Come up for the wild west coast

35°56'58.18''S 173°4'46.595''E

Baylys Beach

DISCOVER Untamed Wilderness

The wild west coast of Kaipara is a rugged paradise of expansive beaches, towering dunes, and wild surf. Glinks Gully and Baylys Beach offer exhilarating beach driving, fishing, long windswept walks and sunset horse rides. Explore Ripiro Beach - the longest drivable beach in New Zealand - or venture to the remote, windswept shores of Pouto Point, where the historic lighthouse stands guard. If you’re into surfing, fishing, or simply embracing wild, rugged nature, the west coast of Kaipara is an adventurer’s dream.

Silhouettes of two people and a dog standing on the beach during sunset, with colorful sky and clouds reflected in the wet sand.

Endless Horizons & Spectacular Sunsets

Sunsets are special on the west coast. Golden hues paint the sky as the sun casts shadows and reflections on the endless black sand beaches. At Pouto Point, the fading light silhouettes the historic lighthouse against a fiery sky. Walk barefoot down the beach or perch on top of a dune as the day fades for a soul-stirring and unforgettable experience.

A coastal view showing a beach with cliffs, and a residential area with houses and greenery extending inland with rolling hills and a partly cloudy sky.

Baylys Beach

Baylys Beach - just a short drive from Dargaville - is a laid back seaside spot that’s perfect for beachcombing, surfcasting, and soaking in the serenity of the west coast. At low tide, the expansive shoreline invites exploration, revealing dramatic swathes of sand, while the towering cliffs create a dramatic backdrop for morning jogs or peaceful sunset strolls.

Winding road through green hills with lush vegetation, under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Glinks Gully

Glinks Gully is a small settlement just 16kms from Dargaville and is great entry point to Ripiro Beach, and New Zealand’s longest beach drive. Even if four wheel beach driving isn’t your thing, Glinks Gully offers stunning coastal views, vast sandy beaches, excellent fishing, and beautiful beach walks.

Group of hikers walking on a sandy beach near the ocean, with mountains in the background.

Omamari

Omamari is another great entry and exit point for four wheel beach driving on Ripiro Beach. Stop for a windswept walk, cast a rod into the tumultuous waters, or head inland to nearby Kai Iwi Lakes in Taharoa Domain for a fresh water swim in crystal clear waters and a well earned picnic.

A white lighthouse on a sandy cliff overlooking the ocean with a partly cloudy sky.

Pouto Point

Just over an hour from Dargaville lies Pouto Point - a remote stretch of rolling sand dunes featuring historic shipwrecks, and the iconic Pouto Lighthouse. The area has deep cultural significance for Te Uri o Hau, a hapū of Ngāti Whātua, and is a haven for seabirds, rare coastal plants, and marine life.

Beach with cliffs and ocean waves under a clear blue sky.

Maunganui Bluff

Rising dramatically from Ripiro Beach, this rugged, forested bluff offers breathtaking views over the Tasman Sea and is a great spot for tramping and photography. The Maunganui Bluff Track provides a rewarding climb with panoramic scenery, diverse birdlife, and beautiful native bush.