Cape FarewellCape Farewell, New Zealand at a Glance#
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
Nearby Attractions to Cape Farewell, New Zealand#
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'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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 13° - 21° | 17° | 125 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 14° - 21° | 17° | 79 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 13° - 20° | 16° | 146 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 10° - 18° | 14° | 144 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 8° - 15° | 12° | 199 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 6° - 13° | 7° | 164 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 6° - 13° | 6° | 209 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 6° - 13° | 7° | 211 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 8° - 14° | 11° | 154 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 9° - 16° | 12° | 192 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 11° - 17° | 14° | 149 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 12° - 19° | 16° | 120 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
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.