Takaka Hill and Valley |
Click here to go to the next region > |
Few districts in New Zealand can have such a dramatic entrance.
Takaka Hill
The climb from Motueka has revealed superb views over Tasman Bay to Nelson and beyond, but once the summit of Takaka Hill is crossed, at 791 metres above sea level, Golden Bay suddenly appears with startling beauty. From Harwood Lookout the zig-zagging highway below leads the eye to the green valley of the Takaka River running north towards the distant sea, while beyond the valley rise the dramatic Tasman Mountains, home to the country's most spectacular alpine meadows. Far below is the village of Upper Takaka, but the road is easier on this side - it's only 15 minutes down.
In your haste to get to Golden Bay you may have missed one or two sights at the top of the Marble Mountain - don't worry, you'll be driving back this way in a few days. The Bay is a hidden paradise with only one road in and out. Just before the actual summit is the unsealed road to Canaan (one of the Lord of the Rings sites). Some 12 kms along this road and after a 40 minute walk from the carpark is the heart-stopping 183 metre deep Harwood's Hole. Beyond are the walking tracks of the Abel Tasman National Park and, for mountain bike enthusiasts, the exciting Rameka Track down to Takaka.
Breaks in your journey can be made at the top of the hill to enjoy the breathtaking views of the world below from lookout points and short walks at either side. You may choose to go down into the mountain itself at the Ngarua Caves. If time, weather and fitness permit, the Takaka Hill Walkway takes you through both fantastic marble landscapes and remnant forest.
Takaka Valley
The descent from the Marble Mountain ends abruptly at the gentle valley floor. To the left is the turn off up to the Cobb Valley, one of the gateways to the Kahurangi National Park. The main road follows down the valley hugging the base of the Pikikiruna Range. The "Marble Mountain" is a colloquial name as it is the source of New Zealand's only quality marble rock. Marble extracted from quarries in the area was used in the construction of Parliament Buildings and Nelson Cathedral. Beautiful marble of various colours and textures is now the inspirational material for several well known Golden Bay sculptors.
The next stretch of your journey follows gently down the fertile Takaka valley. Enjoy the views of the mountains to either side. Drivers, remember please to give way when necessary at single lane bridges (we still have a few here in Golden Bay), and watch out for the chance to stop and sample some locally produced salami.
