Gillespies Beach

Gillespies Beach is a wild, black-sand stretch on the West Coast, famous for its dramatic sunsets, pancake rocks, and the chance to spot seals and penguins. This remote beach offers a true taste of the untamed West Coast wilderness, with a short walk through coastal forest leading to the shore.

Highlights & What to See

• Black-Sand Beach: Feel the fine, dark sand underfoot as you walk along the rugged coastline, with the Tasman Sea crashing against the shore.
• Pancake Rocks & Blowholes: Just a short drive north, the famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki are a must-see, with their layered limestone formations and spouting blowholes at high tide.
• Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks and little blue penguins returning to their burrows at dusk.
• Gillespies Beach Track: A scenic walking track leads from the carpark through coastal forest to the beach, offering glimpses of the rugged landscape.
• Sunset Views: The beach faces west, making it an ideal spot to watch the sun sink into the sea, painting the sky in vibrant hues.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 1–2 hours to explore the beach and walk the short track. If you're keen to see the Pancake Rocks and blowholes, plan for an additional hour. Many visitors combine Gillespies Beach with a stop at Punakaiki on a day trip from Greymouth, which is about 30 minutes north.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Punakaiki: Home to the iconic Pancake Rocks and blowholes, just a 10-minute drive north.
• Greymouth: The largest town on the West Coast, with cafes, the Monteith's Brewery, and the start of the TranzAlpine train journey.
• Hokitika: A charming town known for its greenstone (pounamu) galleries, beaches, and the Hokitika Gorge.
• Paparo National Park: Offers excellent hiking trails through ancient rainforest and along the coast, including the Truman Track.
• Shantytown Heritage Park: A living history museum near Greymouth that recreates a 19th-century gold mining town.

Please check official sources for current details.