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Key facts
- Distance
- 8.3 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 3 hr
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Harihari area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Harihari Coastal Walkway is one of the most scenic walkways on the West Coast, with spectacular views of forest, rivers, mountains and coastline.
This DOC directory entry covers Harihari Coastal Walkway in West Coast, within Harihari area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 8.3 km return via same track
- Walking time: 3 hr
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Start by following the old logging tramway, built in the 1930s to haul logs from the forest for two early sawmills. Make your way through regenerating forest to join an old pack track, once part of the coastal highway. Go over a lateral moraine to reach the Poerua River and the distinctive whitebaiters’ baches.
Where the river meets the sea, the path across the sand is constantly shifting according to the tides and the weather. Like all West Coast River mouths, this is a treacherous place. Do not attempt to cross.
Return to the carpark the way you came.
Note that due to coastal erosion and flood damage the track down the Wanganui River to the Doughboy and beach is closed and no longer maintained by DOC.
Getting there
Harihari is 72 km southeast of Hokitika on SH6.
Harihari Coastal Walkway starts at the end of La Fontaine Road. To get there from the southern end of Harihari, turn onto Wanganui Flat Road and after 6 km turn left onto La Fontaine Road. It’s a 20 km, 20-minute drive. Take care on the gravel roads.
Know before you go
Exploring along the beach is only recommended four hours each side of low tide. However, the actual times can be affected by natural influences such as tide heights and storm surge.
Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip.
Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly.
Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times.
Nature and conservation
A variety of birdlife, and vegetation, is often observed. Seals may be present at anytime of the year, if encountered you should:
stay at least 20 m away
don’t disturb seals by making loud noises or throwing things
keep dogs and children away
don’t feed the seals
never attempt to touch a seal.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
