09 October 2026
Partly cloudy, with the chance of a shower about the ranges. Light winds, but easterlies about Golden Bay.
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1 / 20Farewell Spit Nature Reserve and Pūponga Farm Park
Wharariki Beach Track (Archway Islands)
This is the most spectacular coastline in the region, with caverns, islands, sand dunes and a long stretch of beach.
Distance
2.2 km
Walking time
40 min return
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Nelson forecast
Issued 9 Oct 2026, 4:49 pm
10 October 2026
Cloud increasing with showers developing in the morning, then becoming rain overnight. Easterlies easing in the morning, then northerlies in the evening.
11 October 2026
Showers becoming isolated with longer fine breaks in the afternoon. Northeasterlies, turning westerly in the afternoon.
12 October 2026
Mainly fine, but isolated showers in the afternoon. Light winds.
13 October 2026
Partly cloudy. Light winds.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Wharariki Beach Track (Archway Islands) on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Wharariki Beach Track (Archway Islands)
Wharariki Beach Track is a great short walk suitable for families. The track begins at the car park at the end of Wharariki Road, passing through farm paddocks and a section of coastal forest before descending to the beach. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the beach from the car park. At low tide, you can explore along Wharariki Beach.
Essential information for Wharariki Beach Track (Archway Islands)
General visiting rules No dogs or other pets are allowed. Firearms are prohibited. Camping is not permitted on both Farewell Spit Nature Reserve and the Pūponga Farm Park. Take your rubbish away with you when you leave. Do not light fires or smoke. No fishing in the nature reserve. Stay at least 20 m from seals There are a group of seal pups that use pools on Wharariki Beach to play in. Please respect their home by following these rules: Keep a respectful distance (at least 20 metres) Do not follow or chase the seals. It is an offense under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 to harass seals. Wharariki is not a swimming beach There are strong currents and rips at Wharariki Beach, swimming not recommended. Visiting Pūponga Farm Park Seemingly harmless acts, such as leaving a gate open or taking a pet for a walk can have drastic consequences for farm management. Follow these rules when visiting the farm: Cars and motorcycles must stay on formed roads and car park areas. Leave gates as you find them; don't be tempted to close an open gate - it's open for a purpose! Hay and bull paddocks, and the airstrip (during operations), are off limits to visitors. Livestock, birds and plants are not to be disturbed or interfered with. At times the farm may be closed to the public. This is usually during lambing or calving, or when the fire risk is extreme. During such times, visitors are asked to keep to roads and car parks.
Getting there for Wharariki Beach Track (Archway Islands)
From Collingwood, follow Collingwood-Puponga Main Road toward Pūponga. This road becomes Wharariki Road when it leaves the coast. Follow Wharariki Road to the car park at the end. Use this location in Google Maps to help find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Wharariki Beach Track (Archway Islands)
No dogs.
Before you walk Wharariki Beach Track (Archway Islands)
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.