Bicheno Blowhole Beach sits in a natural granite amphitheatre on the East Coast, sheltered from prevailing winds by a rocky headland. The water here is some of the clearest on the island, with visibility regularly exceeding 12 metres during calm conditions.
The reef to the north of the beach drops from 1m to around 6m and is carpeted in colourful encrusting sponges, with large boulders providing habitat for a diverse range of invertebrates. It's not uncommon to encounter weedy seadragons drifting through the kelp on calmer days.
The southern end of the cove has a sandy bottom scattered with seagrass — an ideal hunting ground for flathead and the occasional stingaree.
What You'll See
Weedy seadragons, blue-throated wrasse, luderick, zebra fish, flathead, stingaree, purple sea urchin, giant kelp, encrusting sponges.
Getting There
From Bicheno township head north along the Tasman Highway for approximately 1.2km. Turn right at the signed Blowhole track. A short 200m walk leads to the beach entry point. The path is suitable for most fitness levels.
Safety Note: Check wind forecasts before visiting — the site becomes choppy in north-easterly winds above 15 knots. The blowhole to the south-east is a surge zone; stay clear. Supervise children at all times.
Recommended Gear
Mask, snorkel and fins are all you need in summer. A 3mm wetsuit is recommended from April onwards as water temperature drops quickly. Reef shoes are handy for the rocky section at the north end.
Video
Underwater footage from Blowhole Beach on a calm summer morning.
