Farewell Spit

About

Farewell Spit is the natural sandbar providing the northern shelter to Golden Bay. It is longest in the world and it's still growing!

The massive arc of sand at Farewell Spit, at the very tip of New Zealand’s South Island, is really a spectacular sight.
Located just out of Collingwood in Golden Bay, the spit's Maori name is Onetahua, which translates as 'heaped up sand'.

The bay has huge dunes forming a coastal barrier that protects an important area for migratory shore birds.
This significant location is now protected and considered a Wetland of International Importance.

Farewell Spit is still growing not just in length, but the main growth is in the widening of the spit. Currently, it is around 35km long - with approximately 27km above sea level and another 8km under water.

You can enjoy a loop walk starting from the carpark, then on the beach along the bay side, cross the spit over and continue opposite way on an ocean side up to Fossil Point and get back to the car park by crossing back through open farmland. Watch for signage. Allow about 2-2.5h for the walk. Best done at low tide as it easier walking on the beach sand and better access to Fossil Point.

Tip: Access to the spit is restricted, with public walking allowed at the base, 2.5km down the inner beach and 4km down the outer beach. Beyond that, it can be experienced on guided 4WD bus tours that depart daily from Collingwood and nearby Puponga.