Golden Bay
Golden Bay is a shallow bay, separated from the sea by Farewell Spit, which lies at the northwest end of the South Island. The bay is bordered by Kahurangi National Park and Abel Tasman National Park in Nelson. Golden Bay is a vast, beautiful paradise for nature lovers – at the end of a wonderfully scenic road trip.
From Picton, drive to Golden Bay via Nelson or through Queen Charlotte Sounds (four or five hours driving) and from Christchurch (about 296km away), it's a seven hour drive via the Lewis Pass, Murchison, Nelson and Highway 60. Experience the long, slow climb over Takaka Hill (the 'Marble Mountain'), stop to marvel at Harwoods Hole, the Ngarua Caves and the Te Waikoropupu Springs (the 'Pupu Springs') - New Zealand's largest freshwater springs and home of the clearest spring water in the world. more
Popular with visitors to Golden Bay is the bird sanctuary on Farewell Spit, horse trekking on the beautiful Wharariki Beach, the Te Anaroa Caves, Bencarri Farm Park, Anatoki Salmon Park and cafe, and the scenic drive to the golden beaches of Ligar Bay and Tata Beach. Takaka Hill near Golden Bay hosts the unique, 'earth friendly festival' of Lumminate.
Accommodation in Golden Bay is in 'character-style' backpackers, baches, cottages, luxury lodges, plus modern motels and campgrounds.
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Attractions and Activities
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Attractions and Activities
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ABEL TASMAN CANYONS - Motueka, Nelson
ABEL TASMAN CANYONS - Motueka, Nelson
Mobile-friendly - Sliding down water polished chutes, jumping into crystal clear pools, abseiling through showering waterfalls, and flying down ziplines. Abel Tasman Canyons provides exciting and action-packed guided canyoning trips in the Abel Tasman National Park, the Kahurangi National Park and Mt Richmond Forest Park. Canyoning: the best adventure to get roped into.
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ABEL TASMAN SEA SHUTTLES - Abel Tasman National Park
ABEL TASMAN SEA SHUTTLES - Abel Tasman National Park
Mobile-friendly - Come to the stunning Abel Tasman National Park in comfort and safety with experienced skippers from Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles. Seven-days-a-week service. All trips offer viewing stops and commentaries about the unique Abel Tasman National Park features. See wildlife, golden sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, lush native bush and rivers. Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruises and Water Taxis.
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ADRIFT BEACHFRONT ACCOMMODATION - Golden Bay, Nelson
ADRIFT BEACHFRONT ACCOMMODATION - Golden Bay, Nelson
Mobile-friendly - Luxury, beachfront, private villas. Relax in a serene and spacious garden setting on quiet, sandy Tukurua Beach. TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice winner for 5 years and the only Qualmark rated five-star accommodation in Golden Bay. This intimate lodging is centrally located in Golden Bay for exploring Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks and Farewell Spit.
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ANATOKI SALMON FISHING & CAFE - Takaka, Nelson
ANATOKI SALMON FISHING & CAFE - Takaka, Nelson
Mobile-friendly - You'll find a unique freshwater fishing activity in Golden Bay just 100km from Nelson. Situated on the banks of the Anatoki River between Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Park, you can relax and catch your very own premium Chinook salmon. Have it hot smoked ready to eat in our cafe, or take away fresh for the BBQ. Open 7 days.
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APARTMENTS ON ABEL - Golden Bay
APARTMENTS ON ABEL - Golden Bay
A selection of fully self-contained apartments giving you the creature comforts of a motel with the freedom and privacy of a holiday home. All apartments are supplied with bedding, towels and condiments. Shared private garden and facilities including BBQ, guest laundry, free wifi, book & DVD library, self-check-in availability. Short walk to beach, cafes & restaurants.
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BETHANY PARK - Holiday Park and Christian Camp - Kaiteriteri
BETHANY PARK - Holiday Park and Christian Camp - Kaiteriteri
Mobile-friendly - Only a ten-minute stroll from Kaiteriteri Beach and a short drive to the start of the Abel Tasman Track, our tree lined holiday park operates all-year round offering over 200 sites for your camping pleasure! With amenities, powered and non powered options and the many adventures on our doorstep like fishing, walking trails, cafe's and nature - it's all here.
