Tucked away on the remote northwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Wharariki Beach is one of the country’s most breathtaking beaches with its dramatic rock formations, rolling sand dunes and the iconic Archway Islands.
As one of our favourite beaches in New Zealand, we have visited multiple times and will cover everything you need to know before visiting in this guide; including how to get there, parking, accommodation and must see photo spots!
Where is Wharariki Beach?
Wharariki Beach is located on the northwestern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, near Farewell Spit in the Golden Bay region. This remote and windswept beach is part of Kahurangi National Park, known for its dramatic coastal scenery, rugged cliffs, and rolling sand dunes.
How Far is Wharariki Beach From the closest town?
Wharariki Beach's remote location means it remains largely untouched and uncrowded, making it a perfect spot if you're looking to escape into nature, but it's also a fair drive from big towns.
- Collingwood – 30-minute drive
- Takaka – 1-hour drive
- Nelson – 2:30-3 hour drive
Collingwood is the last town before Wharariki Beach and is a 30 minute drive, so you'll have to make sure you have enough petrol, food and water.
How to Get to Wharariki Beach
Reaching Wharariki Beach requires some effort, but the journey is well worth it. Since it’s located in a remote part of Golden Bay, the only way to get there is by car, followed by a short walk through scenic farmland and sand dunes.
Driving Directions to Wharariki Beach
The drive to Wharariki is relatively easy and simple, but does take a while depending on your starting location. We drove from Nelson, which took around 2 - 3 hours. New Zealand's roads are usually quiet and there is rarely any traffic.
If driving from Nelson, take the State Highway 60 west through Motueka and Takaka, then continue north past Collingwood toward Farewell Spit. Follow Wharariki Road until you reach the car park.
When you reach Wharariki Road, it does turn into a gravel track, so just make sure your vehicle can drive on gravel. We drove a large campervan down this track, so most cars or vans should be fine!
Is there parking at Wharariki Beach?
Yes, there is a free car park located at the end of Wharariki Road, which is the starting point for the walking track to the beach. The car park is not huge, so it can fill up in summer. We visited at the end of February and the car park wasn't very busy (we went for sunset).
Walking Track to Wharariki Beach
The track to Wharariki Beach is short and easy so it's suitable for most people. However, it's not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs (strollers) because of uneven terrain and sand dunes.
- Distance: 1.2 km (one way)
- Duration: 20-25 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy (some sandy sections)
From the Wharariki Beach car park, follow the well-marked track through rolling farmland, over small hills and into the coastal dunes. The final stretch involves walking through soft sand, so be prepared for a bit of a workout before you reach the beach.
Are there any facilities at Wharariki Beach?
There is one long drop toilet (hole in the ground) at Wharariki Beach, which is quite common throughout rural parts of New Zealand. There are no other facilities such as shops or cafes!
What's the best time to visit Wharariki Beach?
Wharariki Beach is great to visit at any time of year, as it's not necessarily a swimming beach, so it doesn't require warm weather.
The beach is quite exposed so you'll want to avoid going in any strong winds or storms which typically happen during winter. We've visited in both winter and summer and found conditions to be great both times, just check weather conditions before visiting.
Wharariki Beach is also never overly crowded, every time we've visited we've only seen a couple of other people. If you want the most peaceful experience and best lighting conditions, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Best Photo Spots at Wharariki Beach
Wharariki Beach is one of the most photogenic locations in New Zealand, the dramatic rock formations and sand dunes create an epic landscape to photograph. Here are some of the best photo spots we have found on our visits to Wharariki Beach:
1. Archway Islands
It goes without saying that the main attraction at Wharariki Beach are the iconic Archway Islands, the unique triangular rocks jutting out of the ocean, which make the perfect focal point for photos.
At low tide, the wet sand creates a perfect mirror reflection of the islands which looks incredible, especially at sunset!
2. Sand Dunes
The rolling sand dunes are another great focal point, or you can use them as foreground to frame your shot. There's also lots of long grass around the sand dunes which look beautiful in the foreground, adding depth to your image.
