About Golden Bay

• Nature; Golden Bay has a huge variety of scenery to offer in a small space. Bordered by Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks with an awesome coastline means there are so many different outdoor opportunities and places to explore.


• Community and Culture; We have a great mix of people with a laid back friendly attitude. Lots of artists, musicians, cafes and community activities make it a interesting place to live or visit. It also feels really safe place- great to bring up children in.


• Climate; For me Golden Bay has the perfect mix of lots of sunshine, enough rain to keep the scenery green and mild temperatures- not too cold or hot.

Kayaking Well of course I would say that wouldn't I !! However I passionately feel that the paddle from Tata Beach to Wainui has as much variety and interesting things to see as anywhere I have been in the world. After more than 11 years of paddling this area I am still thoroughly enjoying it - every day I see something new.
Beaches Lots of safe swimming beaches. The golden sand beaches start East of Tarakohe harbour. The shallow tidal beaches like Pohara, Ligar Bay can be very warm when the tide comes in over the warm sand. If the tides out, Tata beach always has deep water and this is one of my favourite swimming beaches. The beaches in Wainui are also great as they are secluded and can be more sheltered from any westerly winds. The walk to Taupo Point in Abel Tasman National Park (about 1 hour and at mid to low tide) passes some lovely beaches. For wild west coast beaches Wharariki and surrounding area offer stunning scenery and wild waves. Sometimes I go surfing here and it can get very good (but don't tell everyone please!)
Wainui Waterfall A 15 minute drive from Pohara and a pleasant 20 minute walk brings you to this neat waterfall in the bush of Abel Tasman. On the way to the fall there is a swing bridge over the Wainui River.		The Grove The Grove Scenic Reserve at Clifton, a few minutes drive from Pohara is a stunning example of Rata forest over incredible limestone rock formations. An easy 10 minute walk take you to a platform looking out over Golden Bay. If you are brave go there at night and check out the glowworms!
Taupo Point Start from Wainui car park, 20 minutes drive from Pohara. Of course it's better to kayak, but walking to Taupo Point at mid to low tide takes about 1 hour and passes some gorgeous golden sand beaches. Taupo Point is an old Maori Pa site and is a magical place. You can camp here for free (because it's off the main walking track, no water supply).
Separation Point Walk from Totaranui or Wainui to this visually spectacular lookout at Separation Point. 2 hours from Totaranui, 2 and half hours from Wainui. The nearest hut is at Whariwharangi Bay (Wainui side). There are 2 campsites on the way from Totaranui side, and Mutton Cove is one of the best campsites I know. It's great to see sunrise and moonrise over the sea. There are usually lots of seals swimming around Separation Point. You can see out of Farewell Spit if the weather is good.
Totaranui 45 minutes drive from Pohara through the lush rain forest of Abel Tasman takes you to this lovely Golden Sand beach. A great place to camp or use as a base for kayaking or tramping adventures. There are some easy walks (15-30mins one way) to the close beaches, or you can also walk to Separation Point (2 hours) or Awaroa (1.5 hours). Water Taxis are available to/from other beaches in Abel Tasman National Park such as Marahau, Anchorage, Torrent Bay, Bark Bay and Awaroa. Usually water taxis do not go further north past Totaranui except by arrangement.
Rawhiti Cave 10 minutes drive from Pohara and a steep one hour walk brings you to the spectacular entrance to this cave. It's one of the largest cave entrances in the Southern hemisphere. Take a torch if you want to explore the inside of cave further.
Pupu Springs (Waikoropupu Springs) and Pupu walkway Well the springs are one of the icons of Golden Bay and you won't be disappointed. Try and go when it's sunny to see the lovely blue colour of the crystal clear water. Springs discharge an average 14000 litres of water a second, which is about 40 bathtubs full. Pupu Springs are not only the largest freshwater springs in Australasia, but the world's clearest freshwater springs - the only place where there is known to be water of greater clarity is under the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica! Lessor known but just as great is the Pupu Walkway, a 2.5 hour walk starting a further 5 minutes drive up Pupu valley.
Farewell Spit Another icon of Golden Bay. You can take one of the tours out to the end of the Spit or else walk some of the way yourself. It's an awesome place and well worth the trip- it feels like another world out there.
Kahurangi National Park New Zealand's largest area of unroaded country where you can walk for days and days and not come across a MacDonalds. Paradise!
Cafes Well after all that outdoor action why not relax and feed yourself up at one of our excellent cafes and bars. My favourites include the Mussel Inn (watch out for their HUGE chocolate sundaes and great range of homemade beers), Totally Roasted in Pohara for coffee and cake, Wholemeal in Takaka for atmosphere and Sans Souci for top quality meals in a great setting.
Art Galleries With so many artists in Golden Bay you can get some neat stuff buying direct from them. Check out the Information Centre in Takaka which can give you a map and description of where and who to visit.