Farewell Spit

Te Ohu Pātaka a Māui

Right up at the top of the South Island, Farewell Spit stretches way out into the sea like a golden arm—long, narrow, and wild. It’s one of those places that feels like the edge of the world, with shifting sands, wide open skies, and that salty breeze rolling in off the Tasman. The spit itself is about 35km long, making it the longest natural sandspit in New Zealand—and one of the longest in the world!

It’s also a super special spot for birdlife. At low tide, the mudflats turn into a massive feeding ground for all sorts of wading birds, including godwits that fly here all the way from Alaska (seriously!). Because of its importance, a big part of the spit is protected, and you can only explore it on guided tours—totally worth it if you want to see the lighthouse, dramatic dunes, and maybe even a seal or two.

It’s remote, raw, and absolutely breathtaking. Just the kind of place to take a deep breath and soak it all in.