Whanganui Inlet
Rakopi
Dry Road, Rakopi
The Whanganui Inlet (Westhaven) lies south of Farewell Spit, between Golden Bay and the West Coast, and is home to a unique wildlife and marine reserve.
This beautiful, unspoilt 13 km-long inlet traces the shore, bordered by the lush coastal forest of the Kahurangi National Park. It is the perfect location for a scenic seaside drive.
The first estuary in New Zealand to be protected as both a marine and wildlife reserve, the estuary is believed to thrive for approximately 30 species of marine fish, not only for its rich food supply but also as a breeding base. The marine reserve spans 536 hectares of tidal sandflats, while the wildlife reserve stretches over 2112 hectares.
The manawhenua of Ngati Rarua, Ngati Tama and Te Atiawa consider the area sacred for food and livelihood, and evidence of previous Maori occupation remains today.
How to get there: Follow the road from Collingwood to Farewell Spit, turning left just north of Pakawau.
Contact details
Address: Dry Road, Rakopi