Things to Do in Takaka for Couples
When a South Island road trip has led you over the Marble Mountain to the bohemian town and beautiful shores of Takaka, what is a couple to do to make the most of this romantic destination?
A long walk on the beach (or New Zealand’s longest sandspit) might be an obvious one, but there are many more natural wonders to marvel at between the limestone caves, maze-like formations, waterfalls and crystal clear springs.
What’s more, these natural wonders can be experienced in a variety of ways such as scenic flights, horse treks, kayaking or on foot. Let us continue gushing over Golden Bay with this list of romantic activities in Takaka for couples.
For more things to do in Takaka for couples, as well as honeymoon tips, check out The Honeymoon Guide to Takaka.
Table of Contents
1. Take Some Unique Travel Photos at The Grove
Golden Bay is home to some stunning natural attractions making for some memorable honeymoon or romantic photos! A highlight is The Grove, a walk among large limestone corridors awash in tentacle-like tree roots and decorated with mosses and native palm trees.
The walk only takes 40 minutes to complete and can be found at The Grove Scenic Reserve just outside of Takaka.
Check out more like this in the 20 Epic Natural Attractions in Golden Bay.
Location: 14 Rocklands Road, Clifton, approximately 11km (7 miles) from Takaka town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Feast on the Sublime Scenery of Te Waikoropupu Springs
Another worthy photo stop, and something not too hard on the budget, Te Waikoropupu Springs or “Pupu Springs” is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest coldwater spring and an incredible sight.
Share the enjoyment of witnessing the crystal clear waters surrounded by verdant green forest on this walk that takes around 45 minutes to complete.
You can also learn about the cultural significance of the springs at the entrance of the walk.
For more activities like this, see the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Takaka.
Location: Pupu Springs Road, approximately 8km (5 mile) from Takaka town.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Enjoy an Intimate Scenic Flight Over the Bay
Cosy up together and take in the breathtaking aerial views on a scenic flight with Adventure Flights Golden Bay or Golden Bay Air.
The former specialises in short and affordable flights from the 15-minute “Escapade” flight around Golden Bay to the 35-minute Abel Tasman experience.
Alternatively, Golden Bay Air offers a more comprehensive hour-long flight over the Kahurangi National Park, Wharariki Beach, Cape Farewell and the Abel Tasman National Park.
Location: 290 Takaka-Collingwood Highway, Puramahoi, approximately 6 km (4 mi) from Takaka town centre.
© Golden Bay Air4. Team Up in a Double Kayak and Explore the Quiet Side of the Abel Tasman National Park
For the more active couple, teaming up in a double kayak to paddle to remote beaches and islands of the northern Abel Tasman National Park is a romantic way to spend a day. With no water taxis and tour boats whizzing around, the Golden Bay side of the national park is strikingly blissful.
Join Golden Bay Kayaks for a guided tour to paddle to the park’s deserted beaches, see huge cormorant colonies on the Tata Islands, look out for seals, paddle through archways and much more.
Location: 29 Cornwall Place, Tata Beach, approximately 14km (9 miles) from Takaka town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Tackle a Waterfall Walk or Great Walk Together
Golden Bay is surrounded by a wealth of walks, especially considering its prime position between the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks.
Walks range from easy waterfall strolls, like the Wainui Falls (1 hr 20 mins return) walk, to multi-day hikes like the Abel Tasman Coast Track and Heaphy Track, which are both New Zealand Great Walks.
You might also like to check out the unique limestone cave formations at Rawhiti Cave (one-hour one way).
Location: Wainui Falls – Wainui Falls Road, Tata Beach, approximately 21 km (13 mi) from Takaka town centre.
Abel Tasman Coast Track – 280 McShane Road, Tata Beach, approximately 24 km (15 mi) from Takaka town centre.
Heaphy Track – Aorere Valley Road, approximately 57 km (35 mi) from Takaka town centre.
Rawhiti Cave – Packard Road, approximately 8 km (5 mi) from Takaka town centre.
© Bare Kiwi - NelsonTasman.nz6. Ride on Horseback Across Beautiful Beaches
Combine the romance of stunning beach and mountain landscapes with riding a beautiful steed on a horse trek with Cape Farewell Treks.
From easy-going treks on Puponga Beach for first-timers to cantering across the iconic Wharariki Beach with the backdrop of the Archway Islands, Cape Farewell Treks has a huge range of horse riding routes to suit all couples.
They also trek up a variety of terrain to the Old Man Range where you’ll be treated to commanding vistas of Farewell Spit, beaches and sometimes even see whales in the Tasman Sea.
