How to get to the Farewell Spit?
If you want to go to the farewell spit lighthouse along the spit it is the only way. Otherwise you can drive to puponga and park at the carpark and walk the start of the spit, but you can only really walk on the spit from triangle flat to fossil point.
How far is the walk to Farewell Spit from Ocean Beach?
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.
Where is Farewell Spit on the South Island?
Find Farewell Spit at the northwest tip of the South Island in Golden Bay. While you’re here, you might also be interested in 19 Epic Natural Attractions in Golden Bay and 10 Golden Bay Must-Dos. 1. Fossil Point (30 Minutes One Way)
Can you walk to the Puponga spit?
Otherwise you can drive to puponga and park at the carpark and walk the start of the spit, but you can only really walk on the spit from triangle flat to fossil point. There are many other walks such as to cape farewell, or pillar point lighthouse.
How long does it take to walk Farewell Spit?
1 hr 30 minTime: 1 hr 30 min The entrance to the Inner Beach from the car park is through an entrance in the fence (kissing gate); walk along the beach until you reach the 4WD Spit Track.
Is Farewell Spit worth visiting?
Birds, wildlife, and beaches are the main reasons to visit Farewell Spit. Plus, visiting the northernmost tip of the South Island is a modest bucket-list adventure. As independent visitors are allowed on the first 2.5 miles of Farewell Spit, it's possible to visit just for the beaches.
What is there to do in Farewell Spit?
Sand dunes & panoramic views. A highlight of the trip along the spit beach is the opportunity to stop and climb one of the low sand dunes that run down the spine of the spit. ... Lighthouse. ... Gannet colony. ... Wader Watch Area. ... Fossil Point. ... Cape Farewell.
Is Farewell Spit growing?
Indeed Farewell Spit is slowly lengthening, although its main growth is a widening of the huge sandplain on the Golden Bay shore. The spit began building at the end of the last ice age 14,000 years ago.
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.
Where is Farewell Spit located?
Farewell Spit (Māori: Onetahua) is a narrow sand spit at the northern end of the Golden Bay, South Island of New Zealand. It runs eastwards from Cape Farewell, the island's northernmost point.
What is Cape Farewell?
Cape Farewell (Greenlandic: Nunap Isua; Danish: Kap Farvel) is a headland on the southern shore of Egger Island, Nunap Isua Archipelago, Greenland. As the southernmost point of the country, it is one of the important landmarks of Greenland.
Why was Farewell Spit near Golden Bay in the news?
Department of Conservation rushing to Farewell Spit after report dozens of pilot whales stranded. There have been reports of a mass stranding of whales on Farewell Spit, near Golden Bay.
What is there to do in Patons Rock?
Anatoki Salmon.Pupu Hydro Walkway.Rawhiti Cave Track.Labyrinth Rocks.Dancing Sands Distillery.Golden Bay Vistor Centre.Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve.Kiwi Spirit Distillery.More items...
How big is Farewell Spit?
34km longFarewell Spit stretches 34km long, making it one of the longest natural sandspits in the world. A wetland of international importance, it has been a bird sanctuary since the 1930's and provides a home for over 90 bird species.
How wide is Farewell Spit?
about half a mile wideThe spit is about half a mile wide and comprises shifting sand dunes up to 100 ft high. Sand and mud flats up to 4 miles in width are laid bare at low tide on the south side. Both Cape Farewell and Farewell Spit were discovered by Abel Tasman in 1642 and named by Captain Cook when he left New Zealand in 1770.
What ecosystem contains Farewell Spit?
A 2013 survey found that Farewell Spit regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds. The site is the highest ranked ecosystem in the Tasman District (2019 survey)....Internationally-significant habitat for shorebirds.LaunchedFunding commitment5 years7 more rows
What games can we play in farewell?
Fun Games to Play at a Farewell PartyTrivia Quiz. Make a quiz with questions about the honored guest who's leaving. ... Treasure Hunt Sardines. Create a treasure hunt where guests look for clues about the person going away and they all lead to the actual person. ... Packing Challenge. ... Clue Dinner Party. ... Betting Book.
