Golden Bay

Golden Bay, New Zealand is renowned for its beautiful golden beaches, coastal hiking and forest walks, tranquil native bush, and is the home of Schnapp Dragon Distillery in the township of Takaka.

 

The view from a kayak in Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand. The park is named after the Dutch seafarer Abel Tasman, who in 1642 became the first European explorer to sight the country.

Travel Notes

The trip over the Takaka Hill rewards you with panoramic views of Golden Bay from the top. Golden Bay stretches along the coastline to the far shores of spectacular Wharariki Beach. This area has a rich social and natural history. Colourful Takaka is the principal township offering main street shopping, cafes and fresh produce.


Essential experiences

  • Check out the Schnapp Dragon Cellar Door.
  • Try a beer brewed on site at the Mussel Inn, 17km from Takaka.
  • Travel from Farewell Spit up to Pillar Point lighthouse.
  • Glimpse early settler life at the Collingwood Museum.
  • Explore the pristine Abel Tasman or Heaphy Tracks
  • Visit Monza Gallery exclusively local contemporary art and jewellery

 

Getting Around

Regular bus services to Golden Bay from Nelson to Takaka with connections on to both the Abel Tasman and Heaphy track.  Fly in by charter direct from Nelson or Wellington. Your own car is a great way for exploring some of the many hidden corners of Golden Bay as well.


Exploring Outdoors

  • Stop at the Ngarua Caves and Harwood’s Hole on the Takaka Hill.
  • Just outside Takaka is the sacred Te Waikoropupu (Pupu) Springs.
  • Beaches abound – from Pohara and Tata to Wharariki Beach on the rugged west coast of Golden Bay.
  • Access the magnificent Kahurangi National Park from Collingwood or the Cobb Valley, south of Takaka, or try one of the short walks at Wainui Falls, the Grove or Paynes Ford and the famous Abel Tasman National Park.


Ambience
 From the funky café culture of Main Street in Takaka to the isolated splendour of Farewell Spit, Golden Bay community and landscape holds some awesome surprises.

Arts
Some of New Zealand’s top sculptors, painters, potters, jewellery-makers and bone carvers have made Golden Bay their home. You can visit most studios year round or visit  Monza Gallery in the main street.

Action and Adventure

  • Go mountain biking on the Rameka Track, kayak the Abel Tasman National Park.
  • Take a 4wd tour to Farewell Spit – a bird sanctuary and wetland for waders such as godwits and curlews.
  • The Heaphy track starts in Collingwood heading through remote native forest to the West Coast.
  • Beachcomb on historic Onekaka beach, explore the old gold fields in the Aorere valley or enjoy the beauty of Golden Bay on horseback.

Accommodation

  • There are some great places to stay near Takaka.
  • Close to beaches around Golden Bay are motels, bed and breakfasts, backpackers, holiday houses and campsites.
  • Information available at Takaka i-site centre.

 

Fascinating facts

  • The Bainham store has been run by the granddaughter of the original owner since 1947.
  • With cliff heights up to 30m, Paynes Ford has the best limestone crag climbing in Australasia.
  • Beyond the lighthouse at Farewell Spit, is a gannet colony.