Family Activities in Takaka and Golden Bay
Escape the tourist trail, over the karst-scattered landscape of Takaka Hill, to the bohemian town of Takaka and the surrounding Golden Bay area. As the name suggests, you’re met with golden sands at the northern entrance to the Abel Tasman National Park, while a bunch of surprises like limestone labyrinths and caves await adventurous families.
The natural free attractions are the main drawcard of Golden Bay for families, but a special trip to Farewell Spit, horse trekking or reeling in salmon at Anatoki Salmon add wonderful experiences to the family itinerary.
So, take a look at the things to do in Takaka with kids and get more advice in The Guide to Takaka for Families. You’ll also find places to stay in the 10 Best Family Accommodation in Takaka.
Table of Contents
1. Roam Around Labyrinth Rocks
Fun, free and taking as little or as long as you like (providing you can remember how to get out), Labyrinth Rocks should be on the itinerary of every family visiting Golden Bay.
Venture through the limestone maze-like pathways where toys of witches, goblins and other fairytale creatures watch your every move.
Squeeze through narrow rocky corridors covered in moss and shimmy by gentle waterfalls and over stepping stones in this natural free attraction that is sure to get the imaginations of the little ones running.
Check out more places like this in the 20 Epic Natural Attractions in Golden Bay.
Location: 45 Scott Road, approximately 3 km (2 mi) from Takaka town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Check Out the Clear Waters of Te Waikoropupu Springs
Another free highlight of Takaka is the crystal clear pools of Te Waikoropupu Springs, also known as “Pupu Springs” for short.
With a stroller-friendly 45-minute loop walk, this walk around the largest cold water spring in the Southern Hemisphere is a fantastic activity in Takaka for families.
Teach the kids about the Maori legend behind the springs, as referenced at the entrance’s information panels, before delving down into the forest to admire the pools.
Location: Pupu Springs Road, approximately 6km (4 miles) from Takaka town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Trek to Wainui Falls
Let’s give you another free family-friendly attraction in Takaka and Golden Bay: Wainui Falls!
This short walk not only features the stunning coastal forest of the Abel Tasman National Park, but an impressive view of a 20 m (66 ft) waterfall.
The walk takes approximately 1h20mins to complete the return journey and has a long swingbridge that tends to be more of a highlight for kids!
Location: 29 Wainui Falls Road, Tata Beach, approximately 20km (12 miles) from Takaka town centre.
© www.nelsontasman.nz4. Take a Tour of Farewell Spit
While you can see many amazing landscapes on your own, the iconic Farewell Spit, the longest sandspit in New Zealand, makes for a superb tour for families.
Farewell Spit Tours is the only operator permitted to show you this magnificent stretch of sand and its ecosystem, which is more protected than a national park. As long as you kids can stay engaged for a 6 hrs 30 mins tour, your family is sure to have an unforgettable journey.
Travel by bus across the sandspit and jump out to climb massive sand dunes, see seal pups frolicking, bird colonies and the loneliest lighthouse in New Zealand.
Location: 6 Tasman Street, Collingwood, approximately 26km (16 miles) from Takaka town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Do the Ngarua Cave Tour
On your way in or out of Takaka, don’t miss Ngarua Cave on top of Takaka Hill! This family-friendly cave tour takes you and the little ones on a journey through a plethora of stalactites and stalagmites protruding from the cavern.
After the 45-minute tour, relax with a hot drink, bring a picnic and enjoy the amazing views of the karst limestone landscape that featured in The Lord of the Rings movies.
Location: 1242 State Highway 60 (Takaka Hill Highway), approximately 38 km (24 mi) from Takaka town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Ride a Horse on the Beach
Wedged between the famous Wharariki Beach and Cape Farewell, Cape Farewell Treks offers exciting horse riding experiences suitable for families.
Their Puponga Beach horse trek for ages four years and above takes your family onto a breathtaking tidal beach with interesting historical sights and often the chance to see seals.
Alternatively, families with teens aged 13 years and above might like the Old Man Range trek offering world-class views of Farewell Spit and occasionally the sight of whales.
Location: 23 McGowan Street, Puponga, approximately 49 km (30 mi) from Takaka town centre.
© NelsonTasman.nz7. Try Out Fishing at Anatoki Salmon
Want to take your kids fishing but don’t want the usual hassle associated with it? Grab all the gear you need at the entrance of Anatoki Salmon and find a spot around the lake to try your luck!
Enjoy fishing for chinook salmon in an environment usually shared by wood pigeons and other native birds.
After you’ve reeled in your catch, take it to the cafe where they’ll prepare the salmon either smoked or fresh.
Location: 230 McCallum Road, approximately 8 km (5 mi) from Takaka town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Build Sandcastles at Tata Beach
Craving some beach time? One of the most beautiful beaches in Golden Bay, and in New Zealand for that matter, Tata Beach is well worth the visit.
After an exciting drive along Abel Tasman Drive through a coastal archway and alongside picturesque bays, you’ll arrive at this striking golden-sand beach with turquoise waters and verdant bush-clad cliffs.
