Hiking Project Logo

A short, easy spur trail to a fur seal colony and some impressive rocky coastal views.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

1.1

Miles

1.8

KM

Point to Point

419' 128 m

High

99' 30 m

Low

148' 45 m

Up

430' 131 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

30%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly While it is likely too far to be a good day hike from the Wainui car park, if you are staying at the Whariwharangi hut, this would be a good option for a family hike.

The DOC recommends keeping 20 meters away from any fur seals you may encounter at Separation Point.

Description

This easy trail descends from the saddle between Whariwharangi and Mutton Cove to Separation Point. The trail is easy to start and heads along a gently descending ridge until it comes to a shaded cove with a junction to Mutton Cove beach. Continue toward Separation Point, and the trail will emerge from the trees with some more expansive views of the impressive sea stacks and rock formations in the crystal clear water below. Look carefully and you can probably spot your first fur seals sunning on the rocks or playing in the water!

From here, the trail continues to open up as you round the corner to Separation Point. The last 400 meters down to the rocks of Separation Point is very steep and requires some scrambling. It is recommended to leave any large packs at the top of this steep descent. Once down on the rocks, you can explore the rocky outcropping easily enough.

Flora & Fauna

Fur seals. The DOC is trying to establish a gannet colony at Separation Point - you may be lucky to spot these rare birds or you may only see the decoys. Weka and fantails in the woods (we saw baby Weka at Separation Point). Lots of flax and gorse bushes along the trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen McGlynn

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#15100

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
5 Star
0%
4 Star
100%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#153

in New Zealand

#15,100

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,231 Since Jun 20, 2017
Easy Easy

100%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Look down from the trail into the crystal clear waters at Separation Point.
Jun 28, 2017 near Takaka, NZ
This is looking back to the west from the Separation Point Track. Keep an eye open for fur seals on the rocky outcroppings below!
Jun 28, 2017 near Takaka, NZ
A fur seal soaks up the sun at Separation Point.
Jun 28, 2017 near Takaka, NZ
The fur seal colony suns itself on the rocks at Separation Point.
Jun 28, 2017 near Takaka, NZ
An unconcerned fur seal naps in the sun at Separation Point.
Jun 28, 2017 near Takaka, NZ

0 Comments

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.