Image: Caitlyn Thomas | ©
The sun sets on a beach at low tide with the dramatic silhouette of a rocky island with an arch.
Wharariki Beach Track (Archway Islands)

Located in Farewell Spit Nature Reserve and Pūponga Farm Park in the Nelson/Tasman region

This is the most spectacular coastline in the region, with caverns, islands, sand dunes and a long stretch of beach.

Wharariki Beach Track is a good option for families.

The track starts at the car park at the end of Wharariki Road. It goes through farm paddocks and a section of coastal forest, then drops down to the beach.

It takes around twenty minutes to walk from the car park to the beach.

At low tide, you can walk along Wharariki Beach and return to the car park via Green Hills Track.

From Collingwood, follow Collingwood-Puponga Main Road toward Pūponga. This road becomes Wharariki Road when it leaves the coast.

Follow Wharariki Road to the car park at the end.

General visiting rules

  • No dogs or other pets are allowed.
  • Firearms are prohibited.
  • Camping is not permitted on both Farewell Spit Nature Reserve and the Pūponga Farm Park.
  • Take your rubbish away with you when you leave.
  • Do not light fires or smoke.
  • No fishing in the nature reserve.

Stay at least 20 m from seals

There are a group of seal pups that use pools on Wharariki Beach to play in. Please respect their home by following these rules:

  • Keep a respectful distance (at least 20 metres)
  • Do not follow or chase the seals.

It is an offense under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 to harass seals. What to do if you find a seal.

Wharariki is not a swimming beach

There are strong currents and rips at Wharariki Beach, swimming not recommended.

Visiting Pūponga Farm Park

Seemingly harmless acts, such as leaving a gate open or taking a pet for a walk can have drastic consequences for farm management. Follow these rules when visiting the farm:

  • Cars and motorcycles must stay on formed roads and car park areas.
  • Leave gates as you find them; don't be tempted to close an open gate - it's open for a purpose!
  • Hay and bull paddocks, and the airstrip (during operations), are off limits to visitors.
  • Livestock, birds and plants are not to be disturbed or interfered with.

At times the farm may be closed to the public. This is usually during lambing or calving, or when the fire risk is extreme. During such times, visitors are asked to keep to roads and car parks.