations, with an interpretive panel explaining the geology of the area. There are caves along the cliffs at the edge of the beach, as well as a signposted one behind the car park, and another at Te Ana o Rongomaipapa.
A View Across the Bay to Kaikōura
A short track climbs from the north end carpark up steps to a lookout. From here, the views are remarkable: Te Koko-o-Kupe / Cloudy Bay stretches in a vast curve southward, while on clear days the snow-clad Kaikōura Ranges stand beyond the horizon. This is one of Marlborough’s finest coastal viewpoints, especially in crisp winter or evening light. From here, there is also a short walk down to Te Ana o Rongomaipapa - ignore the sign at the start of the steps that claims the trail is closed, as it is well out of date!
The Headland Walk to Whites Bay
There is also a trail over the headland to Whites Bay. The track starts before the car park and climbs up 140 metres to Port Underwood Road, then follows the road for 500 metres (be extra cautious on the road), before dropping down to Pukatea / Whites Bay. Allow two hours one way.
Getting There
Head north along State Highway 1 from Blenheim. About 9 km out, turn east at Tuamarina onto Hunter Road, then follow Pembers Road and Rārangi Road through vineyards to the coast. There is access to the beach at the end of Rarangi Road, but instead head north of Rarangi Beach Road to Rārangi and the car park and campsite at the north end of Cloudy Bay.
While exploring Cloudy Bay, you can also take the short, spectacular drive to Pukatea Whites Bay on Port Underwood Road, take a pause at Marshlands, visit the Wairau Bar and do the Wairau Lagoons Walk.
