Golden Bay's Climate

Golden Bay regions enjoys a Mediterranean-type climate with long summers, mild winters and plentiful all-year-round sunshine.

• As Golden Bay is the most northerly part of New Zealand's South Island, it is also the mildest.
• 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 means 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

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's National Parks & Natural Wonders

In this hidden corner of New Zealand, Golden Bay boasts two world-class National Parks and several other famous attractions, including New Zealand's largest freshwater springs and the southern hemisphere's deepest cave...

Abel Tasman National Park

• The Abel Tasman National Park is world famous for its coastline of golden beaches sparkling clear waters, sheltered bays and forested granite headlands.
• The Abel Tasman is New Zealand's smallest national park, but also the busiest.
• Recently voted Number 5 in New Zealand's nationwide poll "101 Must Dos for Kiwis".
• The Golden Bay side of the park is much quieter than the eastern side of the park.
• The Golden Bay entrance to Abel Tasman National Park is just 30 minutes drive from our accommodation.
• From Adrift it is a one hour scenic drive to Totaranui right in the heart of Abel Tasman National Park.
• From Totaranui numerous cruises and water taxis allow easy "day trip" access to all the different beaches of Abel Tasman e.g. Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle, Abel Tasman Wilson's Experiences and Golden Bay Connections on Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi allowing you the freedom view the park from the sea or walk from one bay to the next and return by boat.
• In December and January the beaches and bays are bustling with people, kayaks and boats.
• The park is quieter in other months and pleasant at all times of year.
• For more information on Abel Tasman National Park visit the New Zealand Department of Conservation, Abel Tasman National Park Information pages.
• Sea kayaking is a another popular way to see the park. One to five day-guided tours and freedom rentals are available.

Abel Tasman Track

• The Abel Tasman Track is a three to four day walk (51km) or water taxis allow easy access to all sections so it can be done as a series of day walks.
• It is one of the most beautiful (and popular) in the country, passing through pleasant bush, overlooking beaches, coves and quiet lagoons. It's northern end is in Golden Bay.
• More information on this world famous walk is available at the Abel Tasman Coastal Track Information pages.

Kahurangi National Park

• Kahurangi means ‘treasured possession’; an ecological wonderland with prolific bird and plant life and the largest known cave system in the southern hemisphere.
• Kahurangi is New Zealand's second largest national park. It is mostly wilderness area and includes the world renowned Farewell Spit, Heaphy Track and Wangapeka Track as well as many lesser known walking tracks and routes.
• Kahurangi Park and Farewell Spit is one of six sites around New Zealand that has been recommended for World Heritage Status as being of “outstanding universal value to humanity”.
• It's eastern border is just 1km from our lodging.
• For more information on Kahurangi National Park visit the Kahurangi National Park Information pages.

Heaphy Track

• Is one of New Zealand's best-known tracks. It is a four-to-six day tramp and traverses a large part of Kahurangi National Park.
• The Heaphy is an interesting walk with ever changing scenery including some spectacular views and traverses a delightful part of New Zealand's west coast.
• It's northern end is in Golden Bay, one hours drive from our property (again transport can be arranged).
• More information can be obtained at Heaphy Track Information pages.

Farewell Spit

• Farewell Spit is 40km long, the longest natural sandbar in the world.
• Recently voted Number 35 in New Zealand's nationwide poll "101 Must -Dos for Kiwis".
• A renowned bird sanctuary, Farewell Spit is a summer home to thousands of migratory birds.
• The long crescent of sand, dunes and wetlands can be explored partly on foot or (more commonly) by 4-wheel drive safari.
• The dunes themselves are an amazing phenomenon and offer stunning panoramic views of the spit, Golden Bay and at low tide, the vast salt marsh.
• Our beachfront accommodation is 10 minutes drive from Collingwood where the safari tours Farewell Spit Eco Tours start.

