Popular Golden Bay Walks


 

 

Te Waikoropupu Springs ("Pupu Springs")

Features:  A whole river emerges from an underground cave system.  The world's most transparent fresh water.

Drive time to walk: 15 min south towards Takaka

Walk time:  30 min return, very easy

Not to be missed.  One of New Zealand's most visited reserves.  A circular track through native bush takes walkers past old gold mine workings and a series of springs.

 

Wharariki Beach

Features:  Wild West Coast beach - huge white dunes, caves and stunning rock formations.

Drive to walk: 40 min north towards Farewell Spit.

Walk time:  between 40 min - 2 hours return, easy but there is a steepish drop-off on one side of a section of the track (this can be avoided by walking along the top of the hill).

Very highly recommended.  Made all the more attractive by the fact that there is no vehicle access directly to the beach and requires a 20 min walk across picturesque farmland from the car park.

 

Totaranui to Mutton Cove, Abel Tasman National Park

Features:  The northern coast of Abel Tasman park is the most attractive and quietest part of the park.  Golden sand beaches and crystal clear water.

Drive time to walk:  45 min south around the bay.  A beautiful drive through Abel Tasman National Park to Totatanui in the very centre of the park.

Walk time:  2 hours each way from Totaranui to Mutton Cove.  Easy but can include a side trip to Separation Point (seal colony) which is a steep, rocky track.  Leave time for a swim, relax on the beach, or explore additional walks from Totaranui.

 

Pupu Hydro Walkway

Features: bird life, history, scenery.

Drive time to walk:  15 min south towards Takaka

Walk time: 2 hours round trip. Strenuous uphill, Boardwalk is stunning but not recommended for people with a fear of heights.

 

Wainui Falls

Features:  A walk through various landscapes including New Zealand native bush to one of the best waterfalls in the region.

Drive time to walk:  40min south around the bay.

 

Kaituna Track

Features:  Native bush, old goldmine workings.

Drive time to walk:  20 min north towards Bainham

Walk time:  20 min - 3 hours return.  Easy

It is possible to follow the track to the Westhaven Inlet on the West Coast (an 8-hour tramp).  Most people prefer to walk only to the site of the old gold workings (20min) or on to the river forks (an easy 3-hour return walk).

 

The Grove Reserve

Features:  Dramatic karst limestone features and a view over Golden Bay.

Drive time to walk:  20 min south past Takaka towards Pohara.

Walk time:  30 min return.  Easy.

The walk wanders past towering columns of limestone covered with creepers and heavy sub-tropical native vegetation.

 

Fossil Point

Features:  A walk over farmland leading to a wild sandy beach with rocks containing fossils at low tide.  A view down the northern side of the Farewell Spit.

Drive time to walk:  30 min north to the base of the Farewell Spit.

Walk time:  2 hours return.  Easy.

 

Abel Tasman Walks south of Totaranui

Features:  Abel Tasman coastline.  Walk sandy bays usually combined with a water taxi trip.

Drive time to walk:  45 min south

Walk time:  Various

 

 

Taupo Point

Features:  A quiet beach walk with interesting rock formations and sandy coves finishing at a historic Maori settlement.

Drive time to walk:  40 min south

Walk time:  2 hours return. Access is tide-dependent.

 

Rawhiti Cave

Features:  Follows a river valley to a stunning cave entrance covered with a multitude of stalactite formations.

Drive time to walk:  30 min south.

Walk time:  3 hours return.  Easy but to get to the cave, there is a long series of switchbacks that are quite demanding.

 

Salisbury Bridge and Falls

Features:  A historic foot bridge built during the gold mining days leads to Salisbury Falls and a swimming hole.

Drive time to walk:  30min north-west.

Walk time: 10 min.  Easy.


 

Milthorpe Park

Features:  An extensive network of walks in a forest of native trees and shrubs and towering eucalyptus trees bordering a quiet often deserted beach.

Drive time to walk:  7 min north.

Walk time: 20 min to several hours (to walk all the tracks).  Easy.

 

Hiltop Walk

Features:  Wild West Coast beach - stunning rock formations, extensive views of the coast and Farewell Spit.

Drive to walk: 40 min north to the base of Farewell Spit.

Walk time:  2 hours to 6 hours (for all 3 sections). Can be walked a section at a time or in its entirety, medium easy but there is a steep cliff on one side of some sections of the track.

