Golden Bay, New Zealand
Takaka and the Scenic Contrast of the Surrounding Area
Jan 30, 2008 Vivienne May Ball
Do you want to experience sun, beautiful beaches, and a feeling of being away from it all?
Even the name "Golden Bay" implies something out of the ordinary. Sitting on the beach running your fingers through the dry golden sand and looking at the sun shining on the clear blue sea, you could be at one of the most expensive resorts in the world. But this is New Zealand’s friendly holiday spot, reachable by anyone.
At the Top of New Zealand's South Island
Golden Bay is two hours by car or bus from Nelson, the hardest part being the journey over the steep and winding Takaka hill. But driving down the hill into the valley, seeing the sun lighting up the green growth on the diary farms, you will feel the warmth in the still air and the tension leaving your body.
Golden Bay's Beautiful Beaches
A highlight of the area is the beaches. There is popular Pohara with its camping ground and wide uninhabited sandy shore. During the summer holidays Pohara beach is the focal point for many organised holiday activities.
Or choose Ligar Bay for a smaller beach with sheltered grassy picnic spots and barbecue area. You can spend hours at Ligar Bay, spreading out the picnic rug and taking out a book to read while children play in the sand close by or jump over the waves.
Further around the coast towards Totaranui is Tata beach. This is the one to choose if you are keen on boating or water sports, or don't want to worry about waiting for the tide. Here the sand takes on the true golden look you get in the Abel Tasman beaches.
Abel Tasman National Park
If you want to get into the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park itself you can drive to Totaranui near the start of the famous Abel Tasman tramping track.
In the heart of the National Park is Awaroa. You can spend a day there swimming on the beach, walking through the native bush, and having a leisurely lunch at the Awaroa lodge. A day trip to Awaroa is a good way to catch a glimpse of New Zealand’s untouched wilderness. To get to Awaroa from Golden Bay you can drive to the Awaroa car park and walk across the inlet up to two hours either side of low tide. Or you can take the two-hour walk on the track from Totaranui.
Awaroa can also be reached from Kaiteriteri and Marahau, at the other end of the Abel Tasman Park, by boat. Accommodation is available at the lodge along with rowboats and snorkels.
Of course there's much much more to Golden Bay than the beaches. The most famous spot in the area is the Pupu springs where you walk through towering native bush before looking down into the crystal clear depth of New Zealand's deepest springs. A special feature is an enormous round mirror that enables you to see almost forever.
If you like a bit of adventure Golden Bay boasts bungy jumping, horse treks, and kayaking, not to mention caving.
The crafts are a must see and the restaurants are good. You might enjoy eating at the Old School Cafe on the way to Farewell Spit. Here you could be back 50 years in an old country school. But instead of writing on a slate you are served delicious food. There's plenty of room outside for children to run around.
So if it's peace and tranquillity you want, or exciting adventure, take yourself to New Zealand's beautiful Golden Bay.
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