Go for a paddle, build sandcastles, check out the driftwood huts, or even go on the “Family Focus Guided Tour” with Golden Bay Kayaks to explore the Abel Tasman National Park.
Location: Abel Tasman Drive, approximately 12 km (7 mi) from Takaka town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Spend a Day at Ligar Bay
Alternatively, you can take a short drive northeast of Takaka where Ligar Bay lies, a sheltered, golden-sand beach perfect for families.
The bay’s inlet setting makes it calmer than nearby Tata Beach, creating a safer environment for little ones to swim, splash in rockpools, and explore tidal flats at low tide.
We love the rockpooling here, kids can hunt for small crabs and shells along the rocky edges, while the flat stretch of sand invites sandcastle building.
There are BBQ areas and grassy picnic spots, so you can linger, bring lunch, or just soak up the scenery. With limited motorised water sports, the whole vibe is restful and safe.
Location: Ligar Bay, Golden Bay, South Island. 8 km (5 mi) northeast of Takaka.
© NelsonTasman.nz10. Discover the Magic of Riwaka Resurgence
Located in Kahurangi National Park, Riwaka Resurgence (Te Puna o Riuwaka) is a mossy forest wonder that feels magical.
The clear water seen at the “resurgence” is where the Riuwaka (north branch) emerges from an underground cave system beneath Takaka Hill. This easy walk (about 800 m return, 20-30 minutes) is fairly level with wheelchair access as far as the Crystal Pool.
You’ll follow the river through dense native bush, with moss-covered rocks and lush greenery. At the end, there’s a viewing platform and a staircase down to the water’s edge.
The serenity, clarity of water and forest ambience make this a perfect cooling visit for families. Bear in mind that this site is significant to local Māori (wāhi tapu), so swimming is discouraged out of cultural respect.
Location: Riwaka Valley Road, Riwaka, Tasman Region, South Island. About 15 km (9.3 mi) from Takaka.
© NelsonTasman.nz11. Take a Scenic Flight Over Golden Bay
For a bird’s-eye view of Golden Bay’s stunning landscapes, taking a scenic flight is an unforgettable treat. Golden Bay Air offers tours from Takaka Airport that showcase dramatic coastline, cliffs, sea arches (like Wharariki), golden sand beaches, and even the sweeping Farewell Spit.
The popular “Golden Bay Highlights” 50-minute flight, departing around 11 am, circles over the northern Abel Tasman coastline, the Wharariki arches, and stretches of wild coast.
Every passenger gets a window seat and a headset for commentary, making it a great option for kids to learn about what they’re flying over.
Be sure to check the weather, as flights depend on good visibility.
Location: Takaka Airport, Takaka, Tasman, South Island. 3 km (1.9 mi) southwest of Takaka town centre.
© NelsonTasman.nz12. Climb the Via Ferrata Takaka Hill
For families seeking adventure with a healthy dose of adrenaline, Via Ferrata Takaka Hill offers an unforgettable climbing experience suitable for kids aged 12 and up (younger children can join with supervision).
This exciting route features iron steps and fixed steel cables that make rock climbing accessible to anyone with moderate fitness – no previous climbing experience required. The main route, “Cliff Traverse”, winds through stunning ancient forest and includes three emergency exit points, so you can bow out early if needed.
Before tackling the main climb, families can practice on the “Skill Zone” training route near the carpark to get comfortable with the gear. All the essential safety equipment (helmet, harness and lanyard) can be hired for a small fee from the nearby Ngarua Caves shop if you don’t have your own.
Best of all, it’s free to use and truly a family-friendly adventure that rewards you with incredible views!
Location: 1647 Takaka Hill Highway, Golden Bay. At the summit of State Highway 60, approximately 33 km (20 mi) from Takaka.
© Via Ferrata Aotearoa Incorporated13. Relax in the Family-friendly Cafes and Restaurants
Finally, whether you’re looking to treat the family to dinner or need a wet weather alternative, these family-friendly restaurants in Golden Bay are sure to do the trick.
An icon of the Golden Bay area, Mussel Inn is a kid-friendly restaurant with a casual atmosphere and produces all of its own beers, ales, ciders, soft drinks and occasional house wines.
Finally, on your way in or out of Takaka, make a stop at The Woolshed Café on the top of Takaka Hill. Literally inside a renovated woolshed, the cafe serves all the usual suspects, as well as real-fruit ice cream.
For more restaurant recommendations, check out The Foodie Guide to Takaka.
Location: Mussel Inn – 1259 State Highway 60, Onekaka, approximately 14 km (9 mi) from Takaka town centre. Woolshed – Canaan Road, Takaka Hill, approximately 37 km (23 mi) from Takaka town centre.
© www.nelsontasman.nzMore Things to Do in Takaka with Kids
That’s it for our guide to things to do in Takaka with kids; for more information about family-friendly activities in Golden Bay, check out the following articles:
- 10 Amazing Things to Do in Takaka
- 20 Amazing Things to Do in Golden Bay
- Free and Cheap 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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