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, Golden Bay 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. Here, you can hike through lush forests, kayak along stunning coastlines, and explore the region’s numerous caves, waterfalls and gorges. The northern end of the famous Abel Tasman Coast Track is located in Golden Bay and takes hikers through arguably the best parts of the track. Also beginning in Golden Bay is the start of the famous Heaphy Track which takes hikers through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
Golden Bay is also home to a thriving arts culture scene, with numerous galleries, studios, and workshops showcasing the work of local artists and crafts people. Visitors can browse handmade pottery, paintings, sculptures, jewellery, and other unique creations, or take part in workshops or classes to learn new skills.
For those seeking a more laid-back experience, Golden Bay’s charming town offers a range of cafes, restaurants and boutique shops. The area is also renowned for its local produce including artisanal cheeses, organic fruits and vegetables which can be found at the thriving local Saturday market every Saturday in the Summer months.
One of the highlights of a visit to Golden Bay is its stunning beaches. From the Golden sands at Tata Beach, the ever-changing tides at Pohara and Ligar Bay, to the coves of Abel Tasman National Park, the regions beaches offer something for everyone.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, culture or nature, Golden Bay has something to offer every traveller. With its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, it’s no wonder that Golden Bay is considered one of New Zealand’s hidden gems.
Golden Bay Kayaks
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.
www.goldenbaykayaks.co.nz
Totaranui Beach in The Abel Tasman National Park
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 Totaranui to Wainui enquire with us about our car transfer service. info@driftoffgrid.com
Abel Tasman Coast Track
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. For a bespoke private guided experience email: info@driftoffgrid.com
Wainui Falls
The Wainui Falls walk takes approximately 40 minutes each way. This amazing 20 metre fall will greet you with a cool mist as it cascade 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.
Pupu Springs
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 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!
Hack N Stay Farm
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.
www.hackfarm.co.nz
Golden Bay Air
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.
www.goldenbayair.co.nz
Helicopters Nelson
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 its an unforgettable adventure that combines breathtaking views with a touch of luxury.
www.helicoptersnelson.co.nz
Dancing Sands Distillery
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!
www.dancingsands.com
Kiwi Spirit Distillery
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!
www.kiwispiritdistillery.co.nz
Anatoki Salmon Farm
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.
www.anatokisalmon.co.nz
Cape Farewell Spit Tours
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!
www.farewellspit.com
Salisbury Falls
These beautiful waterfalls are located 30 minutes from Collingwood and can be found in the Aorere River. Featured in Peter Jackson’s famous triologies 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.
The Langford Store
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.
Earth Sea Gallery
Realistic landscape paintings that will have you second guessing if they are actually a photo! Painted by local artist Peter Green, this unique, collectable fine art are sure to amaze you. Landscape paintings and reproduction giclee prints on canvas and watercolour paper are available.
www.earthseagallery.com
Stone Arrow Jewellery
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 Innovatie ways of working with different materials.
www.stonearrow.co.nz
Aroha Health Spa
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 energize you.
www.arohahealthspa.co.nz
Wildcat Fishing Charters
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.
www.wildcatcharters.co.nz
Paines Ford Tramline Track
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.
Labyrinth Rocks
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?