Rarangi Beach is a long, stony, exposed beach on the eastern Marlborough coast about 10 minutes’ drive north of Blenheim. Backed by farmland and the hills behind Port Underwood, it’s a working-coast kind of beach — driftwood-strewn, often windswept, and dramatically different from the sheltered swimming bays around the Sounds. It’s best known locally for surf, for the sheltered cove at Monkey Bay just to the north, and for its surf lifesaving club. Swimming on the open beach itself needs care; most casual swimmers head to Monkey Bay instead.
Practical Information
| Location | Rarangi, eastern Marlborough — about 15km northeast of Blenheim |
| Beach type | Long stony/gravel beach, exposed to Cloudy Bay |
| Swimming | Caution required on open beach (surf, currents); Monkey Bay cove is the local choice |
| Surfing | Known for consistent surf breaks; popular with local surfers |
| Surf lifesaving | Rārangi SLSC is named for the area but the club is based at neighbouring Whites Bay (the club moved there years ago) |
| Driving access | SH1 to Tuamarina turnoff (9km north of Blenheim), then Hunter, Pembers and Rarangi Roads |
| Parking | Free at the beach access points |
| Facilities | Basic — toilets and parking |
| Camping | Rarangi DOC conservation campsite nearby |
| Dogs | Generally allowed on the beach — check local signage for any seasonal rules |
| Cost | Free |
About the Beach
Rarangi is the kind of beach found right along the upper east coast of the South Island — rough, stony, and shaped by big seas and prevailing winds. It runs for several kilometres along the edge of Cloudy Bay, ending at the northern headland where Monkey Bay sits tucked into the rocks. The beach itself is mostly gravel and shingle rather than fine sand, with banks of driftwood near the high-tide line and dramatic rock formations along parts of the coast.
This is not a sheltered swimming beach in the postcard sense. Conditions on the open beach are often surf-driven, with strong currents and shorebreak that can make swimming risky. Locals and visitors who want to swim usually walk north along the beach to Monkey Bay, a sheltered cove between the rocks that is much calmer and safer. For surfing the picture flips — the same exposed conditions that make swimming awkward make Rarangi one of the more consistent surf spots in the Marlborough region.
The beach has an active surf lifesaving club (Rarangi SLSC), which patrols in summer. Outside patrolled times and areas, the standard New Zealand beach advice applies: assess conditions, stay close to shore if you’re not confident in surf, and supervise children carefully near the water.
Monkey Bay
Monkey Bay is a small sheltered cove at the northern end of the beach, reached by walking along Rarangi Beach to where the cliffs begin. It is one of the more photographed spots in eastern Marlborough — a sandy cove with high rock walls on either side, much calmer water than the open beach, and a feel that is completely different from the long stony stretch just to the south. It’s a popular short walk and a favourite swimming spot for those who know the area. Allow time for the walk in (it is along the beach itself, so the going is on stones).
Surfing and Fishing
Rarangi has a long-standing reputation as one of the better surf beaches in the region — consistent swells, uncrowded breaks and an exposed aspect that picks up waves when other Marlborough beaches don’t. It’s a local favourite rather than a tourist surf spot, so check conditions and respect local etiquette. Fishing from the beach (mostly surfcasting) is also popular, with the rough open coast supporting kahawai and other surf-zone species.
Nearby — Camping, Walks and the Pump Track
Rarangi is also the staging point for several other activities in the area. The DOC Rarangi conservation campsite sits close to the beach and is a popular basic camping option. The Rarangi Foreshore Walk runs along the coast and is the standard longer walk in the area. A Rarangi Pump Track built nearby is popular with families and mountain bikers. Up the road, Port Underwood Road climbs over the hills to Pukatea/Whites Bay, with the Black Jack Track and Pukatea Walk on the other side.
Getting There
From Blenheim, follow SH1 north for about 9km to the Tuamarina turnoff. From there, follow Hunter, Pembers and Rarangi Roads east toward the coast. The drive takes around 10–15 minutes from central Blenheim. The road is sealed and easy. Parking is free at the beach access points.
Where to Learn More
Rarangi Surf Life Saving Club — the local SLSC site, with patrol information and current beach conditions during summer.
DOC — Rarangi conservation campsite — official information on the basic DOC campsite near the beach, including bookings and facilities.
Marlborough Online — best swimming beaches and rivers — local rundown of safer swimming options in Marlborough, useful context for choosing between Rarangi, Monkey Bay and other nearby spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Rarangi Beach?
Swimming on the open beach requires caution — there is surf and current, and the beach is gravel/stone rather than sand. Most swimmers walk north to the sheltered Monkey Bay cove instead.
Where is Monkey Bay at Rarangi?
At the northern end of Rarangi Beach, where the cliffs begin. Walk along the beach to reach it — it’s a small sheltered cove between rock walls.
How far is Rarangi Beach from Blenheim?
Around 15km, or about a 10–15 minute drive via the Tuamarina turnoff on SH1.
Is Rarangi Beach good for surfing?
Yes — it’s one of the more consistent surf spots in the Marlborough region, with uncrowded breaks. Locals know it well.
Are there toilets and parking at Rarangi Beach?
Yes — basic facilities including toilets and parking are available near the beach access points.
Is there camping at Rarangi Beach?
The DOC Rarangi conservation campsite is close by, offering basic facilities. Bookings can be made through the DOC website.
Are dogs allowed at Rarangi Beach?
Dogs are generally allowed on the beach, but check local council signage at the access points for any seasonal restrictions.
For more coastal spots near Blenheim, see all swimming options in Blenheim. Nearby, the Rarangi Foreshore Walk runs along the same coastline and is the easiest way to explore the area on foot.
