Gillespies Beach

Gillespies Beach is a wild, dark-sand stretch on the West Coast, where the Tasman Sea crashes against a shoreline littered with driftwood and the remains of a gold-mining past. The beach feels remote and raw, backed by dense native bush and the Southern Alps, making it a place of stark beauty and solitude.

Highlights & What to See

• Black Sand Beach: The striking dark sand, rich in ilmenite, contrasts with the white foam of the surf. It's a photographer's dream, especially at sunset.
• Gold Mining History: Walk to the remnants of the old Gillespies Beach settlement, including the miners' cemetery and the rusted remains of a gold dredge. The short Gillespies Beach Historic Walk offers insight into the area's gold rush era.
• Gillespies Point & Seal Colony: At the northern end of the beach, a track leads to a viewing platform overlooking a New Zealand fur seal colony. Watch them basking on the rocks or playing in the surf.
• Okarito Lagoon: A short drive north, this serene lagoon is perfect for kayaking or a peaceful walk along the Okarito Trig Track, which offers panoramic views of the Southern Alps and the coast.
• Glacier Country: Gillespies Beach is a gateway to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, both within 30 minutes' drive. You can take guided walks or heli-hikes onto the ice.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for a half-day to fully appreciate Gillespies Beach and its history. Arrive in the late afternoon to explore the historic walk and seal colony, then watch the sunset over the ocean. If you're staying in Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, it's an easy side trip. Combine with a visit to Okarito Lagoon for a full day of West Coast wilderness.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef Glacier: 20 minutes north, with guided glacier walks and the Glacier Hot Pools.
• Fox Glacier: 15 minutes south, with the Fox Glacier Terminal Walk and Lake Matheson.
• Okarito: A tiny coastal village with a beautiful lagoon and the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.
• Lake Matheson: Famous for its mirror reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, a short drive from Fox Glacier.
• West Coast Wilderness Trail: A cycling and walking trail that passes through lush rainforest and along the coast, with sections near Gillespies Beach.

Please check official sources for current details.