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CANOPY CAMPING ESCAPES - Quartz Clearing - Golden Bay
CANOPY CAMPING ESCAPES - Quartz Clearing - Golden Bay
Quartz Clearing is 2.5 hours drive from Nelson and 30 minutes from Collingwood in Golden Bay. Set in a secluded spot next to a rocky-bottomed stream, surrounded by native forest, the accommodation is made up of three very unique little buildings. An elevated hut bedroom hut, a small log cabin with a kitchen and lounge, and a rustic bathroom hut.
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CAPE FAREWELL HORSE TREKS - Golden Bay, Nelson
CAPE FAREWELL HORSE TREKS - Golden Bay, Nelson
Mobile-friendly - Our horse treks range from 1.5 hours, to over-nighters, to seven days plus! All our horse treks offer stunning views over farmland and beach, including river crossings, caves and the option of a gallop along the white sand beaches for horse lovers. We are open for horse treks most days.
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CLASSIC CAR TOURS - South Island New Zealand
CLASSIC CAR TOURS - South Island New Zealand
Mobile-friendly - Escorted, customised tours driving our Jaguar, MG and Alfa Romeo classic and modern sports cars, or yours. Enjoy up to five different cars touring the wonderful uncrowded roads of the South Island. Day or multi day trips on set dates or to your choice, taking in delightful destinations, riveting roads, characterful company, delicious dining, affable accommodation and stunning scenery!
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DISCOVER NZ MOTORHOMES - Nelson, Picton, Blenheim, Christchurch
DISCOVER NZ MOTORHOMES - Nelson, Picton, Blenheim, Christchurch
Mobile-friendly - Small family owned enterprise operating a fleet of current model, two, four, six-berth motorhomes and campervans. Situated in sunny Nelson at the top of the South Island, among national parks and golden beaches. Bases Auckland and Christchurch. Pick-ups from Nelson Airport or accommodation, Blenheim Airport or accommodation and inter-island ferries in Picton, Picton Airport or any accommodation. Other areas by arrangement.
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Farewell Spit - Off the beaten track
Farewell Spit - Off the beaten track
Farewell Spit is the longest natural sandbar in the world and can be found at the wild and windswept northernmost point of New Zealand's South Island. The Spit is regarded as a Wetland of International Importance and as such is protected by New Zealand's Department of Conservation. No private access is permitted, although you can join organised tours.
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FAREWELL SPIT & PUPONGA FARM PARK TRACKS - Golden Bay, Nelson
FAREWELL SPIT & PUPONGA FARM PARK TRACKS - Golden Bay, Nelson
Choose from shorter or longer walks across farmland, and discover a lighthouse and spectacular views of the rugged coastline. From the Wharariki car park, follow a vehicle track west to Green Hills Stream and beyond. Superb farmland, lakes, cliffs and wind-carved moorlands are features of this area. Mountain biking is allowed on this track.
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GOLDEN BAY AIR - Takaka
GOLDEN BAY AIR - Takaka
Operating scheduled flights between Wellington, Karamea, Nelson and Takaka, Golden Bay. Spectacular scenic flights from Takaka and Abel Tasman. Fly/cruise packages to experience both Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay without retracing your steps. All flights connect with our daily shuttle services to Heaphy Track and Abel Tasman National Park. Rental Car available in Takaka to explore Golden Bay.
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GOLDEN BAY COACHLINES - Nelson & Golden Bay
GOLDEN BAY COACHLINES - Nelson & Golden Bay
Mobile-friendly - Golden Bay Coachlines operate daily scheduled services from Nelson to Golden Bay, Abel Tasman National Park and the Heaphy Track via Richmond, Motueka, Takaka and Collingwood. We also provide bus charters in Golden Bay. Operating modern air-conditioned coaches, join us as we take you on a scenic journey through limestone outcrops, rolling hills and vast golden beaches.
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GOLDEN BAY HOLIDAY PARK - Tukurua Beach, Golden Bay
GOLDEN BAY HOLIDAY PARK - Tukurua Beach, Golden Bay
Mobile-friendly - Located in the heart of Golden Bay, our holiday park is the perfect holiday haven. Relax on the beach or explore surrounds. Our park, cabins, beach-houses, caravans, power and tent-sites are situated right alongside secluded Tukurua Beach. Spacious grounds bounded by native bush. Perfect base for exploring Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks. Ideal stopover when walking the Heaphy Track.
