The Luxury Travel Guide to Takaka

© Adventure Flights Golden Bay

Luxury Adventure Activities

Soak in the breathtaking Abel Tasman beaches to the rugged west coast arches in a multitude of exciting ways, whether it’s on a scenic flight, on horseback, kayak or something else.

To see it all from a breathtaking perspective, join Adventure Flights Golden Bay for a scenic flight. From short flights over the immediate Golden Bay area to a flight over the golden beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park, they have something to suit a range of timeframes and budgets.

Alternatively, join Golden Bay Air for a more comprehensive scenic flight over the Kahurangi National Park, Wharariki Beach, Cape Farewell, Farewell Spit and the Abel Tasman National Park.

If you prefer to stick to dry land, why not experience the windswept beaches of Wharariki and Puponga and on the dramatic hills of the Old Man Range? Ride beautiful horses to the views of the iconic Archway Islands that give Wharariki Beach the title of one of the world’s most beautiful beaches or see it all from the mountaintops of the Old Man Range with a wide range of terrain to tackle. There are treks with Cape Farewell Treks to suit beginners to seasoned riders.

Or if you prefer to be in the waters, you can take a cruise from Able Tasman to Golden Bay with Wine, Art, & Wilderness. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive across the Waimea Plains and Moutere Hills to Kaiteriteri, where you’ll board a cruise along the stunning coastline of Abel Tasman National Park.

Alternatively, you can take a private boat charter with Abel Tasman Charters – Day Tours, with the freedom to personalise your itinerary. Enjoy a range of activities including hiking, swimming, and kayaking, all customised to your fitness level.

For those wishing to explore the Abel Tasman National Park, you have most serene parts of the park, much of the time all to yourself from Golden Bay. Either join a small-group tour or private bespoke tour with Golden Bay Kayaks to paddle to remote inlets and coves, the Tata Islands with New Zealand’s largest shag colonies, and enjoy morning tea or some other local culinary delights prepared for you on a remote golden-sand beach.

For more luxury activities, like tours of Farewell Spit, farm tours and fishing, check out the 10 Luxury Activities in Takaka.

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Luxury All-weather Activities

If the weather isn’t playing ball, or simply because you want to anyway, Takaka and Golden Bay hold some enjoyable and blissful all-weather activities, starting with the arts. Golden Bay is a haven for art and creativity.

You can simply browse the array of art galleries, such as MONZA Gallery, TOTOS Cafe & Gallery, Sculpture705 Art Lollkiki and MAD Cafe & Arts Centre, to name a few.

However, if you want to get a more hands-on experience, Art Haven in Collingwood offers a wide range of creative workshops in their light-filled studio. Their experienced and knowledgeable artists and tutors are available to help you start out on your creative journey, aid if you’re in a rut with your art, or just help you escape the normal stuff and enable your creativity. They offer regular sessions, weekend workshops and half-day or one-day workshops.

While Golden Bay is a pretty relaxing corner of the South Island, enhance the rejuvenation one step further with a spa day. Aroha Health Spa is a fantastic option with an extensive menu of body massages, spa and sauna sessions, holistic treatments, facials and more in a down-to-earth setting. After your treatment, rejuvenate with healthy meals, organic coffee or fresh juices and herbal teas in their “Garden Sanctuary Spa” exclusive to spa guests.

Other spa options are available, such as those available to guests of Westhaven Lodge, while Waitapu Springs B&B spa is a small complex with cedar hot tubs, Scandanavian saunas, indoor pool and a Middle Eastern chill-out room.

© www.nelsontasman.nz

Fine Dining in Takaka

Admittedly, Golden Bay favours a more laidback ambience when it comes to eating out, with highlights of the area including the Mussel Inn, The Wholemeal Café and The Courthouse Café, as featured in The Foodie Guide to Takaka.

However, if you’re looking for a more sophisticated environment, perhaps to celebrate a special occasion or perhaps if you prefer to dine in style, one of your best options is dining at Ratanui Lodge and their cocktail lounge. Indulge in contemporary New Zealand cuisine through either their tapas menu or three-course set menu with specialities in local duck, lamb, venison and fish. Vegetarian options are available with prior arrangement.

Alternatively, guests at Westhaven Lodge are treated to a new creative meal each night, either in their main dining room at the main table or in a private setting by candlelight. The lodge’s chef focuses on using local organic produce wherever possible, complemented by local wines from their extensive wine cellar.

For more restaurant recommendations, see The Foodie Guide to Takaka.