The Must-Dos in Golden Bay: The Top of the South!
Get off the beaten track and discover the top of the South Island. Golden Bay is hidden from sight surrounded by the mountains of the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, with your only access over the winding roads of Takaka Hill.
The journey is well worth the effort though, with unbelievable natural attractions, wildlife and quirky little towns that await on the other side. Sample some of the adventures the stunning coastal area has to offer with this list of the best things to do in Golden Bay.
For more Golden Bay must-dos, head over to The Complete Travel Guide to Takaka and plan the ideal trip to Golden Bay’s main town.
Table of Contents
1. Horse Trek, Run, Walk or Whatever You Want on Wharariki Beach!
With so many rock formations in one place, Wharariki Beach could be the most adventurous beach in New Zealand. You can discover caves and stacks, all while taking in the views of the Archway Islands seen just off the coast.
Check out the walks to Wharariki Beach in the 5 Best Walks at Farewell Spit.
Or experience horse riding on the beach with Cape Farewell Horse Treks.
Location: From Puponga, take the 7 km (4 mi) gravel Whakariki Road to the end where walks are signposted from the car park.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. See Some of the Clearest Water in the World at Te Waikoropupu Springs
Water doesn’t get much clearer than Te Waikoropupu Springs, known for short as “Pupu Springs”. New Zealand’s largest freshwater spring is located just outside of Takaka, accessible via a short loop walk.
The springs produce 14,000 litres (3,698 gallons) of water per second, discharging water with a visibility of 63 m (207 ft). It’s definitely worth seeing for yourself!
Location: Take State Highway 60 north from Takaka and turn onto Pupu Valley Road then Pupu Springs Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Walk to Wainui Falls
Venture through farmland, forest and riverside on this 30-minute walk to the majestic Wainui Falls.
The waterfall is one of the lesser-visited yet stunning attractions of the Abel Tasman National Park. Start this walk from the Wainui Bay car park.
Location: Wainui Falls is about 20 km (12 mi) from Takaka. Head to Wainui Bay on Abel Tasman Drive and turn only Wainui Falls Road which is well-signposted.
© Bare Kiwi - NelsonTasman.nz4. Discover The Grove
The Grove Scenic Reserve, or as the locals know it, “The Grove”, is a small forested area hidden high above Golden Bay with strange limestone features to discover.
There’s also a lookout to get another perspective of Golden Bay. To find The Grove, from Takaka take Abel Tasman Drive and turn right onto Clifton Road and climb the hills.
Location: From Takaka, take the Abel Tasman Drive to Clifton then take Clifton Road to the signposted The Grove Scenic Reserve. 8.5 km (5 mi) from Takaka.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Go Rock Climbing in Paynes Ford
Choose from over 220 bolted sport routes on this limestone crag climbing area near Takaka. With a wide range of grades, Paynes Ford caters to beginners and experienced climbers alike.
Paynes Ford offers more than just vertical thrills. From cruisy slabs to seriously steep overhangs, there’s something for everyone. The mid-grade sequences (grades in the 20’s) are especially popular.
Getting there is easy: it’s just off State Highway 60, with short walks (5-15 min) from the parking area to many of the crags.
Gear hire, guides and transport are available from Takaka, so there’s no reason not to make the most of this Golden Bay highlight.
Location: Entrance to Paynes Ford is 3 km (2 mi) south of Takaka at 1886 State Highway 60.
© Barekiwi - NelsonTasman.nz6. Check Out the Walks at Farewell Spit
At the northwestern tip of the South Island lies one of the most protected areas in the country, Farewell Spit. New Zealand’s longest sandspit is an important habitat for wetland birds, seals and other marine creatures.
Access to the spit is limited to a marked point for hikers, whereas the rest of the spit is only accessible via bus tour (see below).
Find out more about visiting the area independently in our 5 Best Walks at Farewell Spit.
Location: From Takaka, follow State Highway 60 all the way north to Wharariki Road and Farewell Spit.
© NelsonTasman.nz7. Do a Bus Tour Up Farewell Spit
To see more of Farewell Spit and learn about the ecology and history of this important area, join bus tour with Farewell Spit Eco Tours.
What started as a lighthouse mail delivery service 70 years ago is still continuing with tours to the lonely lighthouse on the spit.
Climb the huge sand dunes on the spit and learn about how the dunes are ever-changing. Tour departures are dependant on the tide times.
Location: Tasman Street, Collingwood.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Climb the Via Ferrata Takaka Hill
For an exhilarating adventure with a dose of safety, the Via Ferrata Takaka Hill offers an unforgettable climbing experience that’s accessible to most fitness levels. This purpose-built route features a series of iron steps, fixed steel cables and rungs that allow you to scale dramatic heights without needing years of rock climbing experience.
