Harihari Coastal Walkway

Track category

Walking track

Time:

2 hr 45 min

Distance:

7.6 km

Description

Harihari Coastal Walk view. Photo: K Henderson.
Harihari Coastal Walk view

One of the most scenic walkways on the West Coast, with spectacular views of forest, rivers, mountains and coastline while walking through estuaries, bogs and also a swamp forest.

The track features remnants of old pack tracks, an old log tramway and whitebaiters huts.

Getting there

From Harihari follow Wanganui Flat Road, then turn left and follow La Fontaine Road to the road end carpark, a drive of approximately 20 minutes.

Activities

Bird and wildlife watching Bird and wildlife watching
Fishing Fishing

Bird and wildlife watching

A variety of birdlife, and vegetation, is often observed, especially in the lagoon and mudflats at the mouth of the Wanganui River.

Fishing

Take your fishing gear to the Wanganui River mouth. It's a great place for whitebaiting, angling and eeling.

Plan and prepare

  • The beach and Wanganui River estuary section of track are only suitable within 2 hours of low tide. Check the tide times posted at the start of the walk.
  • Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre and i-SITE before starting your trip.
  • Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly.
  • Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times.
  • Dogs are not permitted on this track.

Weather

NZ weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Track category definitions

Plan and prepare for your trip

Great Walks

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry
all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Safety alerts for West Coast tracks

Contacts

Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 3 752 0796
Address: 13 State Highway 6
Franz Josef Glacier 7856
Email: westlandnpvc@doc.govt.nz
Full office details

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Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai