Home to the Wellington region's largest New Zealand fur seal colony, Turakirae Head Scientific Reserve is a windswept coastal reserve renowned for its dramatic sequence of five earthquake-raised gravel beaches. Walking, tramping, mountain biking along the Wild Coast Track section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail, and wildlife spotting are the main draws here. During winter, up to 500 mostly juvenile male fur seals haul out across the rocks to build up condition, alongside native coastal birds such as banded dotterels, Caspian terns, and variable oystercatchers, as well as native skinks. The exposed southern shoreline also attracts divers and surfers, though strong currents, heavy swell, and remote conditions require considerable caution.
Reached at the very end of Coast Road south of Wainuiomata, the reserve requires planning on foot. Public vehicles must stop at a dedicated car park about 300 metres before the end of the public road; from there, visitors walk over the Ōrongorongo River Bridge and follow a marked covenant route along the seaward side of a private working farm fence for about 45 minutes to reach the headland. Access is strictly on foot, no vehicles or fires are permitted, and dogs are completely banned to protect livestock and wildlife.