Golden Bay is a real hidden treasure which should be on your New Zealand list of Must Do's. With Natural wonders like Farewell Spit and Waikoropupu Springs mixed together with wonderfully different beaches, two national parks, Kahurangi and Abel Tasman, and the chance to walk the Heaphy Track. It's Autumn which is a great time to visit the Golden Bay region.
Conquering the drive over Takaka Hill will reward you with views of Golden Bay, one of New Zealands off-the-beaten-track treasures.
Golden Bay has everything. History, culture, gold mines, great beaches, water worn limeston caves, wind-short coastal cliffs, fresh water bubbling springs with the clearest water you'll ever see, a 35km sand spit, wildlife, two quaint small towns,Ttakaka and Collingwood, museums, and one of New Zealands most vibrant arts secenes. You can see it in a wide variety of ways. Kayak, boat, horse trek, scenic flight, 4WD bus tour, guided walk, or the Space Shuttle (although that ones a bit more exclusive and expensive!). Golden Bay also gives' you access to two of New Zealands most beautiful National Parks with two world famous walking tracks. The Kahurangi National Park which boasts the Heaphy Track and the Abel Tasman National Park which presides over the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
When Abel Tasman, the first European to site New Zealand, anchored in Golden Bay in 1642 you just know he was thinking, "Do I really have to leave all this and go home?!". We're sure you'll feel the same way when you come and Experience all Golden Bay has to offer.
Climate
Golden Bay enjoys some of the largest sunshine hours in New Zealand but also catches some rain during the year. That's part of being on the West Coast of the South Island or New Zealand. Those two factors make Golden Bay what it is. Green, clean, lush, and colourful environment that's perfect for farming which is the main industry in Golden Bay. Not too hot during summer and mild temperatures during winter make Golden Bay a great place to play.
Places to Stay
Golden Bay has a nice variety of accommodation and a nice spread of locations. You can choose to be close to Takaka township or out a bit further at one of the beach locations. The good thing is no place is very far from the other. You can choose from motels, holiday parks, B&B's, holiday homes/apartments, cottages, Backpackers, lodges, and boutique. Something to suit everyone. All easily accessible and good quality, value for money.