What to Do in Takaka, the Hub of Golden Bay
Tucked away in the northern corner of the South Island, Takaka is a town of creativity and natural beauty. Takaka boats a quirky and funky vibe, where it’s easy to meet the locals in the cafes, art galleries and accommodations.
It makes the ideal base for exploring some of New Zealand’s most intriguing landscapes like the longest sandspit, the arches of Wharariki Beach, the northern Abel Tasman National Park and the marble mountains of Takaka Hill.
Find out what you could be getting up to over Takaka Hill with this list of things to do in Takaka.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in Takaka and 10 Golden Bay Must-Dos.
Table of Contents
1. Visit Wharariki Beach
One of New Zealand’s most stunning beaches is your reward for making it “over the hill” to Golden Bay. Wharariki Beach, tucked away on Pūponga at the northern tip of the South Island, feels like stepping into a dream.
The iconic island archways can be accessed via a 20-minute walk across farmland and through patches of coastal forest. It rewards you with wild, windswept coastline, rolling dunes, caves and the famed Archway Islands rising from the surf.
The beach is especially magical at low tide, when rockpools emerge around the cave edges, seal pups play in the shallow pools, and you can amble far along the sand with views in every direction.
See more attractions like this with our 19 Epic Natural Attractions in Golden Bay.
Location: Whakariki Road, 53 km (33 mi) north of Takaka
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Check Out Te Waikoropupu Springs
Te Waikoropupū Springs, more commonly known as “Pupu Springs”, is among the clearest freshwater springs in the world. With water clarity often measured around 60-70+ metres and discharge rates of roughly 14,000 litres per second, it’s the largest cold-water spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
This perfect photo opportunity is accessible from a short loop walk of about 1 km (45 minutes return), leading you through mānuka and kānuka bush, over boardwalks and streams, to a platform overlooking the springs.
Importantly, to protect the water’s exceptional purity and respect its deep significance to local Māori as a taonga and wāhi tapu, you cannot touch the water. No swimming, wading or even filling bottles is allowed.
Location: Pupu Springs Road, 6 km (4 mi) west of Takaka
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Discover Labyrinth Rocks
Just a few minutes’ drive from Tākaka, Labyrinth Rocks Park feels like wandering into a fantasy world. This natural maze of limestone formations is fun for all ages!
Pick up a map at the entrance and explore the karst landscape of sculpted limestone walls, passageways, and clefts covered in moss and bush.
Keep an eye out for hidden toy figurines tucked into nooks, adding an element of surprise for kids and adults alike.
The varied terrain means you never quite know what you’ll find around the next corner. We personally love the magic in its details: moss-covered surfaces, corrugated rock faces, and the sense of adventure it instils.
Location: Scott Road, 5 km (3 mi) east of Takaka
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Check Out the Local Art Galleries
Tākaka is a town brimming with creativity, punching well above its weight as an artistic hub. Find inspiration and pick up some authentic souvenirs at one of the many art galleries showcasing local talent.
We personally love the variety of galleries in Tākaka, exhibiting everything from paintings and sculptures to jewellery and mixed media.
Start your artistic journey at MONZA Gallery on Commercial Street, a great starting point to explore Golden Bay’s local artists.
Further down the street, discover Art Vault Takaka, which supports both emerging and established artists, including underrepresented artforms like weaving and Ngā toi.
If you’re up for a short trip, Sculpture705 / Lollokiki in Pōhara is worth visiting for its sculpture garden, loft gallery and workshops.
Location: MONZA Gallery – 25 Commercial Street. Art Vault Takaka – 57 Commercial Street. Sculpture705 / Lollokiki – 705 Abel Tasman Drive, Pōhara.
© Nelson Tasman5. Sample Delicious Food
Tākaka punches above its weight when it comes to food, offering a delightful array of eateries along Commercial Street. From cafés and bakeries to restaurants and shops, you’ll find fresh local produce, vegetarian-friendly meals, and gourmet twists on classic dishes.
Don’t miss Wholemeal Cafe & Gallery for breakfast or lunch, featuring bohemian decor, great coffee, and ethically sourced ingredients.
For lighter bites and takeaway, pop into Golden Bay Organics for local cheeses, breads, and organic produce.
Meanwhile, Dangerous Kitchen satisfies cravings for pizzas, Buddha bowls, and speciality breads, transforming into a cosy dinner spot by night.
For a unique experience, head to Anatoki Salmon, where you can fish for your own salmon and have it prepared on the spot. It’s part spectacle, part meal, and all outdoor fun.
Learn more about the cafes and restaurants worth discovering in The Foodie Guide to Takaka.
Location: Wholemeal Cafe & Gallery – 7110/60 Commercial Street. Golden Bay Organics – 47 Commercial Street. Dangerous Kitchen – 46 Commercial Street. Anatoki Salmon – 230 McCallum Road.