Opened to the public in late November 2024, the site is free to use (though you’ll need proper safety gear, a helmet, harness and lanyard, which you can hire for a small fee from the nearby Ngarua Caves shop if you don’t have your own).
The main route, “Cliff Traverse”, winds through beautiful ancient forest and features three emergency exit points, so you can bow out early if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
There’s also a beginner-friendly “Skill Zone” near the carpark where you can familiarise yourself with the gear and concept.
Suitable for families with children aged 12 and up (younger with supervision), this low-impact activity delivers thrilling views in a stunning mountain setting.
Location: 1647 Takaka Hill Highway, Golden Bay. At the summit of State Highway 60, approximately 33 km (20 mi) from Takaka.
© Via Ferrata Aotearoa Incorporated9. Kayak in Abel Tasman National Park
You know you’re heading to a special place when you drive through magnificent coastal tunnels on your way to Tata Beach.
Tata Beach is one of the main access points to the northern Abel Tasman National Park, famous for its rugged coastal scenery separating golden sand beaches. Explore it for yourself by hiring kayaks or going on a kayak tour from Tata Beach with Golden Kay Kayaks.
Highlights include kayaking through arch formations, seeing shag colonies and the possibility of seeing New Zealand fur seals.
Location: Tata Beach.
© www.nelsontasman.nz10. Run Around Like a Child at the Labyrinth Rocks Park
Let your imagination run wild while you run wild through the maze-like limestone formations of Labyrinth Rocks. This whimsical 2-hectare natural wonder, tucked just 2 km east of Tākaka, invites discovery with its limestone karst canyons, vertical clefts and corrugated rock walls.
Wind your way through shady native bush and narrow passages, keeping an eye out for hidden toys, figurines tucked into cracks, and features like “water slides”, “snake pits” and “bridges”.
Location: From Tākaka, take Abel Tasman Drive and turn off down Scott Road where the entrance to the Labyrinth Rocks is pretty obvious. 4 km (2.4 mi) from Tākaka.
© NZPocketGuide.com11. Ride the Rameka Track
A mountain bike trail that is well worth doing in the Golden Bay and Abel Tasman area is the Rameka Track. Discover hidden forests and limestone features in the Abel Tasman National Park.
Emerge into Takaka on this one-day single track. You can get transport and bike hire from Takaka.
Find out more in our guide to Mountain Biking in Nelson Tasman.
Location: On Takaka Hill, take the Canaan Downs Road for 11km (7 miles) until you reach the car park. From there, follow the track for about 1km (0.6 miles) until you reach a sign for the Rameka Track.
© nut.in.a.hut on Wikipedia12. Fish and Feast at Anatoki Salmon
Fish for fresh chinook salmon at Anatoki Salmon Fishing & Café, a charming Golden Bay stop that’s part fishing hole, part café. You’ll be given all the gear to fish in their salmon ponds for free, with no experience needed.
Once you’ve made your catch, have it prepared any way you like right on the spot.
Choose from having your salmon cleaned, smoked, taken home sashimi-style, or cooked up as fish and chips while you wait in their café.
See more experiences like this in the 5 Things to Do in Takaka for Foodies.
Location: 230 McCallum Road, Takaka.
© NZPocketGuide.com13. Check Out the Awesome Stalactites of Rawhiti Cave
See a spectacular array of limestone stalactites at this must-see natural attraction in Golden Bay. It’s a one-hour walk to Rawhiti Cave, where a viewing platform puts you in the middle of this grand cave that has been millions of years in the making.
We’re delighted by Rawhiti Cave’s magnificent entrance, about 40 m (131 ft) wide and 20 m (66 ft) high.
Inside, the ceiling is draped in thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, many bending outward towards the light due to moss, ferns and other plants growing on them, a natural phenomenon called phytokarst.
Location: Packard Road, Motupipi. About a 15-minute drive from Tākaka, following roads through farmland, signposted via Motupipi, Glenview Rd and Packard Rd.
© NelsonTasman.nz14. Hike the Heaphy Track
Yes, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks starts right here in Golden Bay. The Heaphy Track is the longest of the New Zealand Great Walks, taking four days to complete.
Delve into the ancient forest, alpine tussock lands and the river valleys of the Kahurangi National Park before emerging on the wild West Coast and ending just north of Karamea.
Find out what to do on the other side with our 5 Amazing Things to Do in Karamea.
Location: Aorere Valley Road, 28 km (17 mi) from Collingwood.
