10 Amazing Things to Do in Takaka© www.nelsontasman.nz
10 Amazing Things to Do in Takaka

10 Best Things to Do in Takaka

© www.nelsontasman.nz

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 Accommodation in Takaka and 10 Golden Bay Must-Dos.

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 and its iconic island archways can be accessed via a 20-minute walk over rolling farmland and sand dunes. See more attractions like with our 19 Epic Natural Attractions in Golden Bay.

Location: Whakariki Road, 53km (33 miles) north of Takaka

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

2. Check Out Te Waikoropupu Springs

Just outside of Takaka is a stunning natural attraction you can’t miss. Te Waikoropupu Springs, more commonly known as “Pupu Springs”, is a natural freshwater spring creating a crystal clear pool. This perfect photo opportunity is accessible from a short loop walk with plenty of interpretation panels to read about the landscape and the significance of the area to the local Maori people.

Location: Pupu Springs Road, 7km (4 miles) west of Takaka

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

3. Discover Labyrinth Rocks

This natural maze of limestone formations is fun for all ages! Labyrinth Rocks is enough to get anyone’s imagination running with walking tracks wedged between high limestone walls covered in moss. Pick up a map from the start of the maze and look out for all the toys hidden around the area.

Location: Scott Road, 5km (3 miles) east of Takaka

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

4. Check Out the Local Art Galleries

Takaka is a town brimming with creativity. Find inspiration and pick up some authentic souvenirs at one of the many art galleries and gift shops in town. Check out the MONZA Gallery, Plum Gifts & Gallery, Earth Sea Gallery, TOTOS Gallery… Just to name a few!

Location: All over Takaka

Nelson Tasman© Nelson Tasman

5. Sample Delicious Food

Art is not the only thing Takaka gets creative with, as the town also offers a wide range of eateries where you’re sure to sample something new. Try artisan chocolates at Choco-Loco, craft beers and fresh local seafood at the Mussell Inn or pop into Takaka Infusion for sweet treats and vegetarian wholefood. Learn more about the cafes and restaurants worth discovering in The Foodie Guide to Takaka.

Location: All over Takaka

Nelson Tasman© Nelson Tasman

6. Take a Scenic Flight Over Abel Tasman, Farewell Spit and Kahurangi National Park

See Golden Bay from a breathtaking perspective on a 50-minute flight with Golden Bay Air. Fly over the majestic peaks of the Kahurangi National Park, the arches of Wharariki Beach, the azure waters of the Abel Tasman National Park, and over New Zealand’s longest sandspit. There’s on-flight commentary throughout to help you learn more about the stunning landscapes you’re seeing. Learn more about Golden Bay Air on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Location: Takaka Airport (accommodation pick-up available)

Golden Bay Air© Golden Bay Air

7. Fish for Salmon at the Anatoki Salmon Farm

Get the full salmon experience at the Anatoki Salmon Farm. After catching your own freshwater Chinook salmon, you’ll have it freshly smoked, wrapped to take-away or prepared sushi-style for you to eat at their picturesque cafe.

Location: 230 McCallum Road, 7km (4 miles) south of Takaka

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

8. Kayak the Northern Beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park

See a side of the Abel Tasman National Park that not as many people get to see on a kayaking trip along its northern coast. Either join a kayaking tour or freedom hire from the little settlement of Tata Beach. From there, you’ll get to kayak through natural arches, to secluded golden sand beaches and get close to wildlife like shag colonies and New Zealand fur seals.

Location: Tata Beach, 14km (9 miles) northeast of Takaka

NZPocketGuide.com© PocketGuide.com

9. 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 1h20mins return track to Wainui Falls starts across farmland before quickly delving in native forest lush with nikau, rata and fern trees.

Location: Wainui Falls Road, 21km (13 miles) east of Takaka

Nelson Tasman© Nelson Tasman

10. Visit the Golden Bay Museum

Wander around the displays about the Maori and European history of Golden Bay at the fantastic Golden Bay Museum. Learn about the first European encounter with the Maori, the whaling history of the area, and some of the spectacular wildlife found in the ecologically-diverse Farewell Spit and the Abel Tasman National Park.

Location: 73 Takaka Valley Highway

Mattinbgn on Wikipedia© Mattinbgn on Wikipedia

More Things to Do in Takaka

That’s it for the best things to do in Takaka. Find more activities for your travels in the 51 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:

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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