© Nelson Tasman6. Take a Scenic Flight Over Abel Tasman, Farewell Spit and Kahurangi National Park
Experience Golden Bay’s breathtaking landscapes from above with a scenic flight by Golden Bay Air.
We personally love their “Golden Bay Highlights” tour, a ~50-minute flight that showcases the region’s diverse beauty. Soar over the majestic peaks of Kahurangi National Park, the iconic arches of Wharariki Beach, the golden sands of Farewell Spit, and the azure waters of Abel Tasman National Park.
On-flight commentary enhances your understanding of these stunning landscapes. Choose from various flight lengths and routes to suit your time and budget for a truly jaw-dropping aerial experience.
Location: Takaka Airport (accommodation pick-up available)
© Golden Bay Air7. Fish for Salmon at the Anatoki Salmon Farm
Get the full salmon experience at Anatoki Salmon, just a few kilometres out of Tākaka. After catching your own freshwater chinook salmon in a tranquil lake surrounded by native bush, you’ll have it hot-smoked, prepared as sashimi, or cleaned free of charge.
No experience is required, as all gear is provided. While waiting, relax at the on-site café. We’re big fans of this unique experience that combines fishing, dining and stunning scenery.
Location: 230 McCallum Road, Anatoki Valley, 7 km (4 miles) south of Takaka
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Kayak in Abel Tasman National Park
For an unforgettable water adventure, paddling with Marahau Sea Kayaks (MSK) is one of the best ways to explore the Abel Tasman. Based in Mārahau, they offer both guided trips and freedom kayak rentals, ranging from short two-hour excursions to multi-day adventures.
Their guided options tap into local knowledge, with guides sharing fascinating stories about flora, fauna, marine conservation and the area’s rich history as you glide through estuaries, past golden beaches and under sculpted coastal cliffs.
Freedom rentals allow you to explore at your own pace, with the flexibility to combine kayaking, walking part of the Coast Track, and using water taxis to hop between beaches. MSK can help set up your perfect Abel Tasman adventure.
Location: Sandy Bay Road, Marahau, Tasman, South Island. 53 km (33 mi) from Takaka.
© Marahau Sea Kayaks - NelsonTasman.nz9. Walk to Wainui Falls
See a spectacular waterfall on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park, just a short drive away from Takaka.
The 1 hr 30 mins return track to Wainui Falls starts across farmland before quickly delving into native forest lush with nikau, rata and fern trees.
The trail crosses small creeks and a suspension bridge before reaching the impressive 20 m (65.6 ft) waterfall. It’s a photogenic spot and often refreshing on warm days.
Location: Wainui Falls Road, approximately 21 km (13 mi) east of Takaka.
© Nelson Tasman10. Visit the Golden Bay Museum
Explore the rich tapestry of Golden Bay’s history at the fascinating Golden Bay Museum – Te Waka Huia o Mohua. This modest yet charming museum in Tākaka is a treasure trove of local stories, covering everything from Māori history and early European exploration to the region’s gold mining past and shipwrecks.
Interactive displays, including models, dioramas, and videos, bring these tales to life in captivating detail.
According to locals, what starts as a quick visit often turns into an engrossing journey through time. The museum is open on weekdays from 10 am to 4 pm, with shorter hours on Saturdays.
Entry is typically by koha (donation), making it an accessible and enriching experience for all visitors to Golden Bay.
Location: 73 Commercial Street.
© Mattinbgn on Wikipedia11. Climb the Via Ferrata Takaka Hill
For adventurous travellers seeking a thrilling yet accessible climbing experience, the Via Ferrata Takaka Hill offers an exhilarating way to scale heights without needing prior rock climbing expertise. This iron-step climbing route, equipped with fixed steel cables for safety, is free to use (though you’ll need proper safety gear).
The main route, “Cliff Traverse”, features three emergency exits, allowing you to turn back if needed. Before tackling it, test your skills on the “Skill Zone” training route near the carpark.
Families with children aged 12 and over particularly enjoy this adventure, though younger kids can participate with experienced supervision.
Don’t have a helmet, harness or lanyard? You can hire gear from the nearby Ngarua Caves shop for a small fee.
Location: 1647 Takaka Hill Highway, Golden Bay. At the summit of State Highway 60, approximately 33 km (20 mi) from Takaka.
© Via Ferrata Aotearoa IncorporatedMore Things to Do in Takaka
That’s it for our guide to things to do in Takaka; for more information about Golden Bay activities, check out the following articles:
- 10 Luxury Activities in Takaka
- 10 Things to Do in Takaka with Kids
- 10 Romantic Activities in Takaka for Couples
Find more activities for your travels in the 50 Best Things to Do in the South Island.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Nelson Tasman Official Tourism
- Nelson City Council (Local council website)
- Tasman District Council (Local council website)
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