Walking to Wharariki Beach
Wharariki Beach, located at the northwestern tip of Golden Bay, South Island, is accessed on the short Wharariki Beach Track. The beach is a fabulous destination known for its dramatic coastal landscapes, especially its striking rock formations, including the Archway Islands. The walk is also picturesque, taking you through rolling green countryside and coastal shrubs to white sand dunes and the Wharariki Stream.
Walking Routes and Scenic Views
From the car park at the end of Wharariki Road, the track access is on the north side, near the commercial campground. The walk starts across steep rolling, intensely green farmland, but climbs no more than 20 metres, following above the Wharariki Stream gully. After 15 minutes, you enter an area of coastal shrubs and regrowth forest. Shortly after this, the track drops down to the edge of the stream before heading into the dunes. This route takes approximately 30 minutes.
The Alternative Loop Route
Alternatively, you can head west along a farm track that passes a small lake before returning to the beach at its western end. Walking east along the beach completes a loop that takes about two hours at a leisurely pace. This extended walk offers high vantage points with views of the Archway Islands.
For a longer adventure, the farm track to the west connects to the Greenhills Loop Track. This additional section takes you to another small beach and the rugged Green Hills. It will take about 2 more hours to complete.
How to get there
From Collingwood, take Collingwood Puponga Road north to Pūponga. From there, head west on Wharariki Road to the car park and track access points at the road's end.
Other nearby places to visit include Cape Farewell, Farewell Spit, Ocean Beach, and Fossil Point.
