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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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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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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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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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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MOATREK SMALL GROUP ESCAPES
MOATREK SMALL GROUP ESCAPES
Small group guided tours for mature travellers. MoaTrek 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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MOLESWORTH TOUR COMPANY - North Canterbury
MOLESWORTH TOUR COMPANY - North Canterbury
Mobile-friendly - Experience the stunning landscapes of Molesworth Station, New Zealand’s largest high-country cattle station with our passionate guides who will bring the whole experience to life for you. One, or two-day tours available from Hanmer Springs on request for small groups or individuals. Larger groups can be catered for also.
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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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NZ ROAD TRIP - New Zealand
NZ ROAD TRIP - New Zealand
New Zealand is the road trip destination of a lifetime. For over 14 years we have been designing road trips around this extraordinary country for people from all over the world. Our combination of experience, knowledge and passion will ensure we create the perfect road trip for you. Get in touch today and we can start planning yours today.
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PATONS ROCK BEACH VILLAS - Golden Bay
PATONS ROCK BEACH VILLAS - Golden Bay
Mobile-friendly - Just 5 minutes walk to Patons Rock beach, 10 minutes drive from Takaka, Patons Rock Beach Villas are the ideal choice for the discerning holidaymaker. With 4 spacious 2-bedroom villas & beach baches, all have garden views from every window.Located well off the road, you will feel like you have the whole place to yourself.
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PELORUS AIR - Marlborough Sounds
PELORUS AIR - Marlborough Sounds
Mobile-friendly - Welcome to Pelorus Air. We can offer a variety of Scenic Flight options for 2-15 people. From our base in Picton, we provide easy access from Wellington, Paraparaumu and Nelson - to some of the far reaches of the area. In the Marlborough Sounds we service airstrips in Port Gore, Nopera, D'Urville Island, Elie Bay and Northwest Bay.
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RATANUI LODGE BOUTIQUE HOTEL - Golden Bay, Nelson
RATANUI LODGE BOUTIQUE HOTEL - Golden Bay, Nelson
Mobile-friendly - Explore the northern Abel Tasman and Farewell Spit. Continental breakfast and WIFI always free. Across the street from Pohara Beach in spectacular, secluded Golden Bay. 10 mins from Takaka township. 10 en-suite rooms with luxurious down bedding. Saltwater swimming pool and hot tub. Dining Room serving seasonal set 3 course meals nightly and outdoor patio for cocktails.
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ROCKY RIDGE COTTAGE - Golden Bay, Nelson
ROCKY RIDGE COTTAGE - Golden Bay, Nelson
Rocky Ridge Cottage is a unique holiday offering privacy like no other getaway, 10km from Takaka and the great beaches of Golden Bay. Self catering cottage close to all attractions in the area. Outdoor bath and outdoor fire-pit with seating. Views in all directions; over the ocean and rolling countryside, into nearby steep mountains or over the Kahurangi National Park.
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View 9 events near Nelson - Golden Bay
Wild Basket Making Weekend Workshop in Golden Bay
Multi-disciplined fibre artist Anita Peters is offering to share her techniques of making baskets using a variety of natural and found materials, located at her unique outdoor garden studio at the Historical Fairholme ...
Where: Fairholme Gallery, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
Address: 637 East Takaka Road, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
From: 9:30am on Saturday 9th December 2023
To: 4:00pm on Sunday 10th December 2023
Takaka Open Mic Night
Lindy Valente and Ron Valente (Gypsy Pickers) host and perform for the Open Mic Night at Roots Bar, Takaka, every Thursday. This is a popular night with locals and travellers. Bring along your songs, instruments and ...
Where: Roots Bar, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
Address: 1 Commercial St, Takaka, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
From: 8:30pm on Thursday 23rd November 2023
To: 11:59pm on Thursday 25th April 2024
Oakley & Amiria Grenell
Brother & sister duo perform originals and songs of influence, including tunes from their father John. Amiria won NZ Tui Award in 2012 for best Folk Album which was produced by Oakley.
Where: Mussel Inn, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
Address: 1259 State Highway 60, Onekaka, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
From: 8:00pm on Saturday 23rd December 2023
To: 10:30pm on Saturday 23rd December 2023
NYE! Gypsy Pickers at Takaka
New Years Eve! The lovely proprietors at Takaka’s Telegraph Hotel have invited the Gypsy Pickers to bring their high energy show to this historic venue, to see in 2024! There’s lots of room for dancing and ...
Where: The Telegraph Hotel, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
Address: 2 Motupipi Street, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
From: 8:30pm on Sunday 31st December 2023
To: 11:59pm on Sunday 31st December 2023

Seaside Sloths with Tinny
Suffering succotash! Seaside Sloths are south this summer! As part of the Seaside Tour the Sloths are bringing their electrifying show to the nationally famous venue the Mussel Inn, with support from Tinny. This is ...
Where: Mussel Inn, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
Address: 1259 State Highway 60, Onekaka, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
From: 7:30pm on Thursday 4th January 2024
To: 11:00pm on Thursday 4th January 2024
Gypsy Pickers at Molly B's Pohara
Gypsy Pickers live show at Pohara's popular Molly B's restaurant and bar, from 3pm. Everyone welcome! GYPSY PICKERS "Hot rhythms and feel-good music with the power of soul!" The Gypsy Pickers are a multi-instrument ...
Where: Molly B's Restaurant & Bar, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
Address: 800 Abel Tasman Drive, Takaka, New Zealand, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
From: 3:00pm on Sunday 7th January 2024
To: 11:59pm on Sunday 7th January 2024
OdESSA Live At the Mussel Inn
Aotearoa’s Garage Funk legends OdESSA are back on the road in January 2024 for their first South Island tour in over 10 years! Once described as “the band that can make all of New Zealand stand up and ...
Where: Mussel Inn, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
Address: 1259 State Highway 60, Onekaka, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
From: 8:00pm on Wednesday 10th January 2024
To: 11:59pm on Wednesday 10th January 2024
Cancer and Cartwheels
A comedy show about cartwheels, cancer eviction, and Bad and Better wigs. A show about life. Jo was always good at cartwheels. It was her thing. In 1981, Jo did a cart-wheel-a-thon for Telethon. She was that good. In ...
Where: Mussel Inn, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
Address: 1259 State Highway 60, Onekaka, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
From: 8:00pm on Thursday 18th January 2024
To: 9:00pm on Thursday 18th January 2024

Golden Bay A&P Show
Our Golden Bay A & P show is a true country style, family friendly show with lots to see and do. Get up close to the prize winning goats, sheep and cattle. Cheer on the horse riders, choppers and shearers. Browse the ...
Where: Golden Bay Recreation Park, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
Address: Golden Bay Showgrounds, Golden Bay, Nelson / Tasman
From: 8:00am on Saturday 20th January 2024
To: 5:00pm on Saturday 20th January 2024