Rarangi Foreshore is a long stretch of coast north of Blenheim — about 15 minutes’ drive — where a flat, mostly-easy coastal walk runs along the beach and the back of the foreshore, with Cloudy Bay views and the Richmond Range across the water. It is the closest proper coastal walk to Blenheim. Important: the inland Rarangi–Whites Bay Track is currently closed for flood damage repair — only the foreshore beach walk is open. Check current status before planning anything that includes the Whites Bay link.
Practical Information
| Location | Rarangi Beach, north of Blenheim — about 15 minutes via State Highway 1 |
| Foreshore walk distance | Open-ended — walk as far along the beach and foreshore as you like |
| Surface | Sand, shingle and grass paths along the back of the foreshore |
| Difficulty | Easy — flat throughout |
| Inland Whites Bay link | CLOSED — Rarangi–Whites Bay Track is closed for flood damage repairs; check DOC before assuming it has reopened |
| Access | Rarangi Beach Road; parking at the foreshore |
| Facilities | Public toilet at the Rarangi reserve; DOC Rarangi campsite nearby |
| Dogs | Allowed on lead on the foreshore; check signage for any seasonal nesting bird restrictions |
| Cost | Free |
About the Walk
Rarangi is a small coastal settlement at the southern end of the long sweep of beach that runs north toward White’s Bay and Port Underwood. The foreshore walk is exactly what it sounds like — flat walking along the beach and the back of the dune system, with Cloudy Bay open to the east and the high country across the water to the west and north.
The beach itself is shingle and coarse sand — a classic Marlborough open-coast beach rather than a soft white-sand swimming beach. It’s better as a walking beach than a swimming beach: open to the prevailing weather, with currents that warrant care. The reward is the openness of the coast and the views across Cloudy Bay.
Most walkers do an out-and-back along the foreshore, picking a turnaround based on time and weather. The Rarangi reserve at the beach entry has parking and a public toilet.
The Whites Bay Link — Currently Closed
Historically, the Rarangi area connects to Whites Bay via the inland Rarangi–Whites Bay Track that climbs through the bush behind the foreshore. That track is currently closed following major flood damage in the wider Marlborough region. The closure has been in place since 2025, and substantial repair work is still ongoing region-wide — Marlborough’s emergency reserve has been depleted by flood events and repairs have been prioritised across the worst-affected areas.
If your plan involves walking from Rarangi to Whites Bay, check the DOC page or council notices before driving out. The drive between Rarangi and Whites Bay via Port Underwood Road is unaffected — only the walking track has closed.
Where to Learn More
DOC — Rarangi–Whites Bay Track — the authoritative source for the current track status and any reopening announcements. Check this page before assuming the inland link is walkable.
Marlborough Online — Rarangi — local background on the Rarangi settlement, its coastline, the campsite and surrounding area.
Marlborough District Council — Flood Information — council updates on flood-damaged tracks, reserves and infrastructure across the region. Useful context if the Rarangi area has been affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Rarangi from Blenheim?
About 15 minutes’ drive north via State Highway 1 and Rarangi Beach Road.
Can you walk from Rarangi to Whites Bay?
Not via the inland Rarangi–Whites Bay Track at present — it is closed for flood damage repair. The drive between the two via Port Underwood Road is unaffected.
Is Rarangi Beach good for swimming?
It is an open-coast beach with shingle and coarse sand, exposed to prevailing weather and currents. It is better as a walking beach than a swim beach — Whites Bay, accessed by car, is the local swimming pick.
Is the Rarangi foreshore walk suitable for children?
Yes — the foreshore walk itself is flat and easy. Watch younger children near the water, particularly when wind and surf are up.
Are dogs allowed on the Rarangi foreshore?
Yes, on a lead. Check signage in spring and early summer for any seasonal restrictions around nesting birds.
Are there toilets at Rarangi?
Yes — a public toilet at the Rarangi reserve at the beach entry. The DOC campsite nearby has additional facilities for paying campers.
Is there a sea cave near Rarangi?
The sea cave with glow worms (often referenced for this area) is on the Rarangi–Whites Bay Track inland section, which is currently closed. Wait for reopening before planning a visit.
For more Blenheim walks, see the full guide to Blenheim walking tracks. The drive-accessible Whites Bay remains the alternative for swimming and the DOC Black Jack walk while the inland track between them is closed.