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GOURMET SAILING - Nelson
GOURMET SAILING - Nelson
Mobile-friendly - Experience unparalleled service and exceptional cuisine. Gourmet Sailing offers a variety of day and overnight private yacht charters around Nelson, Tasman Bay, Abel Tasman National Park and Marlborough Sounds. Enjoy spectacular scenery, visit secluded beaches and indulge in local gourmet food and wine. All trips fully customised to suit, with the choice of a comfortable 51-foot or spacious 65-foot yacht.
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HELICOPTERS NELSON
HELICOPTERS NELSON
Mobile-friendly - Helicopters Nelson is a locally owned and operated helicopter company specializing in personalized tours of the Nelson & Marlborough regions. We are also Nelsons leading provider of commercial services. With generations of experience operating helicopters in Nelson and the surrounding national parks, who better to show you the diversity of our naturally beautiful region?
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Kahurangi National Park - Off the beaten track
Kahurangi National Park - Off the beaten track
If you love hiking, or tramping as it's called in New Zealand, then you will definitely enjoy the Heaphy Track, one of the more remote Great Walks situated in the Kahurangi National Park. Located in the north-west corner of the South Island, the Heaphy Track is the longest of the Great Walks and takes between 4-6 days to complete.
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LABYRINTH ROCKS - Golden Bay
LABYRINTH ROCKS - Golden Bay
The labyrinth is a two hectare wonderland of the most amazing limestone rock formations and regenerating native bush. The canyons provide a readymade walkway system, even a natural rock maze where several adjacent canyons are interconnected by small tunnels and archways.
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MAXI ADVENTURES - Takaka, Nelson, Blenheim, Picton
MAXI ADVENTURES - Takaka, Nelson, Blenheim, Picton
Mobile-friendly - Mountain Bike transport, Tramping Transport, and general tourism transport in the upper South Island of New Zealand. We provide chartered transport solutions to fit your needs so that you are not bound by inconvenient schedules. Our most popular services are Heaphy Track transport, Abel Tasman transport, Old Ghost Road transport, Cobb Valley transport and many more.
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MOATOURS SMALL GROUP ESCAPADES
MOATOURS SMALL GROUP ESCAPADES
Small group guided tours for mature travellers. MoaTours holidays are designed especially for those who want to explore our beautiful countryside in a small friendly group with the care and attention of a professional Kiwi Guide. Enjoy special annual events, summer getaways and get to know the locals over relaxed lunches in their homes.
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MOATREK NEW ZEALAND SMALL GROUP TOURS - Nationwide
MOATREK NEW ZEALAND SMALL GROUP TOURS - Nationwide
Looking for the very best of New Zealand for your 'Trip of a Lifetime'? You'll love our small friendly groups and relaxed pace as you discover the true flavour of New Zealand in comfort and style. We’re all Kiwis, we grew up here and can’t wait to show you our favourite spots and introduce you to our mates!
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MOLESWORTH TOUR COMPANY - Marlborough
MOLESWORTH TOUR COMPANY - Marlborough
Mobile-friendly - Experience the stunning landscapes of the Marlborough high country region. Tour options include day tours, guided cycle tours, cruise ship shore excursions, small-group multiday heritage tours, Marlborough Winery tours, self-drive 4WD tours. With 30 years' experience owners Geoff and Lee, and their local guides offer a variety of experiences to explore the Blenheim, Marlborough, Nelson, Canterbury and West Coast Regions.
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NEW ZEALAND GUIDED PRIVATE TOURS - Nelson
NEW ZEALAND GUIDED PRIVATE TOURS - Nelson
Mobile-friendly - New Zealand Guided Private Tours provide private and customised tours with your own driver, for small groups from 1 to 4 persons touring both the South and North Islands. Day tours from Nelson. Enjoy stunning Tasman in the South Island of New Zealand. Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
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NEW ZEALAND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS - New Zealand
NEW ZEALAND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS - New Zealand
Mobile-friendly - Join New Zealand's top landscape, nature and wildlife photographers to help you to get the most from your photography or visit to New Zealand. From 1-day Photography Workshops to 17-day NZ Photo Tours with New Zealand's leading landscape and wildlife photographers.
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