Wharariki Beach, New Zealand

Wharariki Beach is an iconic beach on the Tasman Sea, west of Cape Farewell, the northernmost point of the South Island of New Zealand. The rocky arches and stacks of Wharariki Beach are Paleocene, around 55-65 million years old. The rocks are very distinctive quartz and feldspar rich sandstones with pebbly gravel conglomerates, that are pancake stacked on top of each other. The highlight of Wharariki beach are the seal pups which have made it their playground. They use the pools on the beach to frolic and play in. It is a one hours vehicle drive from Takaka, followed by a 30 minute farm walk. Or 2.5 hours from Nelson. Travelers tend to explore the family friendly beaches of nearby Abel Tasman National Park, whereas they miss the remote rugged windswept coastline of NZ. The track to Wharariki Beach travels over farm paddocks and through a section of coastal forest, before arriving at the beautiful windswept beach. #newzealandtrip