How can I prepare for farewell in saree?
Wear an oxidized OTT boho neckpiece or a belt around the waist to keep your saree pallu in place. This way, you don't have to look too traditional but you'll still be following the farewell dress code. Styling Tip: A striped-saree looks best with a 3/4th or a full sleeves blouse.
What do you do at a farewell party at school?
7 ideas to host a school farewell partyDecide on the numbers. Figure out whether you are going to include the whole of the passing out batch or just a few close friends. ... Choose a leader. ... Throw a theme. ... Songs and music. ... Perform. ... Yummy food! ... Go click!
What is a farewell party for students?
Need for Farewell Speech – The farewell party is the time to speak something on behalf of the class to the seniors to wish them well. You may get an opportunity to speak on this day on behalf of your class. Many students get nervous about the name of speech but in reality its an easy task.
Where to walk from Triangle Flat to Wharariki?
Walk part of the track by starting / finishing at the Pillar Point Lighthouse car park or the Cape Farewell car park, along Wharariki Road. Triangle Flat to Pillar Point Lighthouse.
How far away should you keep seals from swarming?
Keep at least 20 metres away from seals.
Is it safe to walk on the beach in Puponga?
The beaches, marked tracks and roads are still safe for travel. Foot access only - no vehicles or bikes are permitted past the car park. At Puponga Farm Park. Seemingly harmless acts, such as leaving a gate open or taking a pet for a walk can have drastic consequences for farm management.
Can you camp on the spit?
Camping is not permitted on both the Spit reserve and the Farm Park. Take your rubbish away with you when you leave. Do not light fires or smoke; Care is required in windy conditions on the Puponga Hilltop Walk. Keep at least 20 metres away from seals. At Farewell Spit.
What to See and Do
Birds, wildlife, and beaches are the main reasons to visit Farewell Spit. Plus, visiting the northernmost tip of the South Island is a modest bucket-list adventure.
The Different Tours of Farewell Spit
Most of Farewell Spit is administered by New Zealand's Department of Conservation due to its importance as a bird habitat. Only one company has permission to take tourists to Farewell Spit, so that makes planning easy. Farewell Spit Tours operates from Collingwood, and take visitors out on large four-wheel-drive buses designed to drive on the sand.
How to Visit Without a Tour
If you don't want to join a tour but still want to experience something of the spit, independent visitors are permitted on the first 2.5 miles of the spit and at the Puponga Farm Park. Cape Farewell and Wharariki Beach can be reached from the parking lot at Puponga, so are easy for independent visitors to get to.
Where to stay
Takaka (population 1,300) is the biggest town in Golden Bay and offers the widest range of accommodation options. There are backpacker hostels, motels, guesthouses, and campgrounds. The Shady Rest is a particularly lovely boutique guesthouse in a century-old home on Takaka's main street.
How to Get there
Whether you take a guided tour or go it alone, you'll need your own vehicle to get to Golden Bay and Farewell Spit. A limited number of private shuttles run between Nelson/Motueka and Golden Bay, but these are primarily for trekkers embarking on the Heaphy Track in the Kahurangi National Park .
Where is the farewell spit?
Added by Scott Hagemann. The Farewell Spit is a 26 km stretch of sandy beaches on the northwestern tip of New Zealand's South Island. But to reach its stunning sea caves and best spots you only need to hike a few kilometers from several car parks located near the town of Puponga.
How long is the Farewell Spit drive?
Although the drive seems to be taking you to the end of the earth, reaching the Farewell Spit is just a 2 hour drive north of Nelson, and just an hour past Motueka.
How long is the 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.
Where is Farewell Spit Eco Tours located?
Farewell Spit Eco Tours, located in Collingwood, New Zealand have been operating on Farewell Spit for over 60 years. Commencing as mail delivery to the Farewell Spit Lighthouse keepers and their families, we operate tours on Farewell Spit which is known for migratory birds, and its fragile environment
What is the highlight of the trip to Spit Beach?
