Golden Bay
Nearby
Nelson Abel Tasman Blenheim Marlborough SoundsGolden Bay: Understand
Population ~ 5,000
Golden Bay is a long bay stretching from Takaka up to Farewell Spit! Transport is pretty limited in the Golden Bay area, so best explored with a car or campervan.
Golden Bay: Getting In & Out
By plane:
The best airport to get to Golden Bay is in Nelson, which is a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to Takaka (the largest town in Golden Bay).
Renting a campervan or rental car is a great way to explore New Zealand with flexibility and freedom! It’s easiest to pick up/drop off rentals from the major airports in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. We recommend you book in advance. Check out our handy guides Travel New Zealand by Campervan or Travel New Zealand by Car.
By car:
From Nelson follow State Highway 6 south to Richmond. Once through Richmond, take the exit to Motueka (State Highway 60). Continue along SH 60 for approximately 40 kms (25 miles) to Motueka township.
From Motueka, continue along High Street (SH 60) out of town for approximately 8 kms (5 miles). Cross the Motueka River (long, narrow 2-lane bridge), veer right to continue through Riwaka and then cross the Riwaka River Bridge. Two hundred metres past Riwaka Bridge you have to make a left or right decision. Right is to Kaiteriteri, left to Marahau and Golden Bay (Takaka). Continue on SH 60 over the Takaka Hill, dropping all the way into Takaka.
By bus:
Take a look at the InterCity website to plan your bus journey.
Golden Bay: See & Do
The Anatoki Salmon Farm is an awesome activity for an hour or so (fun for all ages)! You get a rod and net for free, then pay based on the weight of the fish you catch. It is set up so you can have your caught salmon prepared as you wish (ie. filleted, steaks, sashimi, or smoked on site) and there are a few other bites and drinks you can order from the cafe on site too. Because it is fresh water salmon (opposed to salt water) the salmon flavour is not as strong, and the freshness is incredible!
Te Waikoropupū Springs (Pupū Springs) carpark is just 5-minutes from Takaka. There is a lovely 25-minute loop track that takes you past the main attraction (see photo below) and through a beautiful native forest. The Springs are the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand and have some of the clearest water on record! Also crazy to think when you’re watching the bubbling water that they’re discharging 14,000 litres of water per second!
Wharariki Beach is probably our favourite beach… in the world! Dead serious. There is a 2km (40-minute) walk over farmland, then you arrive at the grand sand dunes! Let your feet lead and just follow as you jump/fall/flail all the way down! Explore more sand dunes, caves and some little beaches around towering cliffs. There’s usually a seal (or a family of seals!) hanging out in the area too.
Pohara Beach is a stunning beach to relax, swim, walk or take a kayak out from. The local dairy (corner store) serves gigantic scoops of icecream!
Tata Beach is a really lovely beach, around from Pohara.
Kayaking and horseback riding are great activities in Golden Bay, and it’s not too hard to find operators for both in Takaka.
Golden Bay: Eat & Drink
Our favourite place to eat is Wholemeal Cafe in Takaka. There’s always a buzz inside, they have great home-style food, and the real fruit ice creams worth stopping for!
Takaka Infusion is also a good breakfast and lunch option in Takaka, serving consistently good food and catering to dietary requirements.
Heading up towards Farewell Spit you will find The Courthouse Cafe in Collingwood. They have a range of good quality food for breakfast and brunch, plus good coffee.
Dangerous Kitchen is a great pizza option, and they’re open for any meal of the day!
For a more upmarket dinner option, Ratanui Lodge Restaurant is not far from Takaka in Pohara. The cocktails are a highlight, and the 3-course meal is usually a hit too!
On your way to Golden Bay, you’ll come through Riwaka. Thomas Brothers have a cherry shop, and real fruit ice cream! We always try and work out trips around a real fruit ice cream stop!
There is also a Fresh Choice Supermarket in Takaka to stock up the goods in your campervan, or to grab a few tasty treats to enjoy a picnic at the beach.
Golden Bay: Sleep
There are quite a few campground options in Golden Bay … here’s a few:
- Pakawau Beach Camp
- Golden Bay Holiday Park
- Collingwood Motor Camp
- Takaka Camping and Cabins
1-Day Trips Near Golden Bay
Farewell Spit
Farewell Spit is at the tippy top of the South Island. There is an impressive 25 km long sand spit that is home to over 90 species of birds. It is most common to take a tour onto Farewell Spit, as a certain type of vehicle is required to drive on the sand! Tours can be organised from Takaka or Collingwood. The first section is public, so you can walk out there on your own if you’d prefer. Our latest trip to Farewell Spit we opted to explore by foot and had heaps of being blown around!
Multi-Day Trips Near Golden Bay
Abel Tasman National Park
The Abel Tasman is a real highlight in the Nelson area. With subtropical weather, turquoise waters, sheltered inlets and secluded beaches of golden sand; there are few places on earth that surpass the beauty of this area. The Abel Tasman track is a popular 60 km walkway, which takes hikers between 3-4 days. It is also very common to see the park by kayak or boat. The best thing about the boats & water taxis is they give you the flexibility to walk whatever distance you want and boat the rest. For a full run-down on the Abel Tasman National Park, check out our dedicated page.
Where to next?
Nearby in Nelson & Marlborough:
Nelson Abel Tasman Blenheim Marlborough Sounds
Nearby Regions:
Canterbury West Coast OtagoTop of the South