The beauty of the wild West Coast!

If you opted for our All Inclusive Package, you will start your day with a delicious breakfast hamper delivered to your Suite. Shortly after we will invite you to our lounge, where there will be a small buffet for you to create a delicious picnic lunch. If your meals are not included, you will be able to prepare breakfast and lunch using the tea and coffee facilities in your Suite or in our guest kitchenette.

At 9.00am we will leave the Lodge for a scenic drive from Pohara Beach to the entry to the world famous nature reserve of Farewell Spit. This is the longest natural sandbar in the world at 26km and is one of the finest examples of dynamic dune landscapes with unique and ever changing scenery.

It may be a little challenging for walkers and there is good reason for Sir Edmund Hillary choosing this wild place in preparation for his Antarctic expedition. But, with the famous ‘Yes we can’ Kiwi mentality, there really is nothing to worry about. The beauty of the sand formations will keep you clicking on that smartphone/camera and you will quickly forget any exertion as you reach the top of the sand dunes for incredible desert-like views.

We have also created several shorter options to make this a more relaxing walking day, with more time to soak up the special scenery or experience some impressive birdwatching. At the Spit the tide recedes seven kilometres and therefore attracts more than 90 seabird species from all around the world, a true paradise for birdwatchers!

The more determined walker will cross many rolling hills en route to the magical Wharariki Beach. Ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, this is undoubtedly a ‘Must-See’. Along with the wild sea and majestic Archway Islands, the seal pups will add a special touch to this place.

Finally, undulating hills with friendly sheep lead you to the pick-up point at the end of the track. There is no better place to relax than Golden Bay’s famous bush cafe: The Mussel Inn. Here you can enjoy the local atmosphere and delicious cuisine. A refreshing Captain Cooker pint and healthy evening meal will provide a well deserved boost of energy!

Back at the Lodge there is a wonderful outdoor massage bath awaiting you, the perfect way to ease those tired muscles whilst marveling at a magnificent, southern starry sky. Afterwards, the guarantee of a refreshing night’s sleep before another exciting walking day!