About Golden Bay, New Zealand

Golden Bay, New Zealand

map of Golden Bay

Located at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, Golden Bay is a nature lover's mecca. Surrounded on all sides by national parks, Golden Bay offers a plethora of outdoor experiences. Choose from:

  • Tramping - from alpine mountains and valleys, through native bush, to coastal beaches
  • Mountain biking
  • Short or one-day walks in beautiful native bush
  • White water rafting and other adventure tourism activities
  • Kayaking, swimming and a range of water sports
  • Beautiful beaches - and clear, blue waters
  • Farm stays or nature tours
  • and much more

In summer months Golden Bay's population of 4,500 triples as holidaymakers and overseas tourists flood into the region. However, Golden Bay offers outdoors lovers great experiences at any time of the year and is becoming more popular out-of-season. Some places to visit include:

The Grove Reserve

The GroveLocated about 3km north-east of Takaka township. "The Grove" is characterised by massive rata trees growing out of curiously-shaped limestone outcrops. Nikau palms are also a feature of the reserve.

Milnethorpe Park

MilnethorpeAdministered by an incorporated society under agreement with the Department of Conservation. A multitude of tracks criss-cross their way around Milnthorpe Park. Australians will feel right at home here as they walk amongst towering gum trees, although scattered throughout the park are plenty of native manuka and ferns.

Patons Rock

Patons RockPatons Rock is about 15 minutes drive north of Takaka and features one of Golden Bay's most beautiful beaches. A great place for swimming, walking and boating.

Pupu Hydro Walkway

Pupu Hydro WalkwayThe Pupu Hydro Walkway is one of the Bay's best half-day walks with bush, history, plant life, rock-hounding and engineering ingenuity to enjoy. It retraces an old gold-mining water race which has been reused for power generation.

Rangihaeata

RangihaeataRangihaeata is renowned for lifestyle blocks, sweeping sandy beaches and country charm yet only 5 minutes drive from Takaka township.

Te Waikoropupū

WaikoropupuTe Waikoropupū Springs (known as Pupū Springs), discharging 14,000 litres of water per second, are the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand, the largest cold water springs in the Southern Hemisphere, and contain some of the clearest water ever measured.