Many thanks for
the trip down to Kahurangi Lighthouse and surrounding area. Having tramped most of the main tracks in the South Island, we found this to be much more of a wilderness experience with spectacular coastal features and beautiful bush and birds. The Department of Conservation house was very warm and comfortable”
Alan & Pauline Wright
– New Zealand
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Kahurangi Lighthouse
A coastal walk
- This is a Bush & Beyond trip with a difference!
- Five days on our beautiful West Coast
Trip facts
5 days
Fitness level: Average
Price: $1,395
more on pricing
Self catered option:
4-7 persons, $450 pp
8-10 persons, $350 pp
A minimum of four persons is required for this trip, either fully serviced or self catered.
Getting to the lighthouse
We leave Motueka on day one, driving through beautiful Golden Bay to the remote northwest coast. En route we do a walk up Knuckle Hill with views over Wanganui Inlet. In the afternoon we have plenty of time to explore the wetlands, a noted area for birds.
Because crossing Big River (near the Kahurangi light cottage) is tidal dependent, we spend the first night at a lodge near the Anatori River and the track's start.
The next day we set off from the Anatori river on a 5-hour walk down the coast (hard sand) to Kahurangi Lighthouse. We stay in the old lighthouse keeper’s house, which is now owned by the Department of Conservation, as the lighthouse is now automated.
Activities in the area
From our base we spend the next 2 full days exploring the area at a leisurely pace. One day is spent exploring Lagoon Creek with its lovely lowland bush. We also check out the history here of past lighthouse keepers and their families who lived in almost complete isolation. There are extreme low tides here with wonderful rock pools to explore, with a myriad of sea creatures to be found.
The other day is spent on a leisurely walk down to Kahurangi River, visiting the lighthouse on the way, which sits on the point from which the park derives its name. We will spend time at Kahurangi Falls, which are situated just 10 minutes walk from the river mouth. The falls flow into a beautiful pristine pool, completely surrounded by lush bush right to the waters edge – just inviting a swim on a hot day!
Scenic delights include wonderful podocarp trees, Nikau palms and lowland bush. Sand dunes and rock pools. Birds may include our Great Spotted Kiwi, numerous bush birds and sea birds. Fur seals are common on this coast during the breeding season, and fishing is good off the beach.
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