5 Things To Do In Golden Bay, Tasman

Last updated on 13 December 2021

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There’s a reason they call it Golden Bay.

The sand along the shore of Golden Bay in the northwest corner of the South Island of New Zealand is more golden than Goldilocks’ hair. No seriously. Where the west coast beaches are famous for their black sand, Napier beach with its pebbles … Golden Bay really is a golden bay. (Props to the person who named it.)

There is plenty to do, visit, explore and experience in Golden Bay, and while we were only visitors for about 4 days over the summer period, we managed to get a lot in (in between simply lounging on the beach with a good book and cool drink, of course).

Getting to Golden Bay

The biggest trouble with Golden Bay (or the greatest blessing, you decide) is actually getting there. From Nelson, you have to take the Tākaka Hill Road (State Highway 60), and it’s a long, steep, winding drive that has road works halfway up with an up-to-16-minute waiting time.

But when you pass the summit and make your way down the other side, the views are simply stunning and you know you’re in for a great holiday.

The other way you can get to Golden Bay is, surprisingly, by plane. Golden Bay Air flies limited flights between Tākaka and Wellington, Tākaka and Karamea on the West Coast, and Tākaka and Nelson. But the plane is small. So small.

5 things to do in Golden Bay, Abel Tasman

Tākaka Township

Tākaka is the main town in Golden Bay, though with a population that barely scrapes 2,000 it’s definitely not a metropolis. But the heart of this sunny beach haven is still bustling with people, especially on the weekend. Just don’t expect much to be happening after about 5pm.

The vibe of Tākaka is laid-back, hippy-like, and full of shops that sell handcrafted pottery, jewellery, clothing, and are home to the occasional shop dog (that’s how you know it’s a good one!).

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, The Dangerous Kitchen is a favourite with locals and visitors alike, sporting colourful art working, local live music, pizzas the size of bike tires, and a lovely outdoor seating area.

The Wholemeal Cafe is another good spot for a coffee and a bite. The bright yellow walls with old-timey photographs line the cafe, giving it a quirky almost tropical feel. Out the front you can find The Jungle Bar where you can create your own real fruit ice cream; simply choose your berries and fruit and they’ll whiz it up for you.

On a Saturday morning, just off the main road, you’ll find the Market. Full of locals selling their home-crafted goods, delicious fresh baking, cheeses and meats (and tons more), it’s a classic small-town New Zealand market. If you visit around Christmastime, you may even have the pleasure of hearing the local choir sing carols on the green.

Wainui Falls

Tucked into the Golden Bay side of Abel Tasman National Park is an easy 1hour 20min return track up to the beautiful Wainui Falls.

From the car park, you head across a section of farmland before following the river into Abel Tasman National Park. You’ll wander gradually upwards, past swimming holes, ginormous boulders and rock faces, lush New Zealand native bush, and cross a bridge before reaching the thunderous waterfall.

Perfect for families and those who like to get out into nature without having to hike a mountain, Wainui Falls makes for an ideal morning or afternoon activity. Be sure to take drinking water with you and some decent shoes. The track is well looked after, but there are rocks and tree roots to look out for.

Anatoki Salmon Fishing & Cafe

I have to say straight off the bat that I’m not a salmon fan. Gasp. The horror, I know. It just really doesn’t appeal to me. But I do like going to a salmon farm (and ordering chicken nuggets – HA, philistine), and a visit to Anatoki Salmon Fishing & Cafe is a real treat.

If you’re not like me and you love salmon, then what’s even better than having your fill of fish at the cafe is getting to actually catch your own. Anatoki Salmon have their usual salmon ponds which can wander by and take a look, but they also have a dedicated lake where you can head out and catch your own salmon. When you’ve managed to hook one, you pop it into a chilly bin (cooler), and take it to the smokehouse by the cafe for them to cook up for you. Or you can just pop the fish on ice and take it home with you.

Salmon aside for a moment, they also have a petting zoo! Perfect for the kids (and the kids-at-heart), you can get right up close and personal with chickens, pigs, turkey and more. When we were there they had a huge litter of piglets! So cute!

Te Waikoropupū Springs

Just a half-hour loop wander along boardwalks and tracks through the bush and you’ll reach it: the stunning Te Waikoropupū Springs. Also known as Pupu Springs, the water is the “largest freshwater springs in New Zealand, the largest cold water springs in the Southern Hemisphere and contains some of the clearest water ever measured” (thanks, Doc.govt).

The springs are of immense spiritual significance to the local iwi, Ngati Tama, which means despite looking so inviting, you’re not allowed to touch the water, take a dip, or fill up your drink bottles.

At the entrance to the springs track, you’ll find information about the beautiful spot, including all about Ngati Tama and the significance of the place for the iwi.

Visit the beaches

It’s a given to visit the Golden Bay when you’re in the area, and you could easily spend days not doing anything else but sunbathing by the water. Down the east end of the bay are Tata Beach, Pohara, and Ligar Bay, and if you head west you’ll find the beaches around the town of Collingwood, seeing Farewell Spit in the distance.

In Tata Beach especially, you can hire kayaks or get a tour at Golden Bay Kayaks, and paddle around the Tata Islands, two small uninhabited islands just off the coast. Or wander up and down the beach picking up shells, getting out in the bay on a boat, taking a swim or being on the lookout for Blue Penguins.

Bonus: The Mussel Inn

If you head up to Collingwood for a trip, make sure you stop in at the Mussel Inn. New Zealand famous, the Mussel Inn is a laid-back, no-phones sort of place, with weka wandering through the outdoor seating areas, home-brewed beers and soft drinks, and delicious food to top it off. While the summers are their busiest season, you can’t make a booking, and it’s a first-come-first-served kind of set-up.

Of course, Golden Bay has much more to offer than just these activities, but if you’re making the trip to this breathtaking spot in the Tasman, then this list will definitely get your holiday plans kick-started.

Have you been to the Golden Bay area? What did you do? What was your favourite?