Wharariki is not a safe swimming beach, with its strong currents and wild seas. But it is a fantastic place to spend a day, running down the huge sand dunes, exploring the caves, and at the right time of year you can watch baby seals splashing in the rock pools.

Golden Bay Air operates scheduled flights between Wellington and Tākaka and Karamea and Tākaka with connecting ground transport to the Heaphy Track and Abel Tasman National Park. Spectacular flightseeing tours: Farewell Spit, West Coast, Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks. Nationwide air charter. Rental Cars.

Puponga is almost as far as you can drive west, another flat tidal beach at the base of Farewell Spit, the longest natural sand spit in the world. However, the road carries on a bit further past Cape Farewell to one of the Bay's most spectacular beaches -- Wharariki Beach -- the northernmost point of the South Island.

Rangihaeata, with its remnants of a kahikatea forest right on the beach, is wonderful for walking your dog at low tide.

Catch your very own fresh salmon and have it ready to eat on the spot! All the gear you need is provided at no cost and there's no entry fee. Simply pay per weight for what you catch. Open year round 7 days a week from 10am. Bring your camera and go for the catch of the day!

Onekaka Wharf can be found just past The Mussel Inn, an iconic eatery and live music venue where you must first stop for a local brew and bite to eat. Turn down Washbourn Road to reach what remains of the old wharf and tramline, remnants from Onekaka's ironworks in the 1920s.

Golden Bay has a successful and growing mussel industry. Cockles and oysters are also commercially harvested from Golden Bay beaches.

It helps everyone and our natural resources when we follow the rules. New Zealand conserves its fishing species and there are penalties for abusing these. More information can be found from the Ministry for Primary Industries Website.

The Village Theatre is the "best little cinema in the Galaxy" situated in the heart of Takaka, Golden Bay. Since its inception in 1984, our rural cinema has not only survived but, in the hands of a charitable trust, has flourished into a star of the Bay's quirky cultural scene. We double up as a playhouse, concert hall and meeting place and keep tradition alive by having an Intermission. Come and enjoy movies at our state of the art surround system and relax in temperature controlled comfort year round.

Dancing Sands is one of NZ's best loved distilleries crafting premium Gin, Rum and Vodka.

Our Tasting Room and Cellar Door is open to the public year round 10AM to 4PM Monday to Saturday. Come in and visit us for a tasting!

Ride the Red Bus - Gannet Colony Tour, Lighthouse Tour and Wader Watch.

Locally owned and operated for more than 65 years. Farewell Spit is a Nature Reserve and Wetland of International Importance.

Come with us and find out why, while you feel the sun on your face, the breeze in your hair and the sand between your toes. Departure times are set by the tide so bookings are essential.

Keep your catch, or Catch & Release it's up to you.

Fishing trips for small groups from Golden Bay all year round.

Don't worry if you're a novice angler because you get one to one guidance from Leigh on how to catch your fish. All bait, quality fishing gear & refreshments supplied free onboard.

You don't even have to get your hands wet if you don't want to! Catch your fish and Leigh will do rest for you!

Easy walk, from 5 min to 3 hours.
Suitable for the whole family plus the dog (kept under control), there are multiple access points to these sprawling trails through regenerating forest, swamps and lagoons, all fringed by a peaceful beach and estuary. Pick up a map from one of the boxes, make a donation if you are able, and consider returning the map for others once you are finished. The tracks are mostly flat with a few rises and tree roots,they are not not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.

Patons Rock and Parapara are both small settlements with sweeping shallow beaches, perfect for a picnic with small children, easy swimming, or head out in a kayak for a paddle.

Gateway to the northern end of the Abel Tasman National Park. Islands, rock formations and an abundance of wildlife. Guided tours, family tours, freedom rentals and stand up paddle board hire.

We offer a great selection of day walks and multi-day packages throughout the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks. Explore some of the spectacular scenery Golden Bay has to offer with an informative, local guide.

It helps everyone and our natural resources when we follow the rules. New Zealand conserves its fishing species and there are penalties for abusing these. More information can be found from the Ministry for Primary Industries here

Beach trails, pub rides, swim with horses, vaulting, cart rides. Hackactivities off the beaten track.
Beach access to Patons Rock beach, horses, glow worm track, wifi.

Hack Farm
Horse Activities and Accommodation - for Outrider

Hack'n Stay is dedicated to those who want to enjoy the simple things in life.

Bring your own horse or enjoy time with one of ours.
Take a sulky or cart ride along the beach.
Ride bare back along the golden sands.

Four and a half hour boutique tour of Goldenbay, from Wharariki to Totaranui; you choose where to go. Visit and enjoy our attractions, food, beaches, art, birdlife, history and more.
A personal tour just for you, two to six people at $120:00 per person. Bookings essential. Pick up 9.15 am at the Visitor Centre returning at 1.45 pm. Weekdays only. Phone or text 021 033 1227 for direct bookings, or alternatively contact the Golden Bay visitor centre.

Tata Beach is a deeper beach for swimming at any time of day and is always radiant with its iconic yellow-gold sand. Tata is also home to a boat ramp, so is buzzing with boats and water sports in the height of summer.

Collingwood is a historic little town where you can grab a bite to eat, visit all the local shops and galleries, and head down to the flat beach for a wander.

Ligar Bay is a shallow golden sand beach, one of the warmer swimming spots. At low tide your little ones can safely splash around in warm tidal pools or explore the rocks along the western end to find crabs. With several BBQ areas and no boating, Ligar Bay is a peaceful picnicking beach.

Takaka Golf Club welcomes new members & visitors for relaxed golf. Our 9-hole Clifton course, with alternative tees on most holes, is on a sand spit with panoramic views of Golden Bay, a tidal estuary and mountains. Its undulating links-style fairways and well-paced greens are regarded as a fun challenge for golfers of any ability. Green fees are $20 and there is a range of membership options including first time member discounts. Hire clubs, motorised carts, & coaching available by arrangement.

Wainui Bay marks the start of the Abel Tasman National Park and is bursting with beauty, also offering multiple walking tracks, including the short hikes to Wainui Falls, or out to Taupo Point.

Spectacular flightseeing tours: Farewell Spit, West Coast, Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks. Nationwide air charter. Rental Cars.

Golden Bay Air operates scheduled flights between Wellington and Takaka and Karamea and Takaka with connecting ground transport to the Heaphy Track and Abel Tasman National Park.