A highlight of the trip along the spit beach is the opportunity to stop and climb one of the low sand dunes that run down the spine of the spit. From the top of the dunes a 360 degree view unfolds. Discover more...
Where is Cape Farewell?
Cape Farewell is the northern-most point of the South Island. Peep over the edge of the dramatically sculpted quartz sandstone cliffs and you may see lazy New Zealand Fur Seals soaking up the sun on a rocky ledge far below. Discover more...
Where to see the Farewell Spit Lighthouse?
Along the beach you'll see stunning views of the Tasman Sea coastline and the opportunity to climb the sand dune at Mullet Channel for panoramic views of the intertidal plain and a stop at Fossil Point, .
What is the highlight of the trip to Spit Beach?
A highlight of the trip along the spit beach is the opportunity to stop and climb one of the low sand dunes that run down the spine of the spit. From the top of the dunes a 360 degree view unfolds. Discover more...
What is Cape Farewell?
Cape Farewell is the northernmost point of the South Island and the cliff-top views are spectacular . These dramatic coastal cliffs are sliced through with fault-lines (vertically walled slashes) where streams strangely run inland rather than to sea.
How many godwits are there at the spit?
See where Whales strand and uncover the mystery of the migrant waders. During the summer there are up to 20,000 godwits and 30,000 knots at the Spit, as well as other northern migratory birds, New Zealand natives and introduced species. Bring cameras and binoculars to make the most of this nature-lover's paradise.
Where is Farewell Spit?
Farewell Spit. Sand dunes on Farewell Spit. Farewell Spit is a narrow sand spit at the northern end of the Golden Bay, South Island of New Zealand. Known to the Māori as Tuhuroa, it runs eastwards from Cape Farewell, the island's northernmost point. It is located about 50 kilometres north of Takaka and 20 kilometres from Collingwood.
What is the southern side of Farewell Spit?
The south side of Farewell Spit is home to many thousands of seabirds; it also the site of frequent whale strandings mainly by long-finned pilot whales. The northern side is bounded by the Tasman Sea .
How many whales are stranded on Farewell Spit?
Whale strandings have been a common occurrence throughout history on Farewell Spit. On 15 November 2012, a pod of pilot whales stranded themselves on the spit, around two kilometres north-east from the Spit Cafe. Eleven were found dead on the first day. The spit has claimed around 680 Whales since records began. In January 2014 several whales stranded and re-stranded. This included a pod of 50 pilot whales, many of whom died from stress or needed to be euthanised despite several attempts to refloat them. In February 2015, pilot whales were found stranded on Farewell Spit. On 10 February 2017 a pod of 416 pilot whales beached overnight at Farewell Spit. 75% of the whales were dead upon the arrival of a Project Jonah medical rescue team and attempts were undertaken to refloat the remaining live whales at the morning high tide. Efforts are underway, but 240 more arrived on Saturday.
How many whales died in the spit?
Eleven were found dead on the first day. The spit has claimed around 680 Whales since records began. In January 2014 several whales stranded and re-stranded. This included a pod of 50 pilot whales, many of whom died from stress or needed to be euthanised despite several attempts to refloat them.
Why was the lighthouse at the end of the spit lit?
The lighthouse at the end of the spit was first lit on 17 June 1870 in response to many ships having been wrecked upon the spit. The original timber tower did not stand up well to the frequent blasting by the sand and salt-laden winds experienced at the end of the spit.
What is the spit made of?
The spit runs from west to east, and is made from fine golden sand, swept up from the Southern Alps by the Westland Current in the Tasman Sea. The northern side of the dunes are steeper and unstable being constantly exposed to the prevailing winds which average over 25 km/h.
Who was the first European to see the spit?
Abel Tasman in 1642 was the first European to see the spit, calling it Sand Duining Hoeck. Captain James Cook was the next European visitor in 1770, showing Farewell Spit as a broad peninsula on his maps. He named close-by Cape Farewell, and the name stuck, with early European settlers originally calling the sandbanks 'Cape Farewell Spit' ...
