New Zealand Golden Bay: the stunning Idyllic paradise

The New Zealand Golden Bay is an absolute gem at the very northern most tip of South Island. It’s one of the most popular spots for locals to holiday on, and travellers are getting a bit savvy too… although it is still a fairly unknown and still not the most popular tourist spot (which is great!).

If you are road tripping around South Island, then don’t miss this little paradise. It’s well worth a stop to the Farewell Spit, Abel Tasman National Park and just a dip in the ocean on the beautiful golden bay beaches here.

The sands are definitely golden, and the water can be fresh but it’s so refreshing, you can’t miss it!

I have just spent several weeks travelling to every corner so I can recommend the best places to visit in New Zealand, and all my maternal side of the family live here, so I have all the local recommendations which I’m sharing here.

If you are road tripping, have a look at my South Island road trip or North Island itinerary. Not sure where to go? Have a look at my article on North VS South Island New Zealand, which is better?

New Zealand Hot Water Beach – Geothermal vents

Golden Bay — New Zealand Hot Water Beach – Geothermal vents

Best activities & tours on South Island

Here are some of the best New Zealand South Island tours! I always compare tours on Viator and Get Your Guide to check prices and different tour availability.

Jet Boat & Wilderness experience – If you’re after an adrenaline experience then this is for you!

Milford Sound Cruises – The best way to see the unofficial 8th wonder of the world.

Franz Josef Glacier tours – one of the most iconic, stunning, incredible things to experience in South Island!

Glenorchy & Paradise half day tour – if you’re after some beautiful sight seeing this is for you!

Glow worm caves – Dont miss the iconic glow worm caves in South Island!

Scenic Flights – One of the most iconic experiences in all of South Island, New Zealand.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Adriana! I’m constantly searching for the best places to travel to so you don’t have to! Think hidden gems but all over the world.
That means I’m constantly on the road and exploring new places to visit and I have a love for photography, so it made sense to write travel guides on all the places I visit. I was born in Australia and lived in New Zealand, Poland, Dubai and England growing up and I decided to take my love of travel to the next level! Read more about me here and see my articles here.

Table of Contents

New Zealand Golden Bay

The Golden Bay in New Zealand is at the very northernmost tip of the South Island. It’s known for its stunning and pretty landscapes, with golden sandy beaches, clear azure blue waters, and thick, luscious forests.

The main town in Golden Bay is Takaka, which is generally known for its artsy vibe, with galleries, cafes, and markets showcasing local artisans.

The area is also famous for its alternative lifestyle, famous for being a hangout place for artists, hippies, and those seeking a more laid-back way of life.

The bay is surrounded by the rugged Takaka Hill and Kahurangi National Park, perfect for all the outdoorsy people. If you enjoy hiking, kayaking, swimming and fishing, then this spot is for you.

The Abel Tasman National Park has some of the most gorgeous golden, pristine beaches and coastal walks too, which you won’t want to miss.

The area is also home to the Te Waikoropupu Springs, which is frankly UNREAL when it comes tor crystal-clear waters. Keep on reading for all the things to do in the Golden Bay Region.

New Zealand Golden Bay Map

Make sure you save this location to Google Maps so you know exactly where to go, sometimes I found that there was no signal in some areas.

Best Things to do in Golden Bay

Here are my favourite things to do in New Zealand’s Golden Bay.

1. Explore Takaka’s Artistic Vibe

Everyone flocks to Takaka, the main town of Golden Bay, because of its vibrant artsy scene.

The town is dotted with galleries, with a tonne of local artwork, from paintings to sculptures and pottery. It’s pretty to just walk around town and window shop, or actually shop!

Take a stroll down the main street and pop into the various galleries and studios to check out the creations of local artisans.

Don’t miss the Takaka Village Market, held every Saturday from 9am-1.30pm, where you can browse local arts and crafts.

The coffee and food served here is smashing, sit back, relax and soak up the town’s bohemian vibes.

2. Visit the Pohara Beach

Pohara Beach is a picturesque stretch of golden sand that is the perfect spot to chill out like all the locals and maybe even go for a fresh dip in the sea.

The beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and it’s actually known for a bit of beachcombing too; search for interesting or valuable items, such as seashells, sea glass, driftwood, and other items washed up by the tide

. Pack a picnic and spend a leisurely day at Pohara Beach, soaking up the sun and listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.

3. Discover Te Waikoropupu Springs

Te Waikoropupu Springs, also known as “Pupu Springs,” are a must-visit if you’re in the area – these waters are seriously stunning.

These crystal-clear, vibrant blue springs are among the clearest in the world. Take a stroll along the walking tracks that surround the springs.

It actually turns out that it is the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand!

Te Waikoropupu Springs is also culturally significant for Maori people that are local to Golden Bay, New Zealand.

They are known as sacred waters & belong to a number of Maori mythology and spirituality tales, embodying traditions, stories, and ancestral connections passed down through generations.

4. Hike the Abel Tasman Coast Track

The Abel Tasman Coast Track is known as ‘one of New Zealand’s Great Walks‘, right within the Abel Tasman National Park.

And for good reason! It’s beautiful, and on a sunny day, it simply transforms! The views of Tasman Bay are exceptional! The Nelson Regional Development Agency looks after the region & does a great job.

The track winds its way along the coastline, passing through the native scrub and you’ll get fab views of the golden beaches and vibrantly blue coves.

Whether you choose to do a full day hike or just chill on the beach, the Abel Tasman Coast Track will definitely be a highlight on your South Island trip.

Abel Tasmann Coast Beach — New Zealand Golden Bay – Nelson Tasman National Park

5. Kayak in Golden Bay

Golden Bay is a kayaker’s paradise and thanks to the shape of the bay and the coastal waters, it’s particularly calm waters is perfect for kayaking.

