Epic Travel → Asia & the South Pacific → New Zealand → West Coast → Motukiekie Beach Walk

Location: Greymouth area, West Coast, New Zealand

Time Required: 1 – 2 hours

Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles

Red Tape/Notes: None.

What’s Nearby?: Coal Creek Falls, Brunner Mine Site

We had read about this walk in the excellent NZ Frenzy Guidebook and intended to do it the following day, but we ended up finding it on accident, stumbling across an even cooler way to access the beach (which allows access even at high tide). As you’re driving the SH 6 from Greymouth, you’ll wind up through the mountains and be treated to views that look something like a cross between Iceland and Hawaii, with cool sea stacks in the water at the edge of verdant, jungle-covered cliffs. I was being super annoying about trying to find a cool place to photograph the sea stacks from above, so near the highpoint of the road, we pulled off at a random turn-out near marker 49 with a small “Challenger Fishery Management Area” sign and I headed down a little footpath through the shrubbery, hoping it was take me to the edge of the cliffs with an unimpeded view of the coastline. The footpath did lead to the edge, but then continued downhill to a rope and a ladder, and then dropped out on an amazing slab of rock at the beach, right in front of a cascade of water and a keyhole in the rock, complete with a helpful rope allowing you to climb up it. We explored around a bit more, marveling at the awesomeness of the place.

The next day we came back at low tide, following the recommended route in the NZ Frenzy guidebook. Turns out it’s just a longer way to access the same beach! It’s probably easier on the plant life to come via the water/beach and you’ll be able to see more and walk further along the beach at low tide. You can walk tantalizingly close to the sea stacks, at low tide also – I was sorely tempted to swim over to them but we had other things on the schedule. Perhaps next time, with a packraft. But, if you’re really pressed for time, or haven’t timed your visit with low tide and still want to check out the best section of this beach, try the “secret” route!

Epic Travel → Asia & the South Pacific → New Zealand → West Coast → Motukiekie Beach Walk