Wharariki Beach Reviews and Ratings

“Having lived in Golden Bay off and on, Wharariki is one of only a few local surf options that do not require a big trip along the dirt road down to Patarau and beyond. Even then, you still have to drive a few kms on dirt and walk for 20 minutes to get to Wharariki.

There is no denying it is a stunning, truly iconic spot. Most Kiwis will recognise the Archway Islands, just offshore, from New Zealand calendars and coffee-table books but very few will have visited.

It feels remote and exposed; intimidating even when it is stormy, and whenever I have surfed there; about 10 times; I have been alone in the water apart from numerous fur seals and the odd Little Blue Penguin. On about 10 other occasions I have walked as far as here and not even bothered going in because conditions were not what I hoped for; either too big or too choppy; usually both.

All in all, I have found it to be a frustrating beach to surf because it just seems to be so prone to onshore winds. I have only ever surfed it properly offshore once. It was very small that day but it has such a nice shape that I keep going back there hoping for a bigger version. I have had slightly better luck at nearby Ferguson's and at Farewell Spot itself. These are the only other two options that are reasonably accessible to Golden Bay inhabitants. I've never seen anyone else in at those two either.

Even if the weather station at nearby Farewell Spit suggests it should be cross-off or even straight off, the local topography seems to turn it into a cross-on. It's just one of those unfortunate places. It faces almost due north which you would imagine would be good direction given the frequency of SW winds over NZ, but at this spot, those SW winds will be turned into choppy Westerlies and days that are forecast calm almost never are. If you want to surf it, I imagine you would have a much better chance staying over and getting in early am, but if you are going to that much trouble you may as well head to the vastly better spots beyond Westhaven.

The waves at Wharariki are punchy enough even in a prevailing SW swell that has had to wrap through 50 degrees to get here, but when that swell comes from anywhere West of North it gets way too big and you tend to end up surfing waves that have reformed. On days like that, outside looks like it is half way to the horizon and the place to be is on the other side of Takaka Hill, near Nelson city.

At this remote corner of NZ which feels like the end of the world; the closest place to get a snack or a hot drink is at the Paddle Crab kitchen. Head back to Puponga and turn left. The lively Mussel Inn is much better, but it is a long drive back into Golden Bay. The good news is that if you surf Wharariki, you are going to have to pass the Mussel Inn twice!”

Rob Davies from NEW ZEALAND - 06 Mar 2010