Recommend that you park at S 38 43.790 E 174 36.907. Take care accessing the beach near the end of the main road bridge and follow along the true right river bank.
Even at High tide you can walk amongst the drift wood, but be aware that this is a NZ Dotterel, tūturiwhatu, nesting habitat in Spring.
At the rivermouth you will be rewarded with fantastic views of real west coast. On a clear day you will easily see Mt Taranaki.