Farewell Spit & Puponga Farm Park tramping tracks
Track category
Tramping track
Description
Cape Farewell viewed from Pillar Point
Cape Farewell
Time: 5 min one way
From Wharariki Road, turn right before the cattle-stop and follow the farm road past a woolshed to the parking area. A short walk uphill takes you to Cape Farewell. Stay away from the cliff edge. Please leave the farm gates as you find them.
Puponga hilltop walk
Time: 2-3 hr one way
The Puponga Hilltop Walk links many of the tracks described here. The walk begins near Puponga Visitor Centre and wanders along the ridge to the barren lands of Old Man Range. It then descends via Pillar Point Lighthouse to the cliff tops of Cape Farewell and follows these along until it winds down to Wharariki Beach. At half-tide or lower, you can walk along the beach and up to the Puponga Farm Park Track. Otherwise, cross Wharariki farm to the carpark. Allow 2-3 hours from the visitor centre to Wharariki, and another 2-3 hours for the full trip to Green Hill and back to Wharariki carpark. To save a long return walk, ask at the visitor centre if a shuttle bus is available from where you finish.
Wharariki Farm Park track/Green Hills route
Time: 3 hr return
Starting from the Wharariki car park, follow a vehicle track west to Green Hills Stream and beyond. Superb farmland, lakes, cliffs and wind-carved moorlands are features of this area. Mountain biking is allowed on this track.
Pillar Point Lighthouse track
Time: 2 hr 30 min return
A marked route starting near the visitor centre follows the Old Man Range along to Pillar Point Lighthouse, with panoramic views all the way. It is about one hour's walk to this point. Behind the light are the ruins of one of New Zealand's first radar stations, built during World War Two. For a round trip, continue down a vehicle track to Wharariki Road (30 min) and return to the carpark via Wharariki Road (1 hr).
Mountain biking is allowed from Wharariki road to Pillar Point Lighthouse.
Getting there
From Takaka, follow State Highway 60 north to Farewell Spit.
Activities
Fishing
Guided activities
Mountain biking and cycling
Mountain biking is allowed on Wharariki Farm Park Track/Green Hills Route, and from Wharariki Road to Pillar Point Lighthouse.
Public entry to Farewell Spit is strictly controlled in order to protect the wildlife in this unique area. East of the vehicle track, walking access is allowed for 4 km along the ocean beach and 2.5 km along the inner beach. The boundaries of this area are well signposted.
Exceptions to this rule are tourist trips to the lighthouse, permit-holding fishing parties and scientific groups. By having free foot access to the base of the Spit, visitors are able to enjoy its sights, sounds and feeling without disturbing the wildlife or vegetation.
Plan and prepare
- Take care on the cliff tops in windy conditions.
- Do not light fires.
- Stay at least 20 m from seals.
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