Farewell Spit & Puponga Farm Park walking tracks
Walking track
Getting there
From Takaka, follow State Highway 60 north to Farewell Spit.
Description
Fossil Point/Spit walk
Time: 25 min one way
From the carpark, walk across Triangle Flat to Fossil Point. Fossilised shells and worm casts can be found in blocks of mudstone fallen from the cliffs. Seals can often be seen here playing in the water. For an hour-long round trip continue along the ocean beach and then take the vehicle track back across the Spit, returning to the carpark via the inner beach.
Farewell Spit, Golden Bay
Pillar Point Lighthouse track
Time: 2 hr 30 min one way
A marked route starting near the visitor centre carpark follows Old Man Range to Pillar Point Lighthouse with panoramic views all the way. It is about one hour's walk to this point. Behind the light are the ruins of one of New Zealand's first radar stations, built during World War Two. For a round trip, continue down the vehicle track to Wharariki Road (30 min) and return to the carpark via Wharariki Road (1 hr).
Mountain biking is allowed from Wharariki Road to Pillar Point Lighthouse.
Wharariki Beach walking track
Time: 20 min one way
This is the most spectacular coastline in the region, with its caverns, islands, sand dunes and long stretch of beach. Access is at the end of Wharariki Road. From the carpark to the beach takes 20 minutes over farm paddocks and through a section of coastal forest.
Activities
Mountain biking
Mountain biking is allowed from Wharariki Road to Pillar Point Lighthouse.
Plan and prepare
- Take care on the cliff tops in windy conditions.
- Do not light fires.
- Stay at least 20 m from seals.
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required
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