Golden Bay is the crescent-shaped bay at the top northwest point of New Zealand’s South Island and is one of our top South Island Bucket List Locations.ย There is plenty to do and see in this area, so get comfy because I’m about to share 10 of the best things to do in Golden Bay New Zealand!ย
10 Things to Do in Golden Bay New Zealand
Table of Contents
- 1. Visit Abel Tasman and Totaranui Bay
- 2. See the Infamous Split Apple Rock
- 3. Walk Along the Riwaka Resurgence Track
- 4. Hike to Wainui Falls
- 5. Get Lost at the Labyrinth Rocks Park
- 6. Explore the Grove Scenic Reserve
- 7. Visit the Te Waikoropupu Springs (โPupuโ Springs)
- 8. Play on the Sand Dunes at Wharariki Beach
- 9. Stop at the Cape Farewell Lookout Point
- 10. Take the Scenic Drive up Takaka Hill
1. Visit Abel Tasman and Totaranui Bay
Abel Tasman is one of New Zealand’s smallest national parks but there is so much intense beauty packed into this coastal paradise!
The majority of the park can only be accessed by water or hiking trails. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks” and takes about 3-5 days to complete.ย You can also take aย water taxi or sea kayak tour.ย
If you don’t want to hike or take a water taxi, then you are in luck because there is just one beach along the coastal track that is accessible by car, Totaranui Bay.
The primitive gravel road to Totaranui Bay is a winding narrow road over the mountain. Plan about 1-1.5 hours to reach Totaranui Bay from Takaka, but it is worth the drive.
Spending a day at Totaranui Bay is one of the best things to do in Golden Bay New Zealand!
The colors at Totaranui Bay are incredible. The vibrant golden orange sand, intense turquoise water, and lush green trees are the stuff dreams are made of.
My kids’ favorite part is the tidal inlet at the northern end. It is such a fun and safe place to swim, skim board, and collect crabs.
There is a campground located on the beach. It would be incredible to wake up to this view, but it fills up fast so book your reservation far in advance.
There are only a few basic food items available at the camp office, so be sure to pack plenty of food and water as it is quite a long drive to the nearest store or restaurant.
2. See the Infamous Split Apple Rock
If you can’t make it to Totaranui Bay or Abel Tasman, there are a few more beaches in Golden Bay where you can experience that same golden sand and spectacular canvas of colors.
Kaiteriteri Beach is beautiful, but it is generally pretty crowded and touristy due to its easy access.
I would recommend Split Apple Rock Beach. To access the beach, you’ll need to take is a 15-minute trek through the bush, so pack light.
This beach is a little more remote and absolutely stunning!
And of course, a big draw is the ‘Split Apple’, a massive split boulder just off the shore that is a mysterious site to behold.
There are some caves on the north end of the beach that are fun to explore as well.
3. Walk Along the Riwaka Resurgence Track
The Riwaka Resurgence Track (also called “Riuwaka”) is another hidden gem in Golden Bay. I wasn’t quite prepared to be this impressed.
We’ve done a lot of hikes and seen a lot of beautiful spots, so sometimes I’m not easily impressed.
However, this hike was like walking into a fairy tale. It was like straight up Fern Gully.
The trail is located only about a half hour from Split Apple Rock and is a short 10-minute walk.
At the end of the hike, you can see an underwater cave with crystal clear water bubbling up into a pool.
The water travels quite a ways underground so it is pretty chilly. If you’re brave enough, you can jump in for a refreshing swim!
4. Hike to Wainui Falls
The Wainui Falls are found along the road to Totaranui Bay. They are the most accessible waterfalls in the Tasman region.
I have to admit that the waterfall itself was a little underwhelming (we have been spoiled living here!). However, the 40-minute bush hike to get there is pretty fun.
The kids loved the swing bridge. You can only cross one person at a time and they thought it was very Indiana Jones-ish.
There are also some rock pools along the trail that are fun for the kids to splash in on a hot day.
Although, this day it was occupied by an oversized eel. Of course, the kids thought it was the coolest thing ever, but left us wondering how in the world it even got there?
The Rawhiti Caves are nearby but unfortunately we didn’t have time to stop.
Their claim to fame is that it has, “possibly the most diverse and extensive entrance and twilight-zone flora of any cave in New Zealand”. Not sure what twilight-zone flora is but it had me sold!
The hike takes about an hour, so you can determine if it’s worth a stop for you.
5. Get Lost at the Labyrinth Rocks Park
The Labyrinth Rocks Park is located in Pohara, not too far from the Wainui Falls. My kids had so much fun exploring this natural playground and it was one of their favorite things to do in Golden Bay New Zealand.
The Rocks Park is not listed in many travel guides, so you’ll most likely have it all to yourselves.
The Labyrinth Rocks Park is a natural rock maze that winds through karst limestone walls.
Entry is free and there is a detailed map that you can pick up at the entrance. Plan for about an hour to complete the maze. Although, there are many side trails that are fun to explore as well.
