Exploring Te Koko-o-Kupe / Cloudy Bay
Te Koko-o-Kupe / Cloudy Bay is a 30 km long crescent-shaped bay located at the northern end of New Zealand's South Island. Nestled between the Marlborough Sounds and White Bluffs, this bay is an interesting and rugged destination on the edge of Cook Strait. The best place to explore the bay's stony and driftwood-strewn beach is from Rārangi, situated at the northern end of the bay.
Accessing Rārangi Beach
The most straightforward route to Rārangi is State Highway 1, which runs between Blenheim and Picton. Turn towards the bay at Tuamarina, then follow Hunters Road and Pembers Road towards Rārangi. As you near the bay, look for the sign indicating Blue Gum Corner, where you can access the beach directly.
You can also continue north along Rarangi Road. You'll find a campsite beside the beach at Rārangi and a car park at the far end of the beach and bay. If you're interested in venturing into the Marlborough Sounds, you can continue along Port Underwood Road.
Swimming Options
While Te Koko-o-Kupe / Cloudy Bay itself is not safe for swimming, there is a good swimming beach at Pukatea / Whites Bay. This beach is located approximately 5 km along Port Underwood Road and is a more suitable spot for swimming.
Other Access Options
You can also reach the beach on the north side of the Wairau River Mouth. Cross the bridge over the Wairau River at Spring Creek, and take Wairau Bar Road. This follows the river onto the Wairau Bar by the mouth. You will see the wreck of the SS Kennedy and an unusual monument: a cartwheel mounted on a concrete block with a memorial plaque. The plaque commemorates the first European settlers to Marlborough, who arrived at the bar and those who provided shipping services via the river mouth until 1965! Access to the stony beach is a short walk from the car park.
You can also get close to the beach, but no access at Wairau Lagoons. Both the lagoons and the bar are amongst the most important Māori archaeological sites in New Zealand
How to Get There
To visit Te Koko-o-Kupe / Cloudy Bay, head to Rārangi by taking State Highway 1 between Blenheim and Picton. Turn off at Tuamarina, then follow Hunters Road and Pembers Road to reach the bay.
Nearby, you can also visit the historic sites of the Wairau Affray and Marshlands.
