Right at the top of the South Island, Cape Farewell is the island’s northernmost point — a dramatic headland of cliffs and rock arches pounded by the Tasman Sea. Next door is Wharariki Beach, and together they make one of the most spectacular, raw, free coastal experiences in the country.
What to do
- Cape Farewell lookout: A short walk from the car park to a clifftop platform watching the sea smash into stone arches far below. Often windy enough to lean into.
- Wharariki Beach: A 20-minute walk through farmland and dunes brings you out onto a vast wild beach with towering rock islands offshore (the famous wallpaper shot) and shifting dunes. At low tide, look for seal pups playing in the rock pools — keep your distance and never get between them and the sea.
- Pillar Point Lighthouse walk: Bigger views over Farewell Spit if you want to keep going.
Time it right
Go at low tide so you can reach the arches and rock pools safely, and check the wind — it’s exposed out here. Sunset is unreal when it behaves.
Hidden gem
Honestly, the whole place still feels like a secret. Even in summer you can have stretches of Wharariki almost to yourself if you go early or late.
Camping
No camping at the Cape Farewell car park itself. Base yourself in Collingwood or designated self-contained sites nearby; check CamperMate and the signs.
The far northwest is a proper adventure — exactly what a Campervanz road trip is built for.