There are lots of little toy figurines (think McDonald’s happy meal toys) that have been placed throughout the maze. It’s very random, but my kids had the best time trying to spot them. It really was a fun way to spend an afternoon!
6. Explore the Grove Scenic Reserve
The Grove Scenic Reserve is located in the same area as the Labyrinth Rocks Park. It is similar with the large limestone rocks and pillars, but there is not a maze involved.
The Reserve has a remote and undisturbed beauty. There is a 20-minute walk that takes you to the scenic lookout.
My kids had fun swinging on the vines and exploring the cracks and crevices along the way. Once again, cue Indiana Jones.
7. Visit the Te Waikoropupu Springs (โPupuโ Springs)
With a name like “pupu”, you know your kids are going to like it- ha! Te Waikoropupลซ Springs is a pretty chill place to walk around.
To the naked eye, it might just look like a pretty body of water. However, these springs are actually an incredible natural phenomenon.
These are the largest cold water springs found in the Southern Hemisphere. This water is also considered to be one of the most optically pure in the entire world due to the natural filtering process.
The only water that is more clear is under Antarctica’s frozen Weddell Sea. I mean the visibility is 63 meters, which is crazy!
I thought it was pretty fascinating, and the short 20-minute stroll was perfect for kids. At the end, there is a tap where you can drink some of the water pumped directly from the spring.
The springs are located just a few miles west of Takaka. They are in the same general vicinity as the previous spots mentioned, so it’s worth a stop if you have the time.
8. Play on the Sand Dunes at Wharariki Beach
As you head up to the far north tip (about an hour drive from Takaka), you’ll find the wild rugged beauty of the Farewell Spit. The Farewell Spit is home to a beautiful nature preserve.
Public access on the spit is limited to the first 4 km, after that you will need to take a guided tour.
However, one of my favorite spots in Golden Bay, and one of my favorite beaches in all of New Zealand is located near here.
This beach is located at Cape Farewell on the west coast just past Farewell Spit.
To access the beach, you’ll take a 30-minute trail through the scenic Puponga farmland. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. This is a working farm so you’ll most likely see lots of sheep along your way.
Once you cross through the pastures and trees, you will come to Wharariki Beach (“wh” is pronounced “f”).
This amazing beach has rolling white sand dunes, beach caves to explore, and seal pups playing in the rock pools. The best time to see the pups is at low tide during the months of December-April.
The scenery at Wharariki Beach is just breathtaking. For an even more memorable experience, take a scenic horseback rideย along the beach!ย
The best time to come is during low tide so that you can explore the caves. Just bring a flashlight and be careful of sea lions that may be hanging out inside.
The only downfall is that it is often windy here, and I mean WINDY. But if the weather is good, pack a picnic and spend a day playing and exploring!
9. Stop at the Cape Farewell Lookout Point
Cape Farewell is the northernmost point of the South Island. As you’re driving to Wharariki beach, you’ll pass the lookout point for Cape Farewell.
There is a parking lot and a short five-minute walk to the viewing platform where you can take in this beautiful scene.
These quartz sandstone cliffs have slowly been eroding over time. The eroding sand has been carried by the ocean currents and deposited to form the Farewell Spit.
I also love the origin of its name. As Captain Cook was setting sail back to Australia, this was the last sight of land that he and his crew bid farewell to.
There are also some rewarding but longer coastal tracksย (including Pillar Point Lighthouse) that take several hours to complete if you’re up for it!
10. Take the Scenic Drive up Takaka Hill
I’m not sure why they call it a hill, Takaka is definitely a legit mountain! This mountain pass is the only access road to Golden Bay and is full of bends and hairpin turns. Consider yourself warned if you are prone to car sickness!
Regardless, it is a beautiful drive with several points of interest along the way if you need to stop and get some fresh air.
Takaka Hill is also referred to as “Marble Mountain”, due to the old marble quarries that were established here. This is also the filming location for Chetwood Forest on The Lord of the Rings.
There are quite a few caves and sinkholes on the mountain. The most popular caves that are open to the public are the Ngarua Caves. These caves boast skeletal remains of New Zealand’s extinct Moa bird.
Harwood’s Hole is also an impressive sinkhole, and New Zealand’s deepest vertical shaft. Take a 45-minute track to the entrance of the hole, but use caution as there are no barriers and it can be very dangerous.ย
Where to stay in Golden Bay New Zealand
I highly recommend looking into a beach house along Pakawau Beach through Airbnb or Book-a-Bach.
Each summer we stayed for a week at the Starfish and it was a little slice of paradise.
This beach cottage is nestled in the trees and only steps from the beach.
The home is fully stocked with everything you need for a memorable family vacation.
Nightly rates are very reasonable, which is an added bonus!
I think that just about covers the best things to do in Golden Bay New Zealand! And be sure to check out our list of 17 South Island Hidden Gems!
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