This is probably Golden Bay's most famous attraction, and its story and mysteries are still a fascinating one.
here are three large freshwater springs a few kilometres offshore at depths of 12 to14 metres. It is thought that these are part of the limestone water system, and as freshwater flows out, some seawater is drawn into the vents, finding its way to the main vent at Pupu.
It is most important to protect the springs from didymo.
From Pohara in the east to Puponga in the west, there is a string of shallow, fine sand beaches, safe for the family with children.
To the east, Pohara has a warm, safe, sandy beach. Beyond Tarakohe you will discover truly golden beaches: ligar Bay, Tata Beach, Wainui.
The Abel Tasman National Park has much coarser sand. Tata Beach and Totaranui are popular with those wanting deeper water for water skiing but still in safe waters.
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. Spectacular flightseeing tours: Farewell Spit, West Coast, Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks. Nationwide air charter. Rental Cars.
in Clifton is a 20-minute walking track which winds through the narrow canyons in the limestone ending up at a dramatic lookout. Picnic spot available.
Mountain Bike and Tramping Transport in the upper South Island of New Zealand. Your adventure starts here.
We provide TAILORED TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS to fit your needs so that you are not bound by inconvenient schedules. Pickup and drop off times and locations are all selected by you. Simply choose your desired route from the options below, give us a bit of information regarding passengers/bikes and dates/times/locations. We'll create a hassle free solution.
Our most popular trips are:
Heaphy Track transport (incl mountain bike transport)
Rameka track transport
Abel Tasman transport
Old Ghost Road transport
A few minute's drive from Pohara, Tata's water is a little colder than Pohara's but you can swim here at low tide. It is preferred by swimmer's who seek deeper water.
Pohara is one of the main holiday centres of the Bay with a beach that must rank among New Zealand's safest. It is also a popular centre for windsurfing and kayaking.
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!
Iconic and beautiful outdoor venue, can be hired for events, music, arts, workshops, weddings, film location. Inquiries welcome.
Come and experience some of finest horse riding New Zealand has to offer. With a terrain that changes from beautiful grass paddocks to a sandstone track that winds through some amazing geology incredible flora and fauna, it is simply just the "best" ride in NZ. And we have the world renowned Wharariki Beach, with huge rock arches and sand dunes. These are just a couple of our treks. We can arrange treks to suit all people including multi-day options. No experience is necessary
The best walking experience in the Top of the South Island!
Movies for everyone: blockbusters, children's, drama, documentary and arthouse. Owned and run by the community, we offer a relaxed movie-going experience with comfy couches, huge floor cushions. Occasional live entertainment.
Just north of Parapara Inlet on public conservation land is a network of easy walking tracks through regenerating forest. You can find some fun routes that have been created meandering past swamps and lagoons and even down to the beach.
In amongst the trees on some tracks you will discover numerous artworks left by local artists.
One of Golden Bay's Gem's where you can be serenaded by native birds as you explore to your heart's content.
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.
Caf?(c), woolcraft and yarn. Indoor and outdoor seating. Farm animals including Gotland sheep.
is a great beach to visit, exploring the rock formations and shady picnic spots. A favourite walk is at low tide to Taupo Point. Wainui is the western starting point of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
Wharariki is a landscape photographer's paradise. You will enjoy taking advantage of the endless photo opportunities on offer at Wharariki Beach and surrounding areas.
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.
Discover the rich history of western Golden Bay, from early Maori arrivals to European settlement. Local stories feature agriculture, industry, gold, shipwrecks, lighthouses and the Collingwood fires. Open Daily 10?"dusk. Admission by donation.
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.
Just two kilometres out of Takaka, on the way to Pohara, are three big oak trees. Turn left here, follow the signs to Labyrinth Rocks Walkway and you will find one of Golden Bay's most amazing places. Nature has produced a maze-like network of canyons through a limestone outcrop, an excellent example of the geological term 'Karst' limestone for which this area is known. It has been developed as an enchanting family attraction.
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 9am. Bring your camera and go for the catch of the day!
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.
is the centre of this district, with cafes, bars and a shop for supplies. Swimming here is wonderful for children because the water is very shallow and warm. The beach is a favourite for long walks in the late afternoon.
Indoor pool, hot tubs, traditional Scandanavian wood-fire sauna.
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. Spectacular flightseeing tours: Farewell Spit, West Coast, Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks. Nationwide air charter. Rental Cars.
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.
We strive to offer the best, most reliable and most comfortable bus service available.
Nelson to Takaka
Including Richmond, Motueka & Canaan Rd Turnoff
Abel Tasman Coastal Track
Including Wainui, Totaranui, Marahau & Kaiteriteri
The Heaphy Track
including Collingwood, Brown Hut, Kohaihai and Karamea
Can't find what you are looking for, contact us now and we will come up with a solution
Explore Golden Bay's unique sights and history with a once in a life time flight with Mit, Golden Bay's most experienced Scenic Flight operator.
Choose one of our planned flights or request your own path around our beautiful back yard and let Mit take care of you in his comfortable Cessna with it's high wings and two-way noise-cancelling headsets.
We conduct gold fossicking trips from one hour to a full day course. Teaching the exciting hobby of gold panning, sluice boxing and gold detecting. From a special day out in the forest to individuals seeking an adventure to the great outdoors.
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
Another Golden Bay Gem is one of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in Abel Tasman National Park.
Wainui Falls is located on the Wainui River, a beautiful 40-minute bush walk starting from the carpark in Wainui Bay 20km north-east of Takaka. Look for the direction sign on the road side approximately 300 metres after crossing over the Wainui River Bridge.
Salisbury Creek and the footbridge were named after the Salisbury family, descendants of brothers John and Charles Salisbury who came to the area to seek their fortunes from gold about 1860.
A beautiful waterfall and swimming hole which is a great spot to visit all year. In summer the swimming hole is popular with locals and visitors enjoying the deep green water and cooling spray from the waterfall.
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.
A few minute's drive from Pohara is Ligar Bay, resplendent with golden sand, barbecue areas, shady trees and great safe swimming at high tide.
Luminate is an earth-friendly festival of contemporary music, arts and culture with a focus on environmental sustainability, intentional community, holistic education, inspiration and celebration. Luminate encourages people to take responsibility for the world that we are all co-creating, to share skills and knowledge, evolve consciousness and have fun.
Nelson Tasman Tourism App
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