Discovering Cape Farewell
Cape Farewell is located at the northernmost tip of the South Island, near Puponga in the Golden Bay region. This scenic spot, accessible via a basic road off Wharariki Road, is known for its dramatic coastal views and the striking natural arch that frames the Tasman Sea. Visiting at sunset offers a particularly stunning experience as the sun sets behind the arch.
Exploring the Cape and Scenic Views
To reach the viewpoint, you will walk a short distance over farmland and a grassed reserve from the car park at the end of the access road. The viewpoint is at the edge of a 60 metre cliff and is equipped with a safety fence, providing a secure spot to take in the breathtaking scenery. If you choose to explore further along the cliff edge away from the viewpoint, exercise caution as there is no safety fence.
The area also features an electrified predator-proof fence, so be mindful of warning signs, especially when capturing photos.
Accessing the Puponga Hilltop Track
The Puponga Hilltop Track passes by Cape Farewell. This track crosses the Puponga Farm Park and connects the car park and access to Farewell Spit to Wharariki Beach. The Cape Farewell track section is mostly on grass, with some steep sections that are slippery when wet.
From the access point, you can head right towards the Pillar Lighthouse or left for a challenging uphill climb that then descends to Wharariki Beach. This section takes you close to the cliff, where an electric fence deters entry into a coastal bird sanctuary. Each direction provides a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
To walk the entire track takes 3 to 4 hours and is 8 km one way.
How to Get There
To access Cape Farewell, follow the gravel Wharariki Road from Puponga for 4 km until you see the signposted access road. Although marked as a 1 km 4WD track, it is accessible by 2WD up to the car park. From Collingwood, the drive is 28 kmand takes 33 minutes.
Nearby, to the south, the Wharariki Beach Track is another spectacular coastal walk, offering access to the beach, caves, and views of the Archway Islands. At the north end of the farm park, you can take the Fossil Point Track to Ocean Beach and Fossil Point.
