The Cape Foulwind walkway is a beautiful, family-friendly walk on the South Islands West Coast. We hadn’t heard about it before and I confess we were sucked in by visions of what a fur seal colony at Cape Foulwind might look like… It simply sounds exciting! Fortunately for us, the location is stunning (far from foul). And the seal colony and spectacular views of the coastline make it a great walk suitable for all the family.
About the walkway
The trail can be walked in both directions starting at Tauranga Bay or Cape Foulwind. However, due to the track being one-way along the coast, you can walk it in shorter, single sections and see either sight.
Here is a quick guide to both options.
Tauranga Bay car park to Tauranga Bay Seal Colony Viewpoint
- Walking distance: 500m
- Time needed: This is a 30 minute return walk (10-15 mins each way)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Toilets: There are toilets in the carpark at the start of the track
Tauranga Bay and the large carpark marks the southern end of the Cape Foulwind walking track. An easy, well-formed path from the carpark winds up the cliff from the beach to a first lookout point. From the lookout it is only 200m to the main seal colony viewing platform.
This is an ideal and quick and easy South Island walk to do with kids. The path from the carpark to the seal colony is fully accessible and pram friendly.
From the seal colony you have the option to carry on and complete the walk along the coastline to the Cape Foulwind lighthouse. (See our notes below for the walk in reverse. Harry and I did the one-way walk while Gavin drove our campervan to meet us at the carpark).
Cape Foulwind Lighthouse and car park to the Tauranga Bay Seal Colony
- Walking distance: 3.4km (one way)
- Time needed: This is a 60-75 minute one-way walk
- Difficulty: Easy
- Toilets: There are toilets in the carpark at the start of the track
From the Cape Foulwind Lighthouse car park there is a short 5 – 10 minute walk up the hill to the foot of the lighthouse. There are impressive views out over the coastal bluffs and Cape Foulwind. (Which by the way, did sort of live up to its name wind-wise on the day we visited. It wasn’t foul, but definitely windy in parts!).
The track is easy and well formed. From the lighthouse and lookout over the cape there is walking track along the coast to the Tauranga Bay Seal Colony. Note: You will need to arrange transport from the Tauranga Bay car park if walking the track one way. Otherwise, you can walk the same track back from the seal colony.
The walkway between the Cape Foulwind lighthouse and the seal colony takes just over one hour one way.
Cape Foulwind Walkway with kids
We found this to be a great walk for the kids. Along the way there are interpretation panels that display photos and images of the regions’ history.
Beside the fur seal colony, the Department of Conservation has created well designed signs and information boards. The kids enjoyed figuring out what the different coloured tags on the seals were for, and spotting males and females as they lounged on the rocks below. There are heaps of seals!
Driving distances to Cape Foulwind
- Westport: 15 minutes drive
- Greymouth: 1 hour 30 minutes drive
Getting there
Travelling from Westport, both carparks are easy to find and are well signposted.
- Cape Foulwind carpark: Follow Cape Foulwind Road all the way to the road end.
- Tauranga Bay carpark: Follow Cape Foulwind Road. Turn left into Tauranga Bay Road just past the Holcim Cement Works.
Where we stayed
One of the highlights of the West Coast for us was finding awesome freedom camping spots to park up for a night. Westport didn’t disappoint, and we woke up at sunrise with views over the beautiful Kawatiri Beach.
WESTPORT: Kawatiri Beach Reserve (Freedom Camping Site)
Location: End of Derby Street, Westport
Cost: Free (There is also a NZMCA members parking area adjacent).
Facilities: Toilets, picnic area.
About: This is one of the best free South Island camping spots we found!
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- 5 fun things to do in Russell (even if the weather changes).
Have you been to Cape Foulwind? Let us know how the walk was and if you saw the seals!
