Farewell Spit
Farewell Spit is a remote beach on the West Coast at the top of the South Island. The beach consists of a left-hand point break, known as Pillar Point, at the western end of the beach, as well as a beach break with various peaks expanding the rest of the beach. Pillar Point offers a fun, fast wave that may provide you with some long rides. The other peaks offer fun waves, both right and left-handers. Farewell Spit is very exposed and is often quite windy. Being so remote, crowds are generally minimal, so you can often have the beach to yourself.
Optimal Swell Direction:
SW
Optimal Wind Direction:
S
Tide:
All
Wave Type:
Left point
Beach break
Wave Size Min:
1.0ft
Wave Shape:
Wally
Fast
Hollow
Beach Type:
Sand
Skill Level:
Beginner
Wildlife:
Penguins
Dolphins
Directions
From Takaka, head north on Takaka Valley Highway/State Highway 60. Continue on State Highway 60 until you reach the Collingwood turn-off, then turn left (away from Collingwood) onto Collingwood-Bainham Main Road, then turn right onto Collingwood Puponga Main Road, over the bridge heading north. Continue north, through Pakawau, until you reach Puponga. At Puponga, drive through to the Farewell Spit Cafe and Information Center, as far as you can go, then find a park. From here you must walk across several paddocks, then over sand dunes, to the west side of Farewell Spit. There are marked sign posts. You can surf straight out front or walk to the western end of the beach to Pillar Point.
Nearest Town:
Puponga
Nearest City:
Takaka
Travel Time from City:
60mins
Road in:
Seal
Gravel
Walk in:
Yes
Parking at beach:
No
