Exploring Tauranga Bay and Cape Foulwind
Located near Westport on the West Coast of the South Island, Tauranga Bay is a scenic spot best known for its surfing. The area also features the Cape Foulwind Walkway, which provides stunning views and a chance to observe kekeno (fur seals) and weka.
Beautiful Tauranga Bay
Tauranga Bay is a stunning crescent-shaped bay known for its rugged coastal beauty, golden sands, and consistent surf. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and regenerating native bush, the bay is a peaceful and scenic spot ideal for swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing on the beach.
The nearby Cape Foulwind area draws visitors to its seal colony and clifftop walk, but Tauranga Bay remains relatively quiet and unspoiled. You can also camp at the Tauranga Bay Holiday Park.
Discover Cape Foulwind Walkway
Park at the northern end of Tauranga Bay. From here, the walkway leads you up to a cliff top with a panoramic view of Tauranga Bay, the rocky coastline and offshore islands and the seal colony. The area has been replanted with native bushes and trees, enhancing the landscape. Keep an eye out for weka, a native bird famous for its habit of sneaking up to steal shiny objects for its nest.
The walkway extends to the Cape Foulwind lighthouse, a round trip of about two hours. However, the best section is the initial kilometre.
How to Get There
Coming from Westport, take State Highway 67A, Cape Foulwind Road and turn southwest onto Tauranga Bay Road, where Cape Foulwind Road changes to Lighthouse Road. Follow this road to the bay, then turn north along the access road and drive to the car park. This 14 km drive takes 11 minutes.
If you are coming from the south on State Highway 6, turn northwest onto Wilson's Lead Road. This takes you to Tauranga Bay Road, where you head southwest to the Bay. Once at the bay, turn north along the access road and head to the end of the car park. The 12 km drive from SH6 takes 9 minutes.
Other attractions in the region include the Denniston Plateau, the Karamea Highway, Lake Hanlon, and Karamea.