Golden Bay Weather and Climate

 

Golden Bay region enjoys a very moderate climate with long pleasant summers, mild winters and plentiful all-year-round sunshine

 

  • Since Golden Bay is the most northerly part of New Zealand's South Island, it has the mildest climate in the South Island.
  • With more than 2,400 hours of sunshine, the Nelson Tasman Region consistently rates as New Zealand's sunniest spot!
  • Our unpolluted air and clear skies mean our sun is quite strong in summer so care is needed if your skin is not used to the sun.
  • January and February are the warmest months of the year and July is generally the coolest.
  • As we are blessed with many clear sunny days in winter, it is possible to enjoy outdoor activities in all four seasons.
  • Here in Tukurua we are protected by mountains from the cold south winds in winter so we enjoy a micro-climate in which snow is unknown, but snowfalls are common in July and August on the mountains surrounding Golden Bay, making for a beautiful backdrop to our wonderful scenery.
  • To get some idea of Golden Bay's weather see the current Golden Bay weather

 

Average Temperatures

Summer (Dec - Feb): Mean max 23 C (73°F) Mean Min 12°C (54°F)
Autumn (Mar - May): Mean max 19°C (66°F) Mean Min 8°C (46°F)
Winter (Jun - Aug): Mean max 13°C (55°F) Mean Min 2°C (36°F)
Spring (Sep - Nov): Mean max 17°C (63°F) Mean Min 7°C (45°F)

 

 

Golden Bay Reserves and Natural Wonders


 

In this hidden corner of New Zealand, Golden Bay is home to several famous attractions, including New Zealand's largest freshwater springs and the southern hemisphere's deepest cave...

 

 

Pupu Springs (Waikoropupu Springs)

  • The largest freshwater springs in New Zealand.
  • The world's clearest freshwater.
  • An underwater observation window offers spectacular viewing of the incredibly clear waters and brightly coloured plant life.
  • You will pass the side road to Pupu Springs on your way from Takaka to our accommodation.
  • A short walk leads to the springs and is 40 minutes well spent!
  • Again the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) website has a brief description of this and other Short Takaka Walks

 

Caves

  • Golden Bay has many other fascinating natural wonders including several limestone caves which can be toured offering some beautiful, magical settings.
  • One cave is the deepest in the southern hemisphere, a second has the biggest single drop in the southern hemisphere and still another is where bones from the extinct Moa can be found.

 

 

 

Arts and Crafts in Golden Bay - Artists and Galleries


 

With an abundance of natural inspiration, it is no surprise that Golden Bay is an artisan mecca and is home to some of New Zealand's best artists...

 

 Rinopai jewellery Golden Bay ArtistsGolden Bay Artists Anatoth CeramicsArtists Golden Bay New Zealand Earthsea Gallery

 

 

The Nelson Tasman area in general and Golden Bay, in particular, are famous for their artisans.  Golden Bay artists produce a fantastic variety of artwork and many are nationally recognized, exhibiting in art galleries all over New Zealand.  Almost every side road in Golden Bay boasts an artist of some sort – potters, painters, sculptors, bone carvers, jade carvers, silversmiths, wood turners, jewellers, photographers, soap makers and weavers of flax, willow and wool as well as the more unusual such as candle makers, a trug maker and a drum maker.  For an up-to-date directory see artists in Golden Bay

 

 

 

Activities & Things to Do in Golden Bay

Golden Bay is surrounded by two of New Zealand's most spectacular national parks.  Together they offer glistening, golden sand beaches; turquoise, crystal clear waters;  lush native rain forest; alpine meadows and snowy mountain ranges

 

  Cape Farewell Horse TreksGolden Bay KayaksFarewell Spit Tour

 

Golden Bay is enjoyable all year as we have a climate that rivals that of the Mediterranean (but milder in winter) and is ideal year-round for outdoor activities.  Summertime day temperatures are usually 23 (73of) to 28oC (82of), and even in mid-winter, daytime temperatures in Golden Bay usually reach 13-18oC.  This very mild climate together with the Nelson region's high sunshine hours ensures that the beautiful outdoors of Golden Bay can be enjoyed during all seasons.

 

One of the most frequent comments from guests is that they wished that they had stayed longer...  One reason is that there is so much to experience.

 

Golden Bay Walks and Hiking

By far the most popular activity enjoyed by our guests.  Because there are so many, we have compiled a separate page listing the most popular day walks around Golden Bay, all within one hour's drive of Adrift.   Popular Golden Bay Day Walks & Attractions (click to view)  Some of the more famous hikes are highlighted in the National Parks section.

