Visitors Guide to Golden Bay
Links to Information on Regions
In this hidden corner of New Zealand are the world class Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks and the famous Farewell Spit and Waikoropupu (Pupu) Springs.
On your journey you will experience many scenic contrasts; from smooth shifting sand dunes to rugged glaciated mountain valleys; from placid seaside beaches to bubbling fresh water springs;
from luscious green lowland pastures to untouched high alpine meadows and forests; from water-worn limestone caves, crags and canyons to wind-shorn coastal cliffs.
There are journeys through time as well. Tasman, the first European to see this land, anchored here in 1642. Some Maori villages on their terraced headlands were already ancient in Tasman's time. Later the Bay became, briefly, the gold mining capital of the young colony, with coal, iron and cement industries subsequently paralleling the rise and fall of gold. Collingwood was even planned to be the nation's capital in those early days.
Today there are cultural journeys adding to Golden Bay's versatility; wherever you wander you will come across a wide and rich variety of Arts and Crafts. Pop into our museums, galleries, libraries and theatres. Enjoy our range of restaurants and stay a bit longer at any of the wide range of accommodation offered around the Bay.
The Bay's wonderful outdoor environment attracts regular summer holiday makers year after year, but an increasing number of discerning visitors are discovering that the area can be enjoyed all year round. Mild spring and autumn weather, and even the clear, crisp winter days are ideal to experience the many short bush and beach walks in relative solitude.
