Wharariki Beach — Attraction in South Island

Wharariki Beach is an iconic beach on the Tasman Sea, west of Cape Farewell, the northernmost point of the South Island of New Zealand.

The rocky arches and stacks of Wharariki Beach are Paleocene, around 55-65 million years old. The rocks are very distinctive quartz and feldspar rich sandstones with pebbly gravel conglomerates, that are pancake stacked on top of each other.

The highlight of Wharariki beach are the seal pups which have made it their playground. They use the pools on the beach to frolic and play in.

Everything at Wharariki is large. There are large swells which make it unsafe to swim. There are rips and undercurrents. A rogue wave swept a couple out to sea who were lucky to survive, only after being rescued by a helicopter.

It is a one hours vehicle drive from Takaka, followed by a 30 minute farm walk. Or 2.5 hours from Nelson.

Over millions of years, the cliffs and islands have been eroded away by the ocean, wind and rain, creating arches, stacks and caves.

Travelers tend to explore the family friendly beaches of nearby Abel Tasman National Park, whereas they miss the remote rugged windswept coastline of NZ.

The track to Wharariki Beach travels over farm paddocks and through a section of coastal forest, before arriving at the beautiful windswept beach.

Have you ever been called an "adrenaline junkie" who likes to go to the edge? Then this place is for you. Walk to Wharariki Beach followed by crossing the stream at the right of the beach, then walk clockwise. Take a walk on the wild side with the hill top coastal cliff walk.

Beware of high winds (can be very exposed!) and sheer cliff edges in this region! Cape Farewell is the northernmost point of the South Island. Walking along the dramatic coastal cliffs will be taking you to edge, not for the faint hearted. You will be able to see part of the Farewell Spit. For the coastal cliff walk, add another 2 hours to your hike. You will reach the viewing platform at Cape Farewell, and most likely to see some seals.

You walk back along the Cape Farewell car park / road clockwise to your car at Wharariki Beach car park. There is a baby lamb hanging right on the edge of the cliff, braver than me!

Children ask your parents first! Must be supervised at all times. Now I know why it is called Cape Farewell. Keep an eye out for the peacocks at...

What a great place to visit! It is a bit hidden and you got about 2km or so down a very bumpy dirt road that I am convinced is not at all wide enough for two cars to drive on at the same time, so definitely recommend taking it slow. There is a parking lot marking the start of the hike to the beach that was pretty packed when I got there. I only got a spot because someone was leaving as I arrived.

There was a bit of a treat with a feral peacock walking in between the cars, which was fun to see.

The hike itself is probably about 20-30mins one way depending on your pace and if you stop to really take in the views. You got through open pastures on this narrow trail that hugs the side of some very steep hills where sheep are openly grazing and it is just gorgeous. The green, tall pastoral hills dotted w/sheep under a clear blue sky just felt completely New Zealand! After you exit the hills down through some forest you come out in the dunes. The sand really took it out of my physically and when I could finally see the actual shoreline, I literally felt like I was never going to get to put my feet in the water because the tide was going out! But, the beach itself is incredibly beautiful! Between the dunes behind you hand the rock formations in the water, it is a little slice of NZ heaven!

Needless to say, well worth the hike and you visit to the Farewell Spit is not complete until you...

💫Iconic. The one, the only, the legend.💫

Local hidden gem 💎 turned international icon due to the release of Windows 10. Used as the site for many a wallpaper, this simple yet majestic beach was not picked in vain. 𝘊𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺, Microsoft knew what they were doing in the wallpaper selection process. 👏 👏👏

(Props to whoever decided this as the site for the photos, you did an outstanding job and you deserve a raise and a medal/trophy. 😁)

It is without doubt that this location is a perfect challenge for any photographer--no matter the skill level, season, camera type, or any other variable--this is a 100% worthwhile trip. Whether it's a simple walk down memory lane, a photography challenge, a *Sunday jog, late night stroll, date night picnic, whatever. This beach is truly (in my opinion) an 💫honorary world wonder.💫

Thank you, Microsoft. Thank you for making this location known to us.

Once hidden, now world renowned,

💫W͜͡e͜͡l͜͡c͜͡o͜͡m͜͡e͜͡ t͜͡o͜͡ W͜͡h͜͡a͜͡r͜͡a͜͡r͜͡i͜͡k͜͡i͜͡ B͜͡e͜͡a͜͡c͜͡h͜͡, N͜͡e͜͡w͜͡ Z͜͡e͜͡a͜͡l͜͡a͜͡n͜͡d͜͡.͜͡💫

*(Reminisce the glory that was/is Windows 10?) **(or any other day of the week,...