 

Farewell Spit Tour

One of the longest natural sandbars in the world!  Explore the unique landscape of the highly protected Farewell Spit on a 4WD bus with Farewell Spit Tours that take you through the reserve, along the length of the sand spit to the historic lighthouse.

 

 

Horse Trekking in Golden Bay

Hack n Stay offers riders of all experience levels, opportunities to learn more about the foundations of good horsemanship whilst experiencing the stunning coastal scenery of Golden Bay on horseback. With a focus on teaching light and balanced riding, their guided holistic horse riding experiences are so much more than just a trail ride.

 

Kayaking and Paddleboarding in Golden Bay and Abel Tasman National Park

We have two sit-on surf kayaks, a double kayak and a SUP (stand-up paddle board) available for guests to enjoy the sheltered waters of Tukurua.  To explore other areas of Golden Bay's coastline Golden Bay Kayaks offer half-day guided tours or independent double kayak hire in the Abel Tasman National Park.  They also offer stand-up paddle boarding, with fitness sessions, independent hire, lessons, and guided tour options. 

 

Scenic Cruise in Abel Tasman National Park

Join the Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle at the beautiful Totaranui for a full scenic cruise through the Abel Tasman NatiPark park to Kaiteriteri arriving at lunchtime. You have various return times available during the afternoon.

 

Scenic Flights in Golden Bay and North-West Nelson

Golden Bay Air and Adventure Flights Golden Bay operate a charter flight service and scenic flights over Golden Bay.

 

Rest and Relaxation

Experience an indulgent massage in your villa at Adrift (please ask for contact details) or rejuvenate yourself with a facial, massage or spa at Aroha Health Spa in Pohara.

 

Distillery Cellar Doors

Golden Bay is home to two award-winning, internationally recognized distilleries.  Drop into Dancing Sands Distillery in Takaka for a free tasting and to learn more about how they make their products. View the still and their production area from the cellar door and have a chat with their friendly staff about the process.  Kiwi Spirit is located in Motupipi (5 min from Takaka) - relax in the sun under the wisteria-covered pergola and enjoy the selection of their tasting cocktails. 

 

Golfing in Golden Bay

Just a five-minute drive from Adrift, Onekaka Links Golf Club with its 18-hole course, enjoys a stunning location with panoramic views across the Bay.  Exclusive use of the links for a group up to four is $240 and includes a personal guide, the use of an electric golf cart and two electric trundlers plus complimentary after-round drinks and snacks.

Our local 9-hole course at Takaka Golf Club is right alongside the seashore at Pohara where you can enjoy panoramic views of Golden Bay and the mountains from the course and clubhouse.

 

Fishing in the Bay

Fly fishing - both saltwater and freshwater are popular in Golden Bay.  In particular, saltwater fly fishing off a beach 20 minutes north of Adrift has become well-known worldwide New Zealand Trout Adventures can provide half or full-day guiding.

Take a day out to go fishing with Wildcat Charters.

You can try to land a salmon or two at Anatoki Salmon where you only pay for what you catch and have it smoked or sashimi for you while you enjoy a cold drink.

 

Golden Bay Arts Trail

The arts community in Golden Bay is vibrant and varied, catering to many tastes and expressions.  Tour the region and visit professional studios and their resident artists.  The Golden Bay Arts Trail guide is available at reception.

 

 

Caving in Golden Bay

Mount Arthur in the Kahurangi National Park, boasts the deepest and most extensive cave system in the Southern Hemisphere.  On top of Takaka Hill (on the way to Adrift from Nelson/Christchurch) is Ngarua Caves, offering guided tours hourly from 10 am-4 pm through summer.  A self-guided visit to the breathtaking Rawhiti Cave mouth just south of Takaka is another highly recommended half-day trip.

 

Mountain Biking in Golden Bay

Golden Bay has one of the best downhill mountain bike trails in New Zealand, the Rameka Track (recently voted Number 83 in New Zealand's nationwide poll "101 Must-dos for Kiwis").  Starting at the summit of Takaka Hill, it descends almost 1000 vertical metres through the native bush.

One-way transport to the top of Marble Mountain and excellent rental bikes are available in Takaka.

It is possible to mountain bike the Heaphy Track from May 1st until September 30th each year.  The track can be done in one day by a very fit cyclist but only when daylight hours permit and a minimum of 2 days each way is highly recommended.

 

Golden Bay Rock Climbing

Golden Bay sits between 2 large limestone outcrops, one in Kahurangi National Park and one in Abel Tasman National Park.  This affords some excellent and varied climbs, the best known being Payne's For15-minute drive from Adrift).