Hutchinson and Thorny Beaches are two similar beaches, separated by 50 m high Helens Head and backed by private farmland, with no public access. Both beaches are backed by steep, grassy bluffs, with prominent grassy headlands and basalt rock platforms at each end. Thorny Beach faces south and is protected by the platforms off the western Watts Point, with waves averaging 1 m. Hutchinson Beach faces south-west and receives slightly higher waves, averaging 1 to 1.5 m. Both beaches have a wide, low gradient beach fronted by a wide, shallow, attached bar. On Hutchinson Beach the bar is bordered by two strong, permanent rips against each end, while on Thorny Beach the rips are present, but not as intense. read more

Beach Length: 0.25km