It has the most stunning coastline offering the perfect for a bit of outdoor watersports, or even a swim.

Rent a kayak and explore the bay at your own pace, there are a tonne of hidden coves for you to paddle out to, cool photogenic rocks that jut out into the sky, and even a few hidden beaches along the way.

Keep an eye out for seals & dolphins, you might often see seals on the beach! The seals are generally very calm and non threatening, and very very cute!

6. Visit Farewell Spit

Farewell Spit is famous for stretching out for 26 kilometres into the Tasman Sea, which forms the ‘northern arm’ of Golden Bay.

You’ll find a tonne of birds on the Spit – literally millions at times – and if you want to learn about the ecosystem, there are a bunch of guides that would be happy to take you.

7. Explore Wharariki Beach

Wharariki Beach is a hidden gem tucked away at the western edge of Golden Bay but also a little bit famous. The good news is that there is a lot of space for everyone!

This huge beach has a tonne of dramatic, jutting rock formations & towering sea stacks which is the picture perfect opportunity for anyone visiting.

Check out the Wharariki Beach walking track too.

Take a walk along the beach and explore the rock pools, caves, and arches that dot the coastline. Wharariki Beach is also a great spot to see seals!

8. Visit the Wainui Falls

I personally love stopping by a waterfall and getting a waterfall massage and The Wainui Falls should be on your list. It is in the Wainui Valley, just a short drive from Takaka.

A short and easy walk through the forest leads you to these impressive falls, which are over 20 metres high.

It is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day, so don’t forget your swimwear.

9. Go on One of the most Scenic Drives in New Zealand

Golden Bay has one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand, so definitely go for a drive in this area.

You’ll get spectacular views of the coastline, forests, and mountains making it a picture perfect postcard you’ll want to send home.

Take a drive along the Takaka Hill Road for panoramic views of Golden Bay and the surrounding area. Stop at lookout points along the way to snap some photos; you won’t regret it.

10. Experience the Labyrinth Rocks Park

Labyrinth Rocks Park is a unique geological formation located near Takaka, in the Grove Scenic Reserve. It’s cool and a bit creepy, definitely a photographers paradise and a great place for a walk.

The park is literally a maze of limestone rocks, which you can explore via a network of walking tracks.

Wander through the rock maze and enjoy the weird and wonderful shapes you come across.

11. Fish & eat fresh sushi

I wasn’t initially a fan of the idea, but actually, catching your own fish and preparing it to eat right in front of you is kinda cool. At the Anatoki Salmon Farm, you can try your hand at catching your own salmon from the farm’s waters.

Once you’ve caught your fish, it can be prepared for you to enjoy on-site, either grilled or sashimi-style.

12. Relax at Totoranui Beach

Totoranui Beach is an absolute hidden gem right at the northern end of Abel Tasman National Park.

The beach is known for its pretty golden sands, clear blue waters, and there are much less tourists here.

Pack a picnic and spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the sea, and soaking up the sun.

Totoranui Beach — New Zealand Golden Bay Beach

13. Fish & Chips

Lastly, don’t forget to have some delicious, fresh fish & chips! They are pretty delicious in NZ and the batter is top tier.

Car & Campervan Rental

It’s recommended that you either hire yourself, a camper van or a car, so you can explore North Island at your heart’s desire..

Depending on what time of year it can be really busy so it is worth looking at your stay well in advance. Bear in mind cost of hotels on your itinerary North Island New Zealand, so it might be cheaper to actually stay in a van.

Car Rental South Island

Quick links

Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad:

Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide

Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia.

E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card!

Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it!

Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank!

South Island Weather

Summer in NZ

Read more about the summer weather in NZ.

Temperature: In January, when it’s summer, the weather is warm on both North & South Island! The temperatures are around 23°C (73°F), while the South Island is a tad cooler, sitting at around 19°C (66°F).

But honestly, on some of the days it was BOILING in the summer, and reaching highs of 30°C (86°F) if not higher. Think, you’ll burn in 15 minutes outside without sun cream.

Rain: Both islands get about 8 rainy days, but you’ve got heaps of daylight to play with, around 15 hours a day. It’s like the sun just doesn’t wanna quit!

Winter in NZ

Read more about the winter weather in NZ.

Fast forward to June, when it’s winter in NZ. Things start cooling down a bit, especially in the South Island. You’re looking at around 11°C (52°F) down there, while the North Island is still a bit milder, hovering around 15°C (59°F).

It’s a bit wetter too, with around 14 rainy days, but, you still get some solid daylight, about 9 hours or so.

New Zealand Weather in January

Average temperature on North Island: 23°C (73°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 19°C (66°F)
Average rainy days: 8
Average daylight hours: 15
Average sunrise time: 6:15 AM
Average sunset time: 9:30 PM

New Zealand Weather in February

Average temperature on North Island: 25°C (77°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 20°C (68°F)
Average rainy days: 7
Average daylight hours: 14
Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
Average sunset time: 9:00 PM

New Zealand Weather in March

Average temperature on North Island: 23°C (73°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 18°C (64°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 12
Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
Average sunset time: 8:15 PM

New Zealand Weather in April

Average temperature on North Island: 20°C (68°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 15°C (59°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 11
Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:45 PM

New Zealand Weather in May

Average temperature on North Island: 17°C (63°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 12°C (54°F)
Average rainy days: 12
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:15 AM
Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

New Zealand Weather in June

Average temperature on North Island: 15°C (59°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 9°C (48°F)
Average rainy days: 14
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
Average sunset time: 5:15 PM

New Zealand Weather in July

Average temperature on North Island: 14°C (57°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