The Honeymoon Guide to Takaka

© Kane Hartill, Golden Bay Kayaks - www.nelsontasman.nz

Romantic Adventure Activities

Golden Bay, with its caves, waterfalls, vibrant springs, forest and beaches, is as if it’s been designed by nature for couples to adventure together. One of the amazing adventures to couple up on is kayaking to the remote beaches and islands of the northern Abel Tasman National Park. With no water taxis and tour groups whizzing around, the Golden Bay side of the national park is utterly blissful. Golden Bay Kayaks can take you out on a guided tour to paddle to its deserted beaches, see shag colonies on the Tata Islands, look out for seals and much more. Alternatively, tackle the Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, together or take the short walk to Wainui Falls, also in the national park.

Another intimate way to enjoy the bay is on a scenic flight with Adventure Flights Golden Bay. No matter your honeymoon budget, they have a flight to suit from the 15-minute Escapade flight (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) around Golden Bay to the 35-minute Abel Tasman experience (on Viator and Tripadvisor). Alternatively, join Golden Bay Air (on Viator and Tripadvisor) for a scenic 55-minute flight over the Kahurangi National Park, Wharariki Beach, Cape Farewell and Abel Tasman National Park.

For some stunning locations in Golden Bay to get some memorable honeymoon photos, visit The Grove and Te Waikoropupu Springs. Walk among the large limestone corridors awash in tentacle-like tree roots and decorated with mosses and nikau palms at The Grove Scenic Reserve. The walk only takes 40 minutes to complete. Also, stop be Te Waikoropupu Springs or “Pupu Springs” for short. The crystal clear waters of this large coldwater spring surrounded by verdant green forest make for a breathtaking location for photos or to simply feast your eyes on together.

For more romantic activities, like horse trekking at Cape Farewell and Wharariki Beach, check out the 10 Romantic Activities in Takaka for Couples.

© Westhaven Lodge

Romantic All-weather Activities

Admittedly, Golden Bay’s indoor attractions are rather limited so you might have to pray for good weather. An all-weather scenario that’s worth considering for a honeymoon, however, is a spa day. Luxury accommodations like Westhaven Lodge offer their own in-house spa therapies for couples. Otherwise, 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. Finally, you might want to indulge in the tailor-made treatments of Aroha Health Spa and its Garden Sanctuary Cafe.

© www.nelsontasman.nz

Romantic Restaurants in Takaka

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 experience are limited but there are some hidden gems, such as Totos Cafe & Pizzeria (Totaranui Road) 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 a more endearing experience.

In Takaka town, O’Sha (51 Commerical Street) is the town’s Thai restaurant with elegant modern decor and Asian cuisine prepared by their Thai-born chef.

Finally, what is more romantic than a box of chocolates? In fact, you can treat your loved one to many at Takaka’s artisan chocolatiers, Choco Loco (47b Commercial Street). You also have the option to sit down for indulgent pastries, decadent cakes, biscuits and a cup of your favourite hot drink by selecting a cup from their “cup library”.

For more restaurant recommendations, take a look at The Foodie Guide to Takaka.