Access

At Tuamarina, 9 km north of Blenheim and 20 km south of Picton, turn into Hunter Road (Rarangi signposted). Follow this 10 km through the settlement to the parking area at the road end. The start of the track is signposted from the carpark. There’s a DoC campground and toilet behind the beach.

Track

Steps lead up to the lookout over Cloudy Bay and Cape Campbell, with a strategically placed bench to perch up on. An elegant rock wall lines the track. It’s a short descent to Monkey Bay.

To the left of the steps at the start of the track is a short detour to a cave which enters around 50 metres into the cliff face. Bring a torch.

Geology

The sea caves were formed by the incessant pounding of ocean waves into the cleavage of the rock when sea levels were higher. As the sea retreated it left the caves abandoned higher up the cliffs.

Polynesian History

Extensive Maori remains, dated at over 400 years old, include stonewall gardens and middens. To Maori the caves were known as Te Ana Rangomai Papa and were though to be the lair of a taniwha who had eaten the local chief Tokomaru’s daughter. The taniwha was later slaughtered, so there’s no need to be concerned the same fate will happen to you.

European History

The cave to the left of the steps was known as ‘Daddy Watson’s Cave’ after an early bach owner in the 1920s who commenced rather ambitious excavations. He entertained the possibility of tunnelling to Whites Bay.

Rarangi and Monkey Bay were first opened up to visitors from the 1920s when the track from Blenheim became navigable by horses. It was a popular picnic spot and the first baches sprang up.