Farewell Spit

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Farewell Spit

Nature Reserve

Farewell Spit is a narrow sand spit and protected nature reserve at the northern end of Golden Bay in New Zealand's South Island. Travellers come for dramatic coastal scenery, large shorebird populations and the remote gannet colony.

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Farewell Spit essentials

Address: Pūponga / Cape Farewell area, Tasman District, New Zealand

Farewell Spit (Māori: Onetahua) is a long, narrow sand formation that runs eastwards from Cape Farewell, the northernmost point of the South Island. The spit includes about 25 km of relatively stable land plus a further mobile sand section, and it forms the northern edge of Golden Bay. It is legally protected as a nature reserve and is recognised internationally as a Ramsar wetland and an East Asian-Australasian Flyway shorebird site.

The spit is administered by the Department of Conservation and is an important habitat for tens of thousands of shorebirds, a large moulting population of black swans and a rare sea-level colony of Australasian gannets near the tip. The sands, dunes and extensive intertidal flats were formed by longshore drift and wind-driven dune movement; the exposed mudflats at low tide are rich feeding grounds for migratory waders.

Public access is limited to protect wildlife: most of the reserve is closed except on organised tours, though walkers may use the first 4 km of the spit from the landward end without a permit. The area is also known for shipwrecks in the past and periodic mass strandings of pilot whales, and visitors should follow local guidance to avoid disturbing wildlife.

  • Gannet colony: A unique sea-level breeding colony of Australasian gannets is found near the tip of the spit, viewable on guided tours.
  • Tidal mudflats and shorebirds: Extensive intertidal flats attract internationally important numbers of migratory waders and provide excellent birdwatching at high and low tides.
  • Cape Farewell vistas: The headland at Cape Farewell offers wide coastal views where the spit begins to project into the Tasman Sea.
  • Steel lighthouse and beach walk: The lighthouse near the end of the accessible area is part of the spit’s maritime history and is a landmark on walking routes covered by tours.
  • Wildlife on the dunes and lakes: Salt marshes, dune lakes and vegetated sand dunes support diverse birdlife and black swan moulting areas.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Farewell Spit#

Farewell Spit is worthwhile year-round for wildlife, but conditions vary by season; summer and spring are best for birdlife while autumn and winter bring stronger winds and rain.

Summer (best for birds)
December - February · 12°C - 22°C (54°F - 72°F)
Warmer, drier weather and high summer shorebird numbers make this a good time for guided visits and observing large migrant and resident bird populations.
Spring (good for migrants)
September - November · 8°C - 18°C (46°F - 64°F)
Spring sees many migratory waders arriving and an increase in bird activity, making it an appealing season for birdwatching.
Autumn and winter (coastal storms)
March - August · 6°C - 20°C (43°F - 68°F)
Cooler months bring more rain and stronger winds; visits are still rewarding but expect rougher conditions and occasional storm impacts on low-lying colonies.

Weather & Climate near Farewell Spit#

Climate

Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 6°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1707 mm/year), wettest in July.

Air Quality: AQI 23 Good
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 13° - 21° 17° 91 mm partly cloudy 83% 5.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 14.5h
February Very Good 14° - 22° 18° 77 mm partly cloudy 81% 5.1 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.5h
March Good 13° - 20° 17° 144 mm partly cloudy 81% 5.3 m/s 1.4 high 12.2h
April Good 10° - 18° 14° 186 mm partly cloudy 81% 4.5 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.9h
May Acceptable 8° - 15° 12° 150 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.9 m/s 0.3 low 9.7h
June Acceptable 6° - 13° 8° 177 mm partly cloudy 79% 4.6 m/s 0.2 low 9.2h
July Acceptable 6° - 13° 7° 198 mm partly cloudy 79% 4.7 m/s 0.2 low 9.4h
August Acceptable 6° - 13° 7° 177 mm partly cloudy 81% 4.8 m/s 0.4 low 10.4h
September Acceptable 8° - 15° 11° 162 mm partly cloudy 82% 5.4 m/s 0.7 moderate 11.7h
October Good 9° - 16° 13° 119 mm overcast 82% 5.8 m/s 1.3 high 13.0h
November Acceptable 11° - 18° 14° 112 mm overcast 83% 6.5 m/s 1.9 very high 14.2h
December Good 12° - 20° 16° 114 mm overcast 84% 5.3 m/s 2.3 extreme 14.8h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Farewell Spit#

The spit lies about 50 km north of Tākaka and roughly 20 km from Collingwood; the small settlement of Pūponga sits close to the landward end. The nearest regional center with regular flights is Nelson; local roads connect Golden Bay settlements to Pūponga.

Public access onto the reserve itself is restricted: most visitors join organised tours that depart from Pūponga or nearby Collingwood, or walk the first 4 km of the spit from the landward end. Expect unsealed roads toward Pūponga and check locally for tour operators, permits and seasonal access notices.

Tips for Visiting Farewell Spit#

  • Most of the reserve is closed without a permit - book an organised tour to see beyond the first 4 km.
  • Bring strong windproof clothing and sun protection; the exposed spit is often windy and weather can change quickly.
  • Carry binoculars for shorebird and gannet viewing and keep to guide instructions to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Check tide and tour timings if you plan to walk the accessible section, and follow DOC guidance during whale-strandings.
  • Facilities are very limited around Pūponga and Collingwood - come prepared with food, water and fuel.