Cape Farewell, New Zealand
Cape Northernmost headland of New Zealand's South Island
At the northernmost tip of New Zealand’s South Island, Cape Farewell offers sea cliffs, coastal walks and local fishing access used by anglers and trampers.
Cape Farewell is the northernmost point of New Zealand’s South Island. The headland projects into Cook Strait and serves as a clear geographic extremity of the island.
The cape is characterised by coastal cliffs and rocky shoreline facing the strait that separates the North and South Islands. It is a visible landmark from nearby coastal roads and viewpoints and is noted on regional maps as the island’s northern tip.
The area is part of New Zealand’s maritime landscape and is subject to coastal weather conditions driven by the Cook Strait. There is no large settlement directly at the cape; access is by local roads and coastal tracks in the surrounding region.
Geographically the cape sits at the northern edge of the South Island, marking the approach to Cook Strait from the west.
- Extreme point: Located at approximately 40.5°S, 172.683°E, it is the northernmost point of New Zealand's South Island
How to Get to Cape Farewell, New Zealand #
Cape Farewell is accessed from the coastal road north of Farewell Spit and Golden Bay in the Tasman region. The cape is a short drive from Takaka (roughly 30-40 minutes). Car access is the practical option; local tour operators include the cape on coastal itineraries.
Tips for Visiting Cape Farewell, New Zealand #
- Cape Farewell's windy ridge is best visited early in the day before afternoon gusts pick up; secure loose clothing and gear.
- Allow time to walk both the cape and the nearby Farewell Spit viewpoints-each reveals different coastal geology and birds.
Best Time to Visit Cape Farewell, New Zealand #
Best visited in New Zealand's summer for comfortable walking conditions; shoulder seasons offer fewer people and good light.
Weather & Climate near Cape Farewell, New Zealand #
Cape Farewell, New Zealand's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 6°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1892 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (199 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (209 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (211 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (192 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm).
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