Attractions
Farewell Spit Attractions
Farewell Spit Nature Reserve is of international importance, jutting some 30km into the Tasman Sea, with salt marshes, open mudflats, freshwater brackish lakes and dunes providing habitats for over a hundred bird species. The unusual shape of the coastline sadly seems to fool whales' navigation systems and beaching is common here.
Take a guided safari tour in a 4WD bus to the old Farewell Spit lighthouse, the tour buses will pick you up at our gate, you can book the tour directly with us.
Alternatively you can walk to the outer beach (2km) and inner beach (4km); both provide good views of the spit.
The Farewell Spit Visitor Centre is a 10 minute walk from our camp, with stunning views overlooking Farewell Spit.
Walks & Wharariki Beach
A walk through the park will take you to Fossil Point on the West Coast, another beautiful windswept beach with unusual rock formations.
The Wharariki Beach car park is a short drive from our camp (there is no road access to the beach), a 15 minute walk over the hill takes you to the beach. It has a wild and spectacular coastal landscape, where the wind and waves have created massive rock and sand dune formations.
Another spectacular walk is the Hilltop Walk, starting point can be at Wharariki, Cape Farewell or Pillar Point, taking you back to the Farewell Spit Visitor Information Centre and our camp. This walk provides fantastic views of the Tasman Sea, Farewell Spit and Golden Bay, all in one.
Other
The Cape Farewell Horse Treks are just down the road from us with a number of day trek options.
At low tide you can collect cockles and mussels at Puponga beach, at high tide kayaking around Abel Head and into the lagoon, observing seals and birds, and of course swimming in the safe and tranquil waters is a great way to spend the day.
If you don't wish to self cater the popular Old School Cafe in Pakawau (8km south) offers great dining, breakfast and lunches are also available at the Paddlecrab Kitchen at the Farewell Spit Visitor Centre.