I've been wanting to explore the beaches around Riversdale for years and just never quite made it - till now. Join me as I spend two days exploring some cool spots in the Wairarapa.
An awesome run along Riversdale beach - can be soft in spots and limited during high tide. Watch out for other beach users, this is a popular spot. There are rocks dotted under the sand too, keep an eye out for them to avoid tyre damage.
A short bypass route around the head which can be useful when the tide is high. The track is super narrow with very limited passing spots. Probably best done north to south, the exit on the southern end is a tad steep and narrow.
As with any dune route, stay on the track and protect the surrounding area.
A scenic gravel road winding through the Wairarapa hills out to the coastal township of Riversdale Beach. It takes a bit longer than the sealed route, but the journey is worth it for the main viewpoint looking out over the coast. The going is generally easy on a well-formed gravel surface, gentle enough that capable 2WDs manage it in good conditions, though you may strike corrugations in places thanks to logging truck traffic. It's a relaxed, low-stress drive rather than a technical 4WD challenge, making it a pleasant alternative route for those wanting to soak up the rolling hill country and reach the beach by the back way.
Tucked beside the Ruamahanga River in the Wairarapa's Morison Bush, this peaceful riverside campsite sits nestled among the trees, yet it's not too far from Wellington. Access is via a good gravel road, and the river offers a great spot for a swim and easy water access right by the camp. It's a basic but well-loved site with everything you need for a relaxed overnight stay, plus a pleasant outlook and a genuinely quiet, remote feel. Facilities are limited to a single long drop toilet, which can be a fair walk from many of the camping spots, so pick your pitch accordingly. No fires and no dogs are allowed. Payment is by cash or internet banking, with the details posted on the sign at the entrance. A simple, highly rated escape that suits travellers looking for a peaceful riverside base close to the capital.
A short, generally easy beach run from Onoke Spit up to Ocean Beach, at the southern end of the Wairarapa coast in the Wellington region, where Lake Onoke drains out to the sea. It's a straightforward drive along the sand with great views, particularly at sunset, but the setting is completely exposed to the elements. The sand can be soft in places, so recovery gear is advisable and a tyre let-down helps. The main feature to plan around is the lake mouth crossing, where the water depth can vary enormously depending on how the lake is flowing into the ocean. Always stop and check the crossing on foot before committing, as it can become impassably deep. The mouth is also a good spot for fishing. While it's a pleasant short outing, the full exposure means only the finest weather suits it for lingering or camping.
On Wellington's rugged south coast, Ocean Beach is a fantastic drive on a fine day. The route is a mix of gravel, dirt and sand with a few small river crossings, leading out to a wild stretch of coastline with views that are hard to beat. It's popular for surfcasting and there's good camping at the beach, including Corner Creek Campsite, making it well worth the trip out. A locked gate at the far end means it's best treated as a return trip rather than a through-route. Heading west, a long-standing slip has narrowed the main track to a point where it's impassable to most vehicles, so plan your run accordingly. Take care on the beaches too, as the soft sand can easily bog a vehicle down. On road pressures the gravel sections are straightforward, but this is exposed coastal country that rewards a sensible, well-prepared approach.
Tucked into Remutaka Forest Park, Corner Creek Campsite sits just a 5 minute walk from Palliser Bay on the Wellington coast. It's a scenic, sheltered spot that's well-liked by those who make the trip, with great coastal views and a number of tucked-away camping nooks among the trees. The ground here tends to be rocky, so flat pitches for ground tents can be limited. Facilities are basic but handy: non-powered tent sites, non-flush toilets, a shelter for cooking, and a fire pit for campfires (except during fire bans). Water can be drawn from the stream, though bringing your own in summer is a sensible idea. There's plenty to keep you busy — fishing, surfing, walking, hunting, and mountain biking are all on offer, and a couple of tracks head up the nearby river beds. Cell phone reception is available, though the tree cover can interfere with Starlink. A stunning, easygoing base near the wild Palliser coast.