Farewell Spit, at the tip of the South Island, is New Zealand’s longest sand spit (25 km) and a nature reserve.

How long does it take to walk Farewell Spit?

Spit Track Circuit via Farewell Spit (3-4-hour Loop) Walk to as far as public access allows on Farewell Spit on the Spit Track Circuit via Farewell Spit. Walk along the Inner Beach (see description above) for around 4km (2.5 miles) until you reach a marked track crossing the spit to Ocean Beach.

What do you do in Farewell Spit?

Towering sand dunes provide hours of entertainment for those of all ages, although venturing further than the first 4km is only possible when on a guided tour. Other attractions along the spit include a gannet colony, wader watch area, lighthouse, Fossil Point and Cape Farewell.

How far can you drive up Farewell Spit?

Farewell Spit is around 35km long and public access is restricted to the first 4km. Vehicle access is only allowed for supervised tours by concession holders. Through sharing the experience of visiting Farewell Spit we can help to raise public awareness of this extraordinary ecosystem, so vital for our migratory birds.

Can you self drive to Farewell Spit?

Independent travel to Farewell Spit is limited to a small area at its base, around the Puponga Farm Park and Cape Farewell. To venture further along the spit, travelers must join a guided tour.

Are dogs allowed on Farewell Spit?

No dogs or other pets are allowed. Firearms are prohibited. Camping is not permitted on both the Spit reserve and the Farm Park. Take your rubbish away with you when you leave.

How long drive from Nelson to Farewell Spit?

How long does it take to get from Nelson to Farewell Spit? It takes approximately 2h 41m to get from Nelson to Farewell Spit, including transfers.

Can you walk to Farewell Spit lighthouse?

Two DOC-approved operators run nature tours to Farewell Spit Lighthouse. You can freely enjoy Puponga Farm Park and can walk a short distance along the base of Farewell Spit. There is no public access elsewhere on the Spit except by DOC permit or with a licensed tour operator.

Can you see the North Island from Farewell Spit?

Farewell SpitArea11,388 hectares (28,140 acres)Ramsar WetlandDesignated13 August 1976Reference no.103

How was Farewell Spit formed?

Farewell Spit is formed entirely from quartz sands, derived from the erosion of granites and other rocks on the west coast and transported northward by coastal drift. … In early European times the sand dunes were partly covered in grass and forest, and sheep and cattle were grazed.

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How long drive from Golden Bay to Nelson?

The 64-mile (103-kilometer) journey from Nelson to the small town of Takaka in Golden Bay takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, while the 80-mile (130-kilometer) journey from Nelson to Collingwood, further west in Golden Bay, takes just over two hours.

How far is Picton from Golden Bay?

The distance between Picton and Golden Bay is 120 km.

Are dogs allowed on Little Kaiteriteri Beach?

Kaiteriteri Beach, the estuary, Mountain Bike Park and Campground are all on Crown Reserve Land. These areas do not allow dogs unfortunately, and the area is protected under bylaws prohibiting dogs. … You can walk your dog on a controlled lead along the Road and footpath as this is state highway.

How steep is Takaka Hill?

It is a slow road to drive. There are numerous bends in the road, some almost 320 degree hairpins. Because of this, new comers to the road sometimes experience travel sickness.

What is the most southern point of the South Island called?

Slope Point is the southernmost point on the South Island of New Zealand and is accessible via a 20 minute walk across private farmland.

How did Cape Farewell get its name?

Cape Farewell is a headland in New Zealand, the most northerly point on the South Island. It is located just west of Farewell Spit. First mapped by Abel Tasman, it was named by British explorer Captain James Cook in 1770 —it was the last land seen by his crew as they departed on the ship’s homeward voyage.

Where are the sounds in New Zealand?

The Marlborough Sounds are an extensive network of sea-drowned valleys at the northern end of the South Island of New Zealand. The Marlborough Sounds were created by a combination of land subsidence and rising sea levels. According to Māori mythology, the sounds are the prows of the sunken wakas of Aoraki.

How was Golden Bay formed?

Golden Bay is extremely shallow — less than 20 fathoms — and was probably formed by normal marine erosion of the soft Tertiary sediments which appear to underlie it. On its northern side it is slowly being infilled by drifting sand and mud transported around Farewell Spit by coastal drift from the west coast.

How many people live in Goldenbay?

Golden Bay is a coastal area which is bordered by two national parks – the Kahurangi National Park and the Abel Tasman National Park. Golden Bay has a population of about 5000 people, however, over the summer months from November to March this can more than triple with an influx of visitors from all over the world.

How do I get from Wellington to Golden Bay?

From Wellington: By Air: Golden Bay Air operates scheduled flights Wellinton – Takaka – Karamea – Nelson – up to 3 times a day in Summer and 5 times a week in winter. They also have shuttles on -demand to Adrift In Golden Bay and also have rental cars available from $49 per day.

Where is Goldenbay?

Golden Bay / MohuaNative nameTe Tai Tapu (Māori)

How do I get from Auckland to Golden Bay?

The quickest way to get from Auckland to Golden Bay is to fly which costs $240 – $600 and takes 5h 8m. How far is it from Auckland to Golden Bay? The distance between Auckland and Golden Bay is 455 km.

How do I get to Golden Bay beach?

1. From Valletta: Take route 42 or 250 to St. Paul’s Bay, then hop on route 223 or 225 (Trip duration: 1h 15m)
2. From Sliema and St. Julian’s: Direct route 225 takes you there in a little over one hour.
3. From Buġibba, Qawra and St. Paul’s Bay: Direct routes 223 and 225 both pass through the main street of St.

How do I get to Golden Bay?

1. Fly. Fly directly into Golden Bay from Wellington with Golden Bay Air.
2. Drive. Drive yourself or take a bus: Golden Bay Coachlines.
3. Boat. Drop off on a beach near us: Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi or Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles.
4. Walk. Golden Bay Hideaway is at the northern end of Abel Tasman National Park.

Is Golden Bay dog friendly?

Golden Bay Dog Beach is located at the far southern car park off Marillana Drive. … Dogs are not permitted north of this area as per signage in the car park. The walk from the car park to the dog beach isn’t too far.

Can you take dogs to Marahau?

dogs are not permitted in any national parks and marahau is right at the entrance to the abel tasman national park so you are really limited where you can take your dog except along the beach at low tide at certain hours.

Is Rabbit Island dog friendly?

Dogs are also prohibited at Rabbit Island, but can be taken to nearby Rough Island. Horses are welcome at the eastern end of the front beach, but have been noticed encroaching on to the western part of the beach.

How many bends does Takaka Hill have?

The Takaka Hill has 257 corners.

What is the height of Takaka Hill?

It rises to 791 metres at its highest point and separates the coastal communities of Golden Bay from those of the more populous Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere to the southeast and because of its winding nature isolates Golden Bay from the rest of the South Island.

How long does it take to drive over the Takaka Hill?

It takes about one hour to drive from Nelson to the hill, and then there’s the drive over the hill itself to Takaka. Takaka is well worth visiting. It’s situated at the south eastern end of Golden Bay in the Nelson Tasman region. As a community, it’s different!