Discover Ship Creek Tauparikākā in South Westland
Ship Creek Tauparikākā is located between the Haast River and Lake Moeraki in South Westland. This area is part of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area and has two distinctive, easy short walks: Dune Lake and Swamp Forest. The site also features viewing platforms and a scenic beach, making it one of the few places where you can easily access the coast while travelling north to Hokitika.
Exploring the Reserve
As you approach Ship Creek on State Highway 6, you'll find it well signposted, with a large parking area. Adjacent to the car park are a two-storey viewing tower, a visitor shelter, and a picnic area. The tower provides views over the lagoon, which is fed by Ship Creek, as well as the surrounding dunes and beach. Inside the visitor shelter, informative panels offer insights into the local ecology and what you might encounter in the nearby Tauparikākā Marine Reserve.
Wildlife Spotting Opportunities
Spring is an ideal time to visit if you're interested in wildlife. You might spot the Fiordland crested penguin, known as tawaki, during this season. Additionally, the beach is a good chance to see tutumairekurai (Hector dolphins) playing in the surf.
How to Get There
To reach Ship Creek Tauparikākā, drive along State Highway 6 between the Haast River and Lake Moeraki. The reserve is clearly signposted, and there is a large parking area. From Wānaka, the drive is 135 minutes, 158 km along State Highway 6. From Hokitika, it is 3.5 hours and 260m km.
Nearby, to the north, you can discover the Monro Beach Walk to Monro Beach, and the Lower Moeraki River Walk at Lake Moeraki. To the south are Hasst, Okuru River and Hapuka Estuary Walk, Neils Beach, Lake Ellery and Jackson Bay.
