Kahurangi Point Route

Route

Time:  

3-4 hr

Getting there

The start for Kahurangi Point Route is south-west of Pakawau in Golden Bay. From Takaka to Pakawau is a 40 minute drive, and from Pakawau head west on Dry Road over the Pakawau Saddle and down to Whanganui Inlet past Mangarakau and Paturau River. From here, Cowin Road takes you to the carpark at Anatori. From Pakawau to Anatori is approximately 38 km on an unsealed, narrow windy road (allow an hour and 40 minutes from the Pakawau turn-off). The road passes through farm land, please leave the gates as you find them. If you have a 4WD vehicle you can cross Anatori River and drive on for another 20 minutes to Turimawiwi River.

Description

Kahurangi Point coastline

Allow 4 hours from Anatori or 3 hours from Turimawiwi River to walk to Kahurangi Point. Cross Anatori River on foot and head out to the coastline. The walk to Kahurangi Point is an unmarked route along the beach; a wild and often windswept coastline in a vast, isolated landscape. The weather, sea and tide conditions can make travel dangerous and in some cases impossible.

There are two rivers that must be crossed at or close to low water. Do not attempt to cross when they are in flood and always cross cautiously as river conditions change daily. Check the tide tables in the newspaper or at the Golden Bay i-SITE Information Centre. Anaweka River must be crossed at the beach as there is no way around the wide estuary inland. At Big River it is occasionally possible to cross at the river mouth if it's shallow enough and sea conditions allow. If not, head up the estuary and wade across where its seems the shallowest. Exercise personal judgement as to whether the crossing can be made safely.

Crossing Big River at low tide

After Big River, the beach gives way to huge inter-tidal rock platforms near Kahurangi Point. Just before the point is Kahurangi Keepers' House. This house was made originally from the nearby houses of the former lighthouse keepers and altered to its present shape in 2003. A short walk further on around the coast takes you to the lighthouse, built in 1903. The house is not visible from the beach so look for the sign and orange marker. If you sight the lighthouse you have gone too far.

 

Plan and prepare

• Check the tide times (use the Nelson tide times and add one hour). Time your trip to arrive at Big River at dead low tide or soon after. Crossing Big River is safest during spring tides, when there is the greatest difference between high and low water (just after the new and full moon).
• Check the weather forecast for the time period you intend to stay and take into account the weather conditions prior to your departure. If there has been heavy or persistent rain fall in the hills (not necessarily on the coast) this will affect river levels. Rising rivers can also prevent you returning from your walk. Strong winds and rough seas can also make conditions unpleasant travelling along the beach and can push water levels up into the estuaries for longer periods.
• Take extra food provisions in case you cannot make the return journey as planned.  There is no reliable cellphone coverage from anywhere on the coast.
• There are no shops or petrol stations past Pakawau. 

What to expect on a route:

• Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
• Track unformed and natural, rough, muddy or very steep
• Suitable for people with above average fitness. High level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
• Complete self sufficiency required
• Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
• Sturdy tramping/hiking boots required