Hike to Wharariki Beach

The very northern tip of the South Island in NZ lies one of the best beaches around. The hike into the beach is very straight forward, easy, and short. Only 1 kilometer through some pasture lands, over a couple fences (using steps) and you hit the wonderful sand taking you the rest of the way to the beach.

The track starts at the end of Wharariki road, plenty of parking in a big car park. There is a toilet at the trailhead, use it if needed. You start by climbing just a little hill, about 50 feet high, nothing challenging. From there you follow the trail as it winds its away along the sides of hills, giving you glimpses of cows and sheep grazing, the beach ahead of you, and the rolling hills in every direction. As you make it past the farmland, the sand starts. Lots of people take their shoes off at this point as you go up and down a few little hills before the trail opens up onto the beach. Walking over the little dunes will bring you directly to the waters edge. At low tide you can walk the entire length of the beach in both directions, or you can set up shop somewhere that you like the view.

The little sand dunes, Archway Islands, spectacular sunset, waves crashing, and overall very few people creates and ideal place for anybody to enjoy. Finding some driftwood to lean against, kick the feet up, crack a beer, and let the mind wander.