The Complete Travel Guide to Takaka

A Travel Guide to Takaka and Golden Bay

Most tourists simply don’t bother venturing this far north in the South Island. That is, however, what makes the region of Takaka and Golden Bay so utterly blissful and all the more surprising for those who do.

After a scenic journey over the bay’s only access road on the craggy limestone mountaintops of “Takaka Hill”, you’ll arrive in a town of free spirits, bohemians and ageing hippies. With that, visitors often find themselves welcomed as part of the community. Creativity is encouraged here, with interesting artisanry and art experiences. But that famous New Zealand scenery, that keeps on amazing and astounding, is certainly the aspect of Golden Bay that takes the limelight.

In the north of the bay, you’ll find New Zealand’s longest sand spit, Farewell Spit, nearby what is often ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Warariki Beach. To the west, say hello to the Heaphy Track and the wilderness area of the Kahurangi National Park, while the east is the quieter side of the Abel Tasman National Park. There’s an air of whimsy in the bay too, from the vibrant cartoon colours of Te Waikoropupu Springs to the moss-covered limestone corridors of Labyrinth Rocks and The Grove.

Needless to say, whatever your travel style, you’re bound to have a memorable time in Golden Bay, which we’ll help you organise with this complete travel guide to Takaka.