WELCOME TO GOLDEN BAY...

Located at the top of New Zealand's South Island, Golden Bay is an enchanted valley, a hidden paradise at the end of the road, cut off from "the real world" by Takaka Hill. Blessed with golden safe swimming beaches, alpine valleys, tranquil fishing rivers and a great climate, Golden Bay is your playground and gateway to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi
National Parks and much more.

No wonder many of the inhabitants of Golden
Bay are people who once came here on holiday - and stayed...

FAREWELL SPIT

Golden Bay's most visible landmark on a map (or when viewed from space) is Farewell Spit. Stretching 35 kilometers in length (and growing all the time), Farewell Spit is the breeding ground for over 100 species of birds
and has been designated a Wetland of International Importance. Nearby, the massive wind-sculpted landscape of Golden Bay's west coast beaches are an awe-inspiring place to visit at any time of the year.

WAIKOROPUPU SPRINGS (PUPU)

Another outstanding natural feature of Golden Bay you must see is the famous Pupu Springs. The largest freshwater springs system in New Zealand, Pupu Springs' water has been described as "The Clearest Water in The World"...

The Springs feature a choice of short easy walking tracks which are well worth exploring.

TAKAKA

Takaka, the main town in Golden Bay is a charming small town, alive with "local colour" and blessed with an abundance of good cafes. Here, you will notice something quite unusual about Golden Bay. The people seem really happy. They smile at visitors and you can easily see that Golden Bay is a haven of true community spirit.
 

ARTS AND CRAFTS

This relaxed friendliness, combined with the tranquility and breathtaking scenic beauty is probably why this region is home to more artists, craftspeople, musicians and creative types per head of population than just about anywhere in New Zealand...

Drive down almost any road in Golden Bay and you are likely to see artist's workshops and galleries. Here, you will meet the artists, see them at work and enjoy the benefits of buying art and craft at country prices.

Above Right:   Painter and Potter, Galit Maxwell

Below Right: "Eos" by Claire Prebble - Overall Winner of the 2004 WOW Wearable Art Award

You'll need much more than a day to see the Bay. More than a week or even a month. You could live here your whole life and still not see it all.

THINGS TO DO...

And if looking isn't enough for you, Golden Bay is also a paradise for lovers of outdoor activities. Here you will find excellent places to go Caving, Kayaking, Windsurfing, Rock Climbing (Tarakohe & Paynes Ford),
Guided Walks, Tramping (Hiking), Horse Treks, Scenic Walks, Boat Cruising
/ Sailing, Bird and Wildlife Watching, Golf, Tennis, Mountain-Biking and the beaches are absolutely perfect for relaxation, romance and most water sports.

WATERSPORTS

Golden Bay is an aquatic playground - bring your toys!

Pakawau Beach

There's also lots of great exploring and activities nearby. Pakawau is located near the base of Farewell Spit and so it is easy to explore the spit, its fossil cliffs and diverse bird life, (safaris can pick you up at the Pakawau Shop), the seacaves of the wild West Coast beach of Wharariki, and the calm waters of Westhaven Inlet.

Other nearby activities include: horse riding, caving, climbing, fishing, sea kayaking, tramping and four-wheel drive safaring; and there's lots of great local artists and funky cafes to visit. Only 3 minutes walk to Campground Shop, tennis courts, kayak hire and the Schoolhouse Cafe.

TATA BEACH

WAINUI FALLS

KAHURANGI - Wharariki Beach

 

All of these activities and more can be enjoyed in nature rich in scenic splendour and in a social environment which is warm, friendly and inviting... What more could you ask for? See you in Golden Bay soon.