Golden Bay

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Golden Bay Regional Information

Getting to Golden Bay is part of the joy of this region; driving from Motueka, the road climbs Takaka Hill, offering spectacular views of Takaka, Golden Bay and Tasman Bay.

The Ngarua Caves are near the summit of Takaka Hill and provide a unique opportunity to see the skeleton of a moa, a large flightless bird which is now extinct. Also from the hilltop is access to Canaan Downs, from which you can walk to Harwood's Hole, the deepest cave shaft in New Zealand, which plunges more than 200 metres.

Takaka is Golden Bay's main centre, a laidback township with the vibrancy of an artistic community and plenty of boutique stores, galleries and organic eateries to explore. It provides a good base for travel within the Golden Bay area. Ten kilometres to the north of Takaka is Pohara, a well-liked summer destination. Also easily accessible from Takaka are the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand, Waikoropupu Springs, accessible by three walkways which lead to a viewing area. The springs discharge an average of 14,000 litres of water every second.

About 30 kilometres from Takaka is Farewell Spit, the longest natural sandspit in the world, jutting out into the Tasman Sea. The area is a nature reserve, but visitors can walk its length along the base or take a 4WD safari to view the lighthouse and birdlife. Another wild spot in Golden Bay is Wharariki Beach, whose exposed location has allowed wind and ocean waves to create dramatic rock and sand-dune formations. Further inland is the Kahurangi National Park, a rich natural area featuring glaciated mountain ranges and forest inhabited by many native plants, animals and birds.

Navigate with our great Golden Bay map to stay on the right track and find what you're looking for when traveling in the region. While you're on the road, be prepared for all seasons with weather forecasts, reports and current information on Nelson weather.

For more information, visit the Nelson information site.