3. Seal Pups in the Rock Pools and Ocean
During the warmer months, baby seals can often be found playing in the shallow rock pools or ocean. Capturing them interacting with the water makes for great wildlife photography.
To see the seals and rock pools, walk all the way along the beach to the very end where you'll find massive rock formations, as most people don't walk far enough to find them. In late february we saw plenty of seals and caught one playing in the ocean!
4. Windows Wallpaper Cave & Other Caves
You might recognise Wharariki beach from the iconic windows wallpaper of the rocks framed by a cave! To reach it, walk along the beach until you come across a massive cave, you won't be able to miss it. You might also see seals sleeping in the caves, we did!
If you carry on walking towards the end of the beach, you'll find lots of massive rocks with caves. This spot is a photographer’s paradise, with endless opportunities to explore different angles and compositions. We spent hours wandering around, capturing unique shots from every angle.
5. Rock Pools
At low tide rock pools appear, filled with crystal-clear water. To find the rock pools, walk all the way along the beach to the very end, where they’re scattered around the towering rocks.
These pools make for stunning photos, especially when you add a subject into the frame. Just be warned, the water is usually icy cold!
More South Island photo spots 👇
Chloe Butcher
Accommodation Near Wharariki Beach
While Wharariki Beach is remote, there are still a couple of accommodation options nearby that offer comfort and easy access to the beach.
1. Wharariki Beach Holiday Park
Wharariki Beach Holiday Park is the closest accommodation which is located at the Wharariki Beach car park. They have unpowered and powered sites for campervans and tents, cabins and a backpackers lodge. It’s an ideal spot if you want to stay close to the beach.
2. Farewell Gardens Holiday Park
A 1o-minute drive from Wharariki Beach, Farewell Gardens Holiday Park is set in a peaceful location and has camping sites and cabins. This park is a great option for those looking for a relaxing place to stay with easy access to the beach and surrounding areas.
3. Other Holiday Parks & Accomodation in Collingwood
There are a couple of other holiday parks located a 25-30 minute drive away, such as Pakawau Beach Camp and Twin Waters Lodge.
You can also stay in the nearest town, Collingwood, located about 30-45 minutes from Wharariki Beach. There's a wide range of options, including guesthouses, B&Bs and holiday parks.
4. Free Camping in Takaka
If you're travelling in a campervan, the nearest free camping spot can be found in Takaka, which is around an hour's drive from Wharariki Beach. This is the option we chose as we travelled on a budget and wanted to stay in our campervan.
You can find free camping spots using the CamperMate app, which provides detailed information on free camping locations around New Zealand.
Things to know before visiting Wharariki Beach
Before heading to Wharariki Beach, there are a few important things to keep in mind to make sure it's safe and a successful visit:
Is it Safe to Swim?
Swimming at Wharariki Beach is not recommended due to the strong currents, unpredictable waves and powerful rips. The ocean here is wild and unpatrolled, so it can be dangerous even for experienced swimmers. If you do enter the water, extreme caution is needed, but it’s best to enjoy the beach from the shore.
Tides and Accessibility
The tides at Wharariki Beach play a huge role in what you can access. Low tide reveals stunning rock pools, sea caves and expansive sand formations, making it the best time to explore. However, some areas can become inaccessible at high tide, so always check the tide times before your visit.
Tip: If you’re planning to photograph the famous Windows Wallpaper Cave, you’ll need to visit at low tide, as it becomes unreachable when the tide comes in.
Leave No Trace
Wharariki Beach is a remote and pristine environment, home to seals, native birds and delicate sand dunes. It’s crucial to follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the area unspoiled:
- Keep your distance from seals - they may look cute, but they are wild animals and can be aggressive if approached.
- Stick to designated paths to protect the fragile dune ecosystem.
- Take all your rubbish with you - there are no bins, so leave nothing behind.
No Shops or Facilities - Bring Everything You Need
There are no shops, cafés or public facilities at Wharariki Beach, so make sure to come prepared. Bring:
- Food & water – There are no places to buy food nearby.
- Warm layers – Even in summer, the beach can be windy and chilly.
- Sunscreen & sunglasses – The sun can be intense, even on cloudy days.
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