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 where bones from the extinct Moa can be found.
• Having lived for over 25 years in Golden Bay and with a keen interest in the outdoors, Bess and Gordon will be only too pleased to advise you on how best to explore this part of New Zealand's South Island.

Artists and Galleries in Golden Bay

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

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, jewelers, 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 of artists in Golden Bay >>

Activities & Attractions 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, alongside alpine meadows and snowy mountain ranges.

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.  Summer time day temperatures are usually 23^oC (73^of) to 28^oC (82^of), and even in mid-winter, daytime temperatures in Golden Bay usually reach 13-18^oC.  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 arranged to stay longer!  One reason being that there are so many diverse things to do, from short, simple beach or bush walks to guided day tours.

Golden Bay Walks

By far the most popular activity enjoyed by our guests.

Tukurua Beach

From Adrift in Golden Bay, it is possible at low tide to walk north along the beach for 10km to Collingwood or south for 15 km almost to Takaka.

The Mussel Inn is a pleasant 3km walk partially along the beach.

Click below to see a list of some of the most popular day walks in Golden Bay, all within one hours drive of Adrift in Golden Bay.  Some of the more famous walks are discussed in the National Parks section.

Popular Golden Bay Day Walks & Attractions >

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.

Horse Trekking in Golden Bay

Several locations in Golden Bay were used in the filming of "The Hobbit" Trilogy and the other Lord of the Rings films.

The first Hobbit film "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" featured the private property of Kaihoka Station (west coast of Golden Bay).  Fans can get a good feel for the filming location with Cape Farewell Horse Treks.  It is possible to ride across private farmland to the dramatic limestone cliff top which offers spectacular coastal views over Golden Bay.  A great way to experience some dramatic scenery.

Kayaking and Paddle boarding in Golden Bay and Abel Tasman National Park

 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.  Due to new health & safety requirements, we are unfortunately no longer able to offer our kayaks and stand-up-paddleboard to guests to use at Adrift.  We're very sorry for any inconvenience.

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 National 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 Flights operates a charter flight service from Golden Bay and scenic flights over Golden Bay.  Will also provide return transport for those walking the Heaphy Track.

Sailing in Golden Bay

Just 2 km north of our accommodation, a variety of small sailboats can be hired at a very nominal fee for sailing in the sheltered waters of the Para Para Inlet.  Sailboards are also available.

Caving in Golden Bay

Golden Bay boasts 3 different conducted cave tour operators as well as the most extensive cave systems in the Southern Hemisphere.  On top of the Takaka Hill, on the drive to Adrift from Nelson/Christchurch is Ngarua Caves.  A self-guided visit to the breath-taking Rawhiti Cave just south of Takaka is a 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.  Starting at the summit of the Takaka Hill, it descends almost 1000 vertical metres through native bush.

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

Rameka Track was recently voted Number 83 in New Zealand's nationwide poll "101 Must-dos for Kiwis"

It is possible to mountain bike the Heaphy Track from May 1st until September 30th each year until at least 2013.  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.  Then why not ease those aches in one of our luxury spas!

Rest and Relaxation

Experience an indulgent massage in your own cottage at Adrift or rejuvenate yourself with a facial or a spa, pedicure or manicure at Touch of Beauty in Takaka.

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 Ford (15min drive from Adrift)

Golfing in Golden Bay

Our local 9 hole course at Takaka Golf Club is right along side 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

Take a day out to go fishing with Wildcat Charters.

You can try your hand at landing a salmon or two at Anatoki Salmon Farm where you only pay for what you catch and have it smoked for you while you enjoy a cold drink.

Fish our beautiful clear rivers for trout, we have two local fly-fishing guides who also offer salt-water fly fishing for king fish in the Collingwood Estuary. .

Spend some time out in Golden Bay sea fishing or dredging (in season) for scallops

Bring home your trophies to grill on the barbecue!

Farm Visits

Wild Earth Nature Park began as a farm for alpacas, llamas and sheep but now has developed into a Nature Park and Cafe where you can also feed tame eels.