Make your way over the Takaka Hill and you'll enter a little world of it's own called Golden Bay. The setting for NZ's first gold rush, it is a seductive place which attracts a wide range of people. Kahurangi National Park with its Heaphy Track (one of New Zealand's Great Walks) lies to the west, Farewell Spit spans out to the north and the Abel Tasman National Park is its eastern border. Artsy and different, it has many interesting things to see and do and is well worth a visit.

Abel Tasman National Park

Golden Bay has it all - beautiful weather, golden sands, turquoise waters, seals and dolphins, NZ's smallest National Park(Abel Tasman) is very easy to access from Takaka, Golden Bay and a lot less people to contend with.

Kiwiana Backpackers is the closest backpackers to Able Tasman National Park, on the Golden Bay side.

Arts

Some of New Zealand’s top sculptors, painters, potters, jewellers and bone carvers have made Golden Bay their home. You can visit most studios year round.

Getting there

Regular bus services to Golden Bay from Nelson,Motueka and West Coast, or fly direct to Golden Bay from Wellington and Karamea. See the transport links here.

Things to do in Golden Bay

Horse riding and trekking around Farewell Spit in Golden Bay, New Zealand.

Kayak Abel Tasman from Golden Bay! Paddle into stunning scenery with uncrowded beaches. Half day guided tours, independent hire (hourly to multi day), family kayak rental/tours.

Farewell Spit Nature Experience. Nature Tours in Golden Bay's Spectacular North-West. Breathtaking views, rich habitats for wildlife and living cultural and historic journeys.

Remote Adventures - scenic flights over the beautiful Golden Bay area, jet boating and hunting trips.

​The Heaphy Bus Lowest bus transport costs to and from both ends of the Heaphy track and Abel Tasman Park.

Trek Express Transport to all the Kahurangi and Abel Tasman track ends to suit everybodies needs.

Bike Track For all mountain bikers transport to and from the Heaphy track.