Wharariki Beach sits at the very top of the South Island, just west of Cape Farewell. It’s a rugged, windswept stretch of coast framed by dramatic cliffs on either side, and it’s a haven for New Zealand fur seals—especially the playful pups during breeding season. Out of all the beaches I’ve explored, this one felt the most raw and untouched, like stepping into true wilderness with no one else around.

You can only reach the beach on foot, following a 25-minute track from the end of Wharariki Road that winds through farmland and a small pocket of forest. When the track opens out, you’re greeted by the Archway Islands—an iconic feature and a dream subject for photographers, especially in the golden light of sunrise or sunset.

If you’re planning to shoot here, make sure to pack both a wide-angle and a zoom lens—you’ll want the flexibility.