FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about access rules, tour pricing, and protecting the fragile wetland ecology.
Is Farewell Spit worth visiting?
Yes. It is New Zealand's longest natural sandspit and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. You can walk the base for free or take a 6-hour 4WD tour to the remote lighthouse.
How do you get to Farewell Spit?
Drive approximately 2 hours from Nelson over the Takaka Hill to Collingwood, where tours depart. To walk the free base area, drive 30 minutes further north to Triangle Flat. Driving & Directions
Can you walk along Farewell Spit without a tour?
Yes, but access is strictly limited. You can walk the first 4 kilometers starting from Triangle Flat. Access beyond that point requires a licensed guide to protect the fragile environment.
How much does a Farewell Spit tour cost?
As of late 2026, full guided tours cost NZ$220 per adult and NZ$70 per child. This fee covers the 6-to-6.5-hour 4WD bus trip from Collingwood. Tour Costs
Can you drive your own car on Farewell Spit?
No. No public vehicles or bicycles are allowed on the beach past the Triangle Flat car park. You must book a licensed tour to travel along the spit.
What is the Māori name for Farewell Spit?
The Māori name for the spit is Onetahua. It is a highly protected nature reserve stretching into the Tasman Sea.
When is the best time to see birds at Farewell Spit?
The best viewing is from September to April. This is when up to 20,000 bar-tailed godwits and 30,000 knots summer on the mudflats. Bird watching guide
How long is Farewell Spit?
Farewell Spit measures approximately 35 kilometers in length. It is the longest natural sandspit in New Zealand.
How was Farewell Spit formed?
It formed over 14,000 years. Ocean currents carried quartz sand eroding from the Southern Alps northward, slowly building the 35-kilometer spit.
Can you go inside the Farewell Spit lighthouse?
Tours stop at the lighthouse grounds, where you can view the 27-meter steel latticework tower built in 1897. Visitors usually have refreshments in the old keeper's cottage nearby.
Are there seals at Farewell Spit?
Yes. You can often see New Zealand fur seals and their pups playing in rock pools near Fossil Point. You must keep a respectful distance of at least 20 meters.
Where do the Farewell Spit tours depart from?
Tours depart from Collingwood, a town in Golden Bay. Departure times vary daily based on the tides, so you must check your booking details carefully.