Day Walks from Rarakau Lodge
Three walks that start at the lodge door, from a few minutes down to the beach to a full day on the coast.
There are three day walks from Rarakau Lodge, at the end of Papatotara Coast Road about 17 km from Tuatapere. The Waikoau Swingbridge is an easy 6 km return, about 1½ hours. The Bluecliffs is our private guest track down to the beach, 1.8 km return and about 7 minutes down. Blowholes Beach is a full day, about 23 km return and around 7 hours along the South Coast Track.
All three start at the lodge, so there’s no driving to a trailhead. Walk out the door after breakfast, and come back to a hot shower and dinner.
Compare the walks
Distances and times are measured from the lodge and are approximate. Allow extra for photo stops, soft sand and the weather.
| Walk | Distance | Time | Grade | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waikoau Swingbridge | 6 km return | About 1½ hrs | Easy, some steps | A leg-stretch after the drive, or before breakfast |
| The Bluecliffs | 1.8 km return | About 7 min down | Easy, short climb back | Lodge guests: as long on the beach as you like |
| Blowholes Beach | About 23 km return | About 7 hrs | Moderate, a long day | A full day on the coast |
The walks
Waikoau Swingbridge
6 km return · about 1½ hrs
A short forest walk from the lodge door to the Waikoau River swingbridge.
Easy · good before breakfast or after dinner
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The Bluecliffs
1.8 km return · about 7 min down
Our private guest track down to wide, empty sand on Te Waewae Bay.
Easy · go as far as you like
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Blowholes Beach
About 23 km return · about 7 hrs
A full day along the coast to a wild, rocky beach on the way to Port Craig.
Full day · take lunch, water and a rain jacket
Read MoreWhich walk to pick
Just arrived? Do the swingbridge. It follows the opening stretch of the South Coast Track along the coastal terrace, then drops down a long flight of steps through fern-filled forest to the bridge over the Waikoau River. Cross it and wander out to the river mouth before heading back. It’s the one most guests do first.
Want the beach? Take our guest track to the Bluecliffs. It drops about 50 m to Bluecliffs Beach at the western end of Te Waewae Bay, and the beach runs for about 9 km, so go as far as you like. Keep an eye on the surf: Hector’s dolphins are regulars in the bay. The track is for lodge guests only.
Got a whole day? Walk to Blowholes Beach. You cross the swingbridge, walk the sand to Track Burn, then follow the track through coastal forest and over headlands, past Flat Creek, to a wild, rocky beach on the way to Port Craig. It shares the route with the last day of the Hump Ridge Track. Eat lunch there and turn for home.
Before you go
Check the tide. Parts of every walk are on the beach, and there’s far more sand to walk on around low tide. The Bluecliffs tide calendar shows low tide and the best hours to go for any day.
Dress for the coast. Wear sturdy shoes, as the forest sections get muddy after rain. There’s no shelter on the beach, so take a windproof layer, sunscreen and water. For Blowholes Beach, start early and carry lunch, plenty of water, a rain jacket and a warm layer.
Tell us your plans. We’re happy to help you time your walk. For track conditions further along the coast, check with the Department of Conservation.
Not staying with us? The swingbridge and Blowholes Beach walks start at the Rarakau car park beside the lodge, the same trailhead as the South Coast and Hump Ridge tracks. See our car park page for parking.
Want to go further?
The same trailhead starts three multi-day tracks, and a day’s walk along the coast takes you to Port Craig School Hut. For things to do off the tracks, see our local attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Three walks start at Rarakau Lodge, about 17 km from Tuatapere: the Waikoau Swingbridge (6 km return, about 1½ hours), the Bluecliffs guest track to the beach (1.8 km return) and Blowholes Beach (about 23 km return, around 7 hours).
The Bluecliffs track is the shortest, about 7 minutes down to the beach with a short climb back. The Waikoau Swingbridge walk is also easy, though the steps down to the river are a solid climb on the way back.
Yes. Parts of each walk are along the beach, and there is far more beach to walk on around low tide. Our Bluecliffs tide calendar shows the low tide times and the best hours to go.
The Waikoau Swingbridge and Blowholes Beach walks start at the Rarakau car park and follow the South Coast Track. The Bluecliffs track is for lodge guests only.
Not if you are staying at the lodge. All three walks start at the door, so you can walk straight out after breakfast.