Scotts Beach

Scotts beach is a wonderful, wild beach on the West coast of the South Island. The nearest town is Karamea and the beach is one of the highlights of the Heaphy Track, a popular hiking trail along this rugged stretch of coast.

The beach here is a beautiful sandy cove backed by steep, tall cliffs covered in dense subtropical rainforest of nikau palms, karaka and rata. Given its relatively remote location Scotts beach never gets busy. In fact it is often completely deserted.

A word of warning - whilst it may look tempting to go for a dip in the sea here don’t. The beach is notorious for its strong currents, rips and undertows. Another thing to watch out for are the sandflies - they bite! Insect repellant and keeping covered up is recommended.