Gillespies Beach

Gillespies Beach is a wild, windswept stretch of black sand on the West Coast, where the dense rainforest meets the Tasman Sea. It’s a place of raw beauty, known for its dramatic driftwood-strewn shore, historic gold-mining relics, and the chance to spot seals or penguins. The drive here is an adventure in itself, winding through native bush along a narrow gravel road from Fox Glacier township.

Highlights & What to See

• Black Sand Beach & Driftwood: Walk the vast, dark-sand beach, often scattered with enormous driftwood logs sculpted by the surf – a photographer’s dream.
• Gillespies Beach Track: A short coastal walk leads to an old miners’ cemetery and the remains of a gold dredge, offering a glimpse into the area’s gold-rush history.
• Seal Colony: At the southern end of the beach, a colony of New Zealand fur seals can often be seen lounging on the rocks – keep a respectful distance.
• Kiwi & Penguin Spotting: The surrounding forest is home to the rare Okarito kiwi, and blue penguins sometimes come ashore at dusk (best with a guided tour).
• Gillespies Beach Hut: A Department of Conservation hut provides basic accommodation for those wanting to stay overnight in this remote setting.
• Sunset Views: The beach faces west, making it an ideal spot to watch the sun sink into the Tasman Sea.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours exploring the beach, walking the track, and watching for wildlife. If you’re a keen hiker, allow half a day to combine the beach with the nearby Gillespies Beach to Galway Beach walk. The gravel road takes about 20 minutes each way from Fox Glacier, so factor that into your schedule. This is a perfect stop for a morning or late afternoon outing.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Fox Glacier: The nearest town, with glacier-view walks, heli-hikes, and a handful of cafés and accommodations.
• Lake Matheson: Famous for its mirror-like reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, just a short drive from Fox Glacier.
• Franz Josef Glacier: About 30 km north, offering more glacier experiences, hot pools, and the stunning Sentinel Rock Walk.
• Okarito Lagoon: A tranquil coastal lagoon with kayaking, birdwatching, and the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary – about 40 minutes north.
• Whataroa: A small town known for the White Heron Sanctuary Tours, where you can see kotuku (white herons) in their nesting colony.

Please check official sources for current details.