Location: 23 McGowan Street, Puponga, approximately 50km (31 miles) from Takaka town centre.
© Cape Farewell Horse Treks - www.nelsontasman.nz7. Go for a Romantic Stroll on New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Beaches
While we’ve touched on Wharariki Beach, which is often popping up in the rankings for the world’s most beautiful beaches, it is well worth making a special trip to this romantic beach, even if you’re not horse riding. Walking trails lead to this weathered and windswept beach with caves, dunes and stellar views of the Archway Islands.
Alternatively, Tata Beach, just outside of the Abel Tasman National Park, is a great example of the park’s golden sand beaches with turquoise waters, making for a romantic place for a stroll.
Location: Wharariki Beach – Wharariki Road, Puponga, approximately 54 km (34 mi) from Takaka town centre. Tata Beach – Abel Tasman Drive, approximately 12 km (7 mi) from Takaka town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Relax and Rejuvenate Together at a Day Spa
Perhaps a good option if the weather isn’t playing ball, a spa day in Takaka is an excellent way for couples to unwind together.
Luxury accommodations like Westhaven Lodge offer their own in-house spa therapies for guests, while Waitapu Springs B&B opens up its New Zealand cedar hot tubs, Scandanavian wood-fired sauna, indoor pool and Middle Eastern chillout room to the public and its guests.
Otherwise, you might want to indulge in the tailor-made treatments and the laidback ambience of Aroha Health Spa and its “Garden Sanctuary Cafe”.
Location: Westhaven Lodge – 336 Te Hapu Road, Mangarakau, approximately 68 km (42 mi) from Takaka town centre. Waitapu Springs – 50 Waitapu Road, Takaka town. Aroha Health Spa – 792 Abel Tasman Drive, Pohara, approximately 9 km (6 mi) from Takaka town centre.
© Westhaven Lodge9. Climb the Via Ferrata Takaka Hill
For couples seeking an adrenaline-fuelled adventure together, the Via Ferrata Takaka Hill offers an exhilarating way to experience the region’s stunning landscapes from a unique vantage point.
This iron-stepped climbing route, complete with fixed steel safety cables, allows anyone with moderate fitness to scale impressive heights without prior climbing experience. It’s free to use with your own gear, or hire equipment for a small fee from the nearby Ngarua Caves shop.
Start at the “Skill Zone” training route near the carpark to familiarise yourselves with the concept, then tackle the main “Cliff Traverse” route, a 10-minute walk through ancient forest. With three emergency exits along the way, you can turn back if things feel too challenging.
Location: 1647 Takaka Hill Highway, Golden Bay. At the summit of State Highway 60, approximately 33 km (20 mi) from Takaka.
© Via Ferrata Aotearoa Incorporated10. Treat Your Loved One to a Romantic Dining Experience
Aside from the meals and dining experiences offered in Takaka’s luxury lodges, such as at Adrift in Golden Bay, Westhaven Lodge and The Bay Lodge, Golden Bay’s romantic restaurant experiences are limited but there are some hidden gems, such as Totos Cafe & Pizzeria on the road to the Abel Tasman National Park. The cosy cafe, pizzeria and art gallery basks in romantic views of Wainui Bay and features cob walls for an endearing experience.
In Takaka town, O’Sha is the town’s Thai restaurant with elegant modern decor and Asian cuisine prepared by their Thai-born chef. For more restaurant recommendations, check out The Foodie Guide to Takaka.
Location: Totos Cafe & Pizzeria – Totaranui Road, approximately 23km (14 miles) from Takaka town centre. O’Sha – 51 Commerical Street, Takaka town centre.
© Pixabay11. Indulge in a Box of Chocolates at Takaka’s Artisan Chocolatier
Finally, what is more romantic than gifting your loved one with a box of chocolates?
Surprise your partner with a gift box from Choco Loco, Takaka’s very own chocolate artisan, or sit down for indulgent pastries, decadent cakes, biscuits and a cup of your favourite hot drink by selecting a cup from their “cup library”.
Check out more experiences like this in the 5 Things to Do in Takaka for Foodies.
Location: 47b Commercial Street, Takaka town centre.
© www.nelsontasman.nzMore About Romantic Activities in Takaka and Golden Bay
That’s it for our guide to romantic activities in Takaka for couples; for more information about Takaka and romantic getaways in New Zealand, check out the following articles:
- 10 Best Romantic Accommodations in Takaka
- 10 Luxury Activities in Takaka
- 10 Amazing Things to Do in Takaka
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])
- 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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