Mar 18, 2018

Aotearoas Dreamiest Beaches- Part 2. South Island


Last month we told you about our top beaches to visit in the North Island. This month it’s time to share the beauty of the South Island!

Category: General
Posted by: Rite Price Rentals

If you’re looking to head away on a little getaway, get in touch with Rite Price Rentals, you’ll be able to book the perfect vehicle for your trip. We have plenty of car hire/ car rental options to suit you and your family or friends.


1. Wharariki Beach, Golden Bay, Nelson Region: The wild northwestern coast of the South Island is the perfect place for a day adventure. In this area, you'll find the Farewell Spit, with its distinctive Kiwi shape curving round Golden Bay; the massive cliffs at Cape Farewell, and the one of a kind Wharariki Beach. Be prepared for wind - when it starts to blow you can not only feel it but see it too! Wharariki will blow you away. Literally. Everything at Wharariki is big. Big waves, big cliffs, big sand dunes, big caves, and even bigger winds! Part of the appeal is how remote it all feels, but it is only a one hour drive from Takaka, followed by a gorgeous 30-minute farm walk.

2. Mosquito Bay, Abel Tasman National Park: Don't be put off by the name. This pretty campsite is a great place to stay, and is only accessible by boat or kayak. Access to this campsite is by boat-in only. There is no track to Mosquito Bay from the main Abel Tasman Coast Track.
It is advised to not book unless you have arranged boat access first. There is no water taxi service to this campsite and no kayaks for hire from other campsites- which just adds to the fun, adventure and desire to head to Mosquito Bay. A really delightful beach with a beautiful view. There is a small island situated in front which you can walk along during low tide.

3. Governors Bay, Marlborough: If you’re looking for a little adventure to do with your kids, then head to Governors Bay, in the Marlborough Sounds. It’s accessed via a short walking track, just a 15-minute drive from Picton on Queen Charlotte Drive. Governors Bay is a beautiful golden beach surrounded by lush native bush and is a wonderful swimming spot. Make sure to pack a picnic and your togs and get ready for a relaxing day trip to your own little paradise.

4. Purakanui Beach, The Catlins, Southland: Purakaunui is a well-kept secret, often described as a different world just over the hill. Serene forest areas are scattered around a peaceful inlet, leading out to a large bay. Access to the beach is on the other side of the bay. Follow the road around from Purakaunui School Road to reach a parking area in the forest. Local birdlife and distant waves resonate quietly through the forest in the 15-minute walk to the beach. The end of walk reveals a wide bay surrounded by a headland. The beach extends a long way towards the inlet. Mapoutahi Pa is on the left as you enter the beach. This rugged headland is the site of a historic Maori Pa. A path leads to the point, with spectacular views of the coast. Take care on the track as the edges are all steep cliff faces.

5. Cathedral Caves, Waipati Beach, The Catlins: Cathedral Caves are a highlight for visitors to The Catlins. Located in cliffs at the northern end of pristine Waipati Beach, they have attracted international interest for their length - the two sea-formed passages together measure 200 metres - and their impressive height, up to 30 metres. This outstanding natural feature is 15 km south of the village of Papatowai and 2 km off the highway. From the car park, a relaxed one-kilometre walking track descends through lush coastal forest to the beach. Visitors cross Maori freehold land, which is managed by a trust. There is a small charge for the use of the car park and access to the bush track, beach and caves. Access is open two hours before low tide until one hour after low tide. Exceptions - no access before 7.30am or after 8.30pm.


There are definitely plenty more epic beach spots to check out, but these are just a handful of our favourites.
New Zealand’s 15,000 km coastline is total heaven for beach-lovers. You can enjoy everything from lazy days and fiery sunsets to fun adventures such as swimming, kayaking and surfing.

So what are you waiting for?! Get your car rental sorted and hit the road, you’ll get home feeling super refreshed and relaxed for the year ahead.

Explore New Zealand with Rite Price Rentals! Rent a car from Rotorua, Hamilton or Tauranga and explore everything that New Zealand has to offer. We have car or van hire options depending on the size of your family or group. Rite Price Rentals is New Zealand’s trusted car rental company.