Whites Bay / Pukatea to Ocean Bay
An interesting day paddle on the Blenheim side of the Cook straight with lots of interesting rock hopping and exploring to be had!
Quick Facts
Start / Finish - DOC Campground at Whites Bay
Distance - 10km each way
Time - 4-5 hours
Difficulty - Moderate
Note - This trip is all about rock hopping - it may be sensible to bring a helmet with you, especially if the swell is a bit bigger (1m+) - rocks hurt!
Key Planning Information
Wind
Swell
This is a great day trip from Whites Bay, about 20 minutes drive North of Blenheim. Park at the DOC campsite at Whites Bay (also a good place to stay the night!)
Whites Bay itself can have decent surf on the right day and if this interests you it's worth giving yourself some time to play in the bay!
This trip is all about the rock hopping, so don't feel like you need to get all the way to Ocean Bay. You might have a better day playing and exploring every nook along the coastline. There is also a good few hundred metres of exploring to the South of Whites Bay that is worth exploring.
Once you set off to the North, stay in close to the rocks. Keep your eyes peeled for caves, tunnels and swell to paddle through! There are lots of large rocks with a small channel between them and the mainland. It's a much more interesting journey to go through these passageways then just paddle out in the open sea!
There are only really two landable bays in this trip after Whites Bay - Robin Hoods Bay and Ocean Bay. In between the rocky coastline would make for a difficult landing, so be prepared to paddle at least 5 or 6km between landings.
Thanks to the Nelson Sea Kayak Club for inviting us along to their weekend at Whites Bay!