Farewell Spit: New Zealand’s Wild Coastal Frontier
Farewell Spit (Onetahua in Māori) is a place of stark beauty and ecological importance, stretching over 35 kilometres into the Tasman Sea. Protected as a nature reserve, it’s home to unique plant life, rare birds, and vast shifting sand dunes. As New Zealand’s longest sandspit and one of the longest natural sandspits in the world, it’s a place of adventure, discovery, and wonder.
Here’s how to experience Farewell Spit to its fullest.
🚙 1. Join a Farewell Spit Eco Tour
Because most of the Spit is a protected nature reserve, access beyond the first few kilometres is only possible with licensed guided tours.
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Eco tours take you across the vast sands in specialised 4WD vehicles.
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Visit the historic Farewell Spit Lighthouse, first lit in 1870.
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Learn about the area’s rich natural history, geology, and wildlife.
🐦 Wildlife Tip: Tours often include birdwatching opportunities, where you might see godwits, oystercatchers, and sometimes even spoonbills or rare waders.
🌊 2. Walk to Cape Farewell
The towering cliffs at Cape Farewell mark the South Island’s northernmost point—and offer breathtaking views.
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Short walks lead to spectacular coastal viewpoints.
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Spot seals basking on the rocks below or seabirds soaring on the breeze.
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Perfect for dramatic photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.
🌿 3. Explore Fossil Point
On a guided tour or by short walk at low tide, visit Fossil Point, where ancient marine fossils are embedded in the sandstone cliffs.
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Learn about the area’s geological history.
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Fascinating stop for nature lovers and photographers.
🦜 4. Birdwatching Paradise
Farewell Spit is internationally renowned as a haven for migratory and native birds:
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Home to over 90 species of birds, including godwits, knots, shags, and terns.
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Part of a Ramsar wetland site of international significance.
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Best visited during the migratory season (spring and autumn).
📸 Tip: Bring binoculars and a zoom lens for the best birding experience.
🏄 5. Visit Wharariki Beach
Just a short drive from Farewell Spit, Wharariki Beach is a wild, windswept beach famous for its massive sea arches and seal pups playing in rock pools.
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Easy 20-minute walk from the carpark through farmland and dunes.
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Great spot for a picnic or simply exploring the tide pools and caves.
🌾 6. Experience the Shifting Dunes
On a guided tour, marvel at Farewell Spit’s massive sand dunes:
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Ever-changing landscape shaped by wind and tides.
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Feel the vastness and isolation of this incredible environment.
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Some tours offer the chance to climb a dune for panoramic views.
🚣 7. Collingwood: Gateway to the Spit
Base yourself in nearby Collingwood, a friendly, historic township offering:
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Local cafés, galleries, and shops.
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Accommodation ranging from cozy B&Bs to holiday parks.
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Additional tour options, including boat trips and fishing charters.
🛌 Where to Stay Near Farewell Spit
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Zatori Retreat (Collingwood): Boutique eco-lodge with stunning views.
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Farewell Gardens: Relaxed B&B close to Cape Farewell.
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Collingwood Holiday Park: Affordable camping and cabin options near the Spit.
📅 Best Times to Visit Farewell Spit
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Summer (Dec–Feb): Warm, sunny weather, great for tours and beach visits.
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Autumn (Mar–May): Migratory bird season, fewer visitors, dramatic skies.
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Winter (Jun–Aug): Wild and atmospheric, peaceful walks and moody photography.
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Spring (Sep–Nov): Fresh greenery, vibrant birdlife, crisp clear days.
🌬️ Weather Tip: Farewell Spit can be windy year-round—bring layers and wind protection.
✅ Final Thoughts
Farewell Spit is one of New Zealand’s most remarkable natural landscapes—a place where raw beauty, rich ecology, and history meet. Whether you’re venturing out on a guided tour, watching birds take flight across the tidal flats, or marvelling at endless dunes, Farewell Spit offers a truly unforgettable experience.
Ready to discover this unique coastal wonder?
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