New Zealand. Farewell Spit is a narrow, curved sandbank on the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, near Golden Bay. It is one of New Zealand's most famous and remote destinations for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and landscape photographers. In the following article, you can discover what makes Farewell Spit so special and how to best explore the area.
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About Farewell Spit in New Zealand
At over 28 kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers wide, Farewell Spit is one of the longest natural sand dunes in the world. It was formed over thousands of years by the deposition of sand from nearby rivers and coastal currents. Most of the spit is a nature reserve, classified as a bird sanctuary and wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Farewell Spit is home to over 90 species of birds, including black-tailed godwits, northern gannets, and oystercatchers. Marine life, particularly New Zealand fur seals and unfortunately the occasional beached whale, can also be seen on the beach.
The Highlights of Farewell Spit
The Farewell Spit headland can only be explored on your own for the first four kilometers. For all other places worth seeing, you have to take part in a guided tour. The only tour provider is Farewell Spit Eco Tours (as of Nov 2024).
Unique Landscape of Sand Dunes
Farewell Spit is a fascinating combination of miles of sand dunes, quiet beaches, and a rugged coastline. The contrast between the Tasman Sea on one side and the calm tidal flats on the other is particularly impressive. Those who climb the huge sand dunes have a spectacular view of the surrounding area from the top. PHOTO TIP: The wavy lines painted into the sand by the wind are a great motif for detailed shots.
Wildlife
During low tide, numerous birds are foraging on the mudflats of Golden Bay, including black swans, oystercatchers, knots, and bar-tailed godwits. As soon as the water rises again, many of the waders move to the Tasman Sea side, where you can see them in large flocks at the waterline.
Some guided tours also visit the gannet colony, which is the only colony on a beach in New Zealand.
Most of the time you can also see fur seals resting on the sand. Unfortunately, Farewell Spit is also the scene of numerous strandings of long-finned pilot whales and is known as a “whale trap” due to its protruding coastline and long, gently sloping beaches. During my visit in November 2024, there was a stranded sperm whale on the Tasman Sea side. A sad sight.
Farewell Spit Lighthouse
Another highlight of a guided tour is the historic lighthouse. Here you can learn more about the history of the Spit and the work of the lighthouse keepers. A small exhibition shows exhibits from the animal world and provides information about the nature of the spit.
Shipwrecks
Farewell Spit has been the scene of numerous shipwrecks. Most of these incidents occurred when a ship ran aground on sand in shallow water near the spit, either through navigational error or because it was driven ashore in bad weather. None of the wrecks were visible during my tour, but we were shown a sand dune under which a ship is said to be buried.
Cape Farewell
Directly west of the spit is Cape Farewell, the northernmost point of the South Island. It offers dramatic cliffs and coastal views.
Wharariki Beach
Wharariki Beach begins just five kilometers west of the base of the headland, next to Cape Farewell. The beach is known for its striking rock formations with caves, cliffs and the offshore Archway Islands. At sunset, the beach is a popular destination for photographers.
Visit Farewell Spit: Tours and on your own
Access to much of Farewell Spit is restricted to guided tours in order to protect the fragile ecosystem. Farewell Spit Eco Tours is the only licensed tour provider. Possible tours with the 4×4 bus start either from the small town of Collingwood or at the parking lot at the base of the sand spit. Click here to visit the Farewell Spit Eco Tours website..
Want to explore Farewell Spit on your own? You can do that in the first four kilometers of the sand spit. You can walk along Golden Bay and also along the Tasman Sea. The Cape Farewell and Wharariki Beach viewpoints are also freely accessible.
What makes the Tour special?
- Seclusion:As access is severely restricted, you experience Farewell Spit almost without other visitors and have the feeling of being in one of the most remote places in New Zealand.
- Unforgettable photo opportunities:Whether sunset, sand dunes or wildlife - there are numerous opportunities for impressive pictures.
Best time to visit Farewell Spit
Summer (November to February) is ideal for birdwatching as migratory species such as bar-tailed godwits and knot can be seen. The guided tours are timed with the tides to allow optimal access to the spit.
Tips for visiting Farewell Spit
- Bring: Water, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars and camera.
- Clothing: Windproof jacket and comfortable shoes for walking in sand and dunes.
- The tours are often fully booked quickly, especially in the high season. Book early!
- Respect the protected areas and follow the guide's instructions to ensure the preservation of this unique environment.
Book Recommendations for New Zealand
You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.
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Recommendations for further Reading
Do you love birding as much as I do? Then you'll definitely be interested in my article Birdwatching for Beginners - with Binoculars in Search of Happiness and my article Storks, Cranes & Co - Birdwatching around the "Stork Village" Linum.