© Department of Conservation on Flickr15. Explore the Town of Takaka
The main hub of Golden Bay is best described as a quirky, funky and creative town, so it’s well worth stopping by.
Visit eateries like Choco-Loco, the Mussell Inn, Takaka Infusion, the Wholemeal Cafe and more listed in The Foodie Guide to Takaka.
The town is also brimming with art galleries and street art! So take a look around and see why Takaka is the top of the South Island’s cool little town.
For more inspiration, see the 10 Amazing Things to Do in Takaka.
Location: Takaka
© Nelson Tasman16. Do a Scenic Flight Over Golden Bay
See Golden Bay from a different perspective with Golden Bay Air. Fly over the rugged peaks of the Kahurangi National Park, the azure waters of the Abel Tasman National Park, and see the magnificence of New Zealand’s longest sand spit.
Additionally, see more activities like this in the 10 Luxury Activities in Takaka.
Location: Takaka Airport
© Golden Bay Air17. Check Out Collingwood
Before venturing to the highlights we’ve mentioned, such as the Heaphy Track or Farewell Spit, take the time to stop by Collingwood.
This charming little town has fantastic little cafes, like the Courthouse Cafe and the MAD Cafe, museums (see below) and the interesting Estuary Art Gallery.
Check out more activities here in the 8 Fun Things to Do in Collingwood.
Location: Collingwood.
© Nelson Tasman18. Marvel at the Anapai Bay Rock Stacks
For lovers of dramatic coastal scenery, Anapai Bay in Abel Tasman National Park is a must-visit. This golden-sand beach, divided by massive rock outcrops, is about a 4.2 km (2.6 mi) return walk from Tōtaranui along the Coast Track.
The real showstopper is at the northern end, where towering rock stacks, sculpted by wind and waves, stand like natural sculptures against a backdrop of lush kanuka and mahoe shrubbery.
The journey itself is a treat, transitioning from dry ridgecrest through forested valleys before descending to the beach, offering striking contrasts in vegetation and terrain.
Location: Abel Tasman National Park, Golden Bay, South Island. Approximately 4.2 km (2.6 mi) from Tōtaranui.
© Epic Trails - NelsonTasman.nz19. Visit the Local Museums
Golden Bay is packed with fascinating history, from discoveries of extinct birds bones and fossils found in the region to the first Maori and European contact in New Zealand occurring right here.
Discover the region’s heritage at the Golden Bay Museum in Takaka, as well as at the Collingwood Museum and Rockville Machinery and Settlers Museum in Collingwood.
Location: Golden Bay Museum – 73 Takaka Valley Highway, Takaka, Collingwood Museum – 2 Tasman Street, Collingwood, Rockville Machinery Museum –869 Collingwood-Bainham Main Rd, Rockville.
© Mattinbgn on Wikipedia20. Cruise the Coast with Wilson’s Abel Tasman Tours
For a taste of Abel Tasman’s stunning coastline without committing to multiple nights, Wilsons Abel Tasman offer the perfect solution. Their boat and walk combinations let you drift along golden beaches, explore coves and islands, and hop on and off to walk scenic track sections.
We love the “Half Day Vista Cruise”, which departs from Kaiteriteri and cruises north along the coast. You’ll take in highlights like Split Apple Rock and enjoy excellent water views.
The cruise often stops for photos or short walks, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and soak in the scenery up close.
Location: 1 Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Road, Kaiteriteri, Tasman, South Island. 13 km (8 mi) from Motueka.
© Bare Kiwi - NelsonTasman.nz21. Sip Local Flavours at Kiwi Spirit Distillery
When you want to slow down and savour something unique, Kiwi Spirit Distillery in Golden Bay is a standout stop. This family-owned and operated gem crafts a range of New Zealand spirits from local ingredients, including the country’s only 100% Blue Agave Tequilana spirit, cheekily named “TeKiwi”.
Set on a 10-hectare (25-acre) property, the distillery’s orchards and gardens supply many of the botanicals and flavour elements used in their creations.
Visitors can drop into the Cellar Door to taste a selection of gins, vodka, whiskey and liqueurs. You’ll have the chance to learn about the distillation process and experience an intimate, hands-on vibe that we personally love.
Location: 716 Abel Tasman Drive, Clifton, Golden Bay, South Island. About 8 km (5 mi) from Takaka.
© Barekiwi - NelsonTasman.nzMore Must-Dos and Things to Do in Golden Bay
That’s it for our guide to things to do in Golden Bay; for more information about this stunning region, check out the following articles:
- 10 Amazing Things to Do in the Abel Tasman National Park
- 10 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Takaka
- 20 Epic Natural Attractions in Golden Bay
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Takaka.
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])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
