Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Learn how to get to Golden Bay, what to pack for the wind, and how to structure your day around the tides.
Getting there
There is no public transport to this corner of Golden Bay.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive to Collingwood (approx. 2 hours from Nelson over the Takaka Hill) where tours depart, or drive 30 minutes further north to Triangle Flat to walk the base. | 2 hours from Nelson | Fuel costs | There is no public transport to this corner of Golden Bay; a private vehicle or rental is essential. |
| Tour: Licensed 4WD buses operated by Farewell Spit Eco Tours travel along the spit itself. | 6 to 6.5 hours | NZ$220 adult / NZ$70 child | Departure times vary daily based on the tides. Booking in advance is highly recommended. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Tours operate year-round, but departure times change daily based on the tides. The spit is a vital habitat for migratory birds. To see bar-tailed godwits and knots, visit between September and April.
What to bring
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The intertidal mudflats recede up to 7 kilometers at low tide.
This exposes 80 square kilometers of feeding grounds for shorebirds.
How the day runs
Suggested ways to spend your day in Golden Bay.
Drive over Takaka Hill for a full 4WD tour of the spit.
- Drive to Collingwood
Leave Nelson early to navigate the winding Takaka Hill.
- Tour departure
Board the 4WD bus in Collingwood (exact time depends on tides).
- Lighthouse stop
Explore the 1897 steel latticework lighthouse and keeper's cottage.
- Return
Arrive back in Collingwood after the 6-to-6.5-hour journey.
A shorter, self-guided trip to the accessible public area.
- Triangle Flat
Park at the main lot and check the quicksand hazard signs.
- Inner Beach walk
Walk up to 4 kilometers along the calm Golden Bay side.
- Cape Farewell
Drive a short distance to see the dramatic limestone archway.
- Fossil Point
Look for fossilized shells and New Zealand fur seals in the rock pools.
Packing for the spit
Weather on the Tasman Sea coast changes rapidly. You will need a windproof jacket and warm layers. Sunglasses are essential to protect your eyes from blowing sand.
Bring a sun hat with a chin strap so it does not blow away. Solid walking shoes or boots are required. Binoculars are highly recommended for bird and seal watching.
Easiest way to do it
Farewell Spit eco tour to the lighthouse from Collingwood
About half a day
See current prices and dates
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Can you drive your own car on Farewell Spit?
No. Public vehicles and bicycles are strictly forbidden on the beach past the Triangle Flat car park. Only licensed 4WD tour buses are allowed further down the spit.
What should I wear to Farewell Spit?
Wear warm layers and a windproof jacket. The spit is highly exposed. You also need sunglasses for blowing sand, high SPF sunblock, and solid walking shoes.
When is the best time to see birds at Farewell Spit?
September to April is the best time. During these months, thousands of migratory bar-tailed godwits and knots arrive from the Northern Hemisphere to summer on the mudflats.