Wharariki Beach / Farewell Spit area

Golden Bay & Takaka, New Zealand

Home to iconic coastlines, reached via a gravel road about an hour from Takaka.

Places in Wharariki Beach / Farewell Spit area

Ratanui Lodge restaurant A welcoming restaurant and lounge bar open to the public from October to April.
Ratanui Lodge lounge bar A lounge bar open to the public from October to April at the luxury lodge.

Best time to visit: October to April, when Ratanui Lodge's restaurant and lounge bar are open and conditions are best for exploring Wharariki Beach and Pupu Springs.
Getting around: Tākaka, on State Highway 60, is the main hub, about an hour's drive from Wharariki Beach via a gravel road leading to the Northernmost holiday park in the South Island; Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks are nearby for walking tracks.
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZ$)
Language: English and te reo Māori (both official).
Timezone: NZST (UTC+12, UTC+13 in summer)
Current trends: Golden Bay's quirky, bohemian Tākaka continues to draw visitors seeking an alternative to classic Kiwi towns, with the world-famous Pupu Springs' claim to the clearest water in the Southern Hemisphere and Wharariki Beach's remote coastal beauty remaining the region's signature natural attractions; Mussel Inn's award-winning craft beer and European-style cuisine remains a beloved institution, while Ratanui Lodge's recently refurbished luxury offering, open October to April, reflects a growing high-end accommodation presence in this remote corner of the South Island.

Tākaka town — The largest town in Golden Bay, with a quirky bohemian vibe and a variety of cafes and restaurants.
Pohara — Home to cozy motels starting at $80 NZD per night, near Takaka.