Golden Bay is a remote and breathtakingly beautiful region located at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. Known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and rugged mountainous landscapes, it offers visitors a unique and unforgettable travel experience.
Nestled between the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, Golden Bay is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. You can hike through lush native forests, kayak along stunning coastlines, and explore caves, waterfalls, and gorges. The region is home to the northern end of the renowned Abel Tasman Coast Track—arguably its most scenic section—as well as the start of the Heaphy Track, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular multi-day hikes.
Golden Bay is also rich in arts and culture, with galleries, studios, and workshops showcasing the talents of local artists and craftspeople. Browse handmade pottery, paintings, sculptures, and jewellery, or take part in a creative workshop to learn something new.
For a slower pace, explore Golden Bay’s charming town, filled with cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops. The Saturday summer market is a must-visit, featuring artisan cheeses, organic produce, and locally made goods.
And of course, the beaches are unforgettable—from the golden sands of Tata Beach to the ever-changing tides of Pohara and Ligar Bay, and the secluded coves of Abel Tasman National Park. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquillity, nature or culture, Golden Bay truly has something for every traveller.
Experience the quiet end of the Abel Tasman Coast Track – Abel Tasman’s best kept secret. Wainui to Wharawharangi. Follow the paths through lush native forest, past turquoise glistening waters and climb over scenic mountain ranges. This part of the track is sure to please with its diverse offerings; a historic Wharawharangi homestead and a seal colony at Separation Point.
Tata Islands provide a breathtaking backdrop as you launch your kayak from the golden sands, straight into the Abel Tasman National Park. Golden Bay Kayaks is a highly reputable and experienced tour operator that offers a range of kayaking adventures in the stunning waters of Golden Bay. Take your pick from private bespoke tours, half or full day adventures. With a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices, Golden Bay Kayaks provides visitors with an intimate and immersive experience of the regions natural beauty. It’s also only a 5 minute ride in your Electric buggy to join the adventure.
Discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the Abel Tasman Coast Track that is the only one accessible by road. A 40 minute drive from Drift Off Grid will find you at a picturesque golden sand beach. Walk to the northern end and explore the tidal inlet. If you want to do a day walk from Tōtaranui to Wainui enquire with us about our car transfer service.
Offering a range of different scenic flight lengths you can pick your route and sit back, relax and see some of the world’s most spectacular unspoiled landscapes. They also offer Heaphy Track connections, daily flights to and from Wellington and charter flights.
Book in a spot on the 10m fully equipped boat. They cater for beginners and expertise alike. Trips are not limited to the Bay, they can even take you out to the West Coast and around the tip of the Farewell Spit. If fishing isn’t your thing they offer the most enjoyable site seeing trips.
Farewell Spit is around 35km long and public access is restricted to the first 4km. So if you want to get out and experience the historic lighthouse and explore its intriguing reserve call the guys at Farewell spit tours and book a trip!
A premier helicopter tour operator that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the stunning beauty of the Nelson/Tasman region from above. With their state-of-the-art helicopters and experienced pilots it’s an unforgettable adventure that combines breathtaking views with a touch of luxury.
Offering a number of holistic horse riding experiences from guided treks, sunset rides to swimming with the horses you are sure to enjoy their easily accessible trails that will allow you to explore the beauty of the ever changing coastal landscape on horseback.
Situated on the banks of the Anatoki River between Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Park this place has a beautiful, relaxed feeling. Easy enough to catch a Salmon but not too easy that it makes you feel accomplished with your catch. The best part is you can choose to either take it home or get it served up sashimi style or cooked in the smoker with a number of different flavour choices.
They believe that good taste is good for the soul. Redefining what quality means, they specialise in unique spirits handcrafted from the purest homegrown ingredients. With decades of distilling under their belts their dedication to quality of quantity is what makes them unique. They also offer a non-alcoholic winter tonic that is worth stopping in for alone!
Sarah’s brilliant scientific mind is matched by Bens’s flavour driven creativity and the result is a dynamic distilling duo on a mission to bring a part of Golden Bay to the rest of New Zealand and the world. Visit their cellar door for a cocktail tasting but beware you will definitely be leaving with a bottle or two!
Limestone outcrops surrounded by native bush with maze-like pathways make for an interesting short walk easily accessible for all ages. Search for the kissing pigs, witches’ cauldrons and stegosaurus. What fascinating characters can you find that have naturally formed on the walls?
Fancy doing some rope swinging or cliff jumping into the river? You can even try some rock climbing if you fancy getting upside down and falling into the beautiful Takaka River! Follow the old tramline track that was once operational between the 1880s and 1905. Discover some excellent swimming holes and take a picnic to bask in the sunshine.
These beautiful waterfalls are located 30 minutes from Collingwood and can be found in the Aorere River. Featured in Peter Jackson’s famous trilogies it is the film site where Tauriel and Legolas meet before heading into Lake-town in the Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. A great spot to dip in and refresh on a hot summers day.
An easy 705m walk that is accessible by wheels the whole way around. The amazing crystal clear waters and stunning native bush makes an easy impressive walk. The Te Waikoropupu Springs gush from the earth at an impressive 14,000L per second!
The “Pupu”Springs, as they’re affectionately known to the locals are home to the clearest spring water in the world (the only place with clearer water is the salt water Weddell Sea in Antartica). Underwater clarity tests have shown the water from the springs to have underwater visibility of 63 meters!
The Wainui Falls walk takes approximately 40 minutes each way. This amazing 20 metre fall will greet you with a cool mist as it cascades over spectacular granite boulders. The track to the fall has spectacular views of the Wainui River along the way with the added bonus of a great suspension bridge. This is well worth the visit, and better yet it is only a 10 minute drive from Drift Off Grid.
A boutique artesian gem specialising in exquisite handcrafted products. Wide range of designs crafted in pounamu, sterling silver, paua, copper and recycled glass. Pictured right, a gorgeous set of Fantail earrings recycled from Gin bottles. Tour the workshop and see innovative ways of working with different materials.
Monza Gallery in Tākaka is a cosy, welcoming space filled with unique contemporary art, from paintings and ceramics to jewellery and sculpture. It’s the perfect spot to discover fresh, creative works by local Golden Bay artists.
This General Store and Post Office has been providing essentials to the Bainham community and travelers since 1928. Enjoy a pot of tea or an espresso coffee, served with sublime sweet treats.
In this oasis of calm awaits a journey of indulgence. They promise a pampering experience tailor-made with your health and wellness in mind. Designed to relax, rejuvenate and energise you.
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