The Top Places to Visit Near Takaka
Once you’ve made it up and over Golden Bay’s only road access on the Takaka Hill, you might as well make the most of it. Base yourself in Takaka and explore the surrounding natural wilderness of the Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks. Explore the rugged coastline of Cape Farewell or check out the foodie delights of Motueka. Start planning your road trip with this guide to the best day trips from Takaka.
For more trip-planning advice, head to The Complete Guide to Takaka.
5 Best Day Tours Near Takaka
This is the section of our “Day Trips from…” guide where we recommend all of the day tours you can take from your chosen destination. However, Takaka’s tour operators are mostly based outside of Takaka and rarely offer accommodation transfers. By driving to the base of the following tour operators, you can join them to explore more of Golden Bay…
- Half-day guided tours with Golden Bay Kayaks at Tata Beach
- Horse riding with Hack ‘n Stay Golden Bay at Hack Farm
- Farewell Spit Eco Tours at Collingwood
- Fishing charters with Wildcat Fishing Charters at Pohara
- Cape Farewell Horse Treks at Cape Farewell.
© www.nelsontasman.nzCollingwood
The Best Day Trip from Takaka for Luxury Travellers
Travel time by car: 20 minutes one-way
Take a trip to Collingwood with its charming cafes, art galleries and museums. Also, take the opportunity to jump on a bus tour to Farewell Spit to access New Zealand’s longest sandspit and one of the most protected ecosystems in the country.
Check out the 8 Fun Things to Do in Collingwood for more activities to add to your Takaka day trip.
© NZPocketGuide.comAbel Tasman National Park
The Best Day Trip from Takaka for Couples
Travel time by car: 30 minutes to 1 hour one-way
Explore the less-visited side of the Abel Tasman National Park with a day trip from Takaka. Either venture to the northern end to sample part of the Abel Tasman Coast Track or do a kayak tour into the national park with Golden Bay Kayaks. Alternatively, see the dramatic rock formations and beech forest from the Canaan Downs entrance to the national park found on Takaka Hill.
For more ideas on what to do, check out the 10 Amazing Things to Do in the Abel Tasman National Park.
© UnsplashWharariki Beach and Cape Farewell
The Best Day Trip from Takaka for Families
Travel time by car: 50 minutes one-way
Explore the dramatic coastal formations of Wharariki Beach and Cape Farewell in the Puponga Farm Park. You’ll see the Archway Islands off the shores of the beach, as well as an opportunity to spot seal pups in the streams carving their way to the sea. Cape Farewell is another impressive sight with its arch carved into the cliffs.
Find out more about exploring the area using the 7 Best Walks at Farewell Spit.
© NZPocketGuide.comKahurangi National Park
The Best Day Trip from Takaka for Budget Travellers
Travel time by car: 50 minutes one-way
Takaka is also an excellent base for exploring the Kahurangi National Park. Venture through young beech and rimu forest on the easy Pupu Hydro Walkway or try a more challenging hike to Parapara Peak. Nearby Takaka is also where the Heaphy Track Great Walk begins.
Find out more about the hiking trails in the Kahurangi National Park on the Department of Conservation website.
© NZPocketGuide.comMotueka
The Best Day Trip from Takaka for Foodies
Travel time by car: 1h5mins one-way
From foodie delights to adrenaline adventures, Motueka offers real variety for day-trippers. The town marks one end of the Great Taste Trail thanks to its productive orchards and vineyards. In addition, canyoning, walking to the Riwaka Resurgence, and skydiving are all on the activity menu.
See the 10 Amazing Things to Do in Motueka for more activities to add to this Takaka day trip.
More About Takaka Day Trips
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:
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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