Gillespies Beach

A wild, windswept stretch of black sand on the West Coast, Gillespies Beach is a dramatic counterpoint to the glacier towns inland. Reached via a gravel road through dense rainforest, this remote beach offers a raw, untamed experience—think roaring Tasman Sea, driftwood-strewn shore, and a haunting gold-mining history. It's the kind of place where you can walk for miles without seeing another soul, with the Southern Alps looming behind you.

Highlights & What to See

• Black sand and driftwood: The volcanic sand is a stark contrast to the turquoise waves; explore the beach at low tide for fascinating rock pools and sculptural driftwood.
• Gold-mining ruins: A short walk through regenerating bush leads to the remains of a 1930s gold dredge, a rusty relic that whispers of the region's boom-and-bust past.
• Gillespies Beach Track: This multi-day tramp (part of the West Coast Wilderness Trail) follows the coastline, offering epic views and optional side trips to historic miners' huts.
• Seal colony: A short detour to the northern end of the beach reveals a colony of New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks—keep a respectful distance and watch their antics.
• Sunset over the Tasman: On a clear evening, the sky ignites in shades of orange and pink, with the silhouetted mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend two to four hours at Gillespies Beach, enough time to wander the beach, explore the gold dredge ruins, and watch the seals. If you're a keen photographer or hiker, consider half a day to walk a section of the coastal track. The beach is best visited as a half-day trip from Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, ideally in the late afternoon for optimal light and fewer crowds.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef Glacier – The glacier valley walks and heli-hikes are a must-do; the town itself has good cafés and gear hire.
• Fox Glacier – Slightly quieter than its neighbour, with excellent views of the glacier from Lake Matheson.
• Okarito – A sleepy coastal village with a lagoon perfect for kayaking and birdwatching, including the rare white heron.
• Lake Matheson – Famous for its mirror-like reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook; the easy loop track is a classic photo stop.
• Whataroa – A tiny town with the White Heron Sanctuary Tours, a unique opportunity to see a breeding colony of kotuku.

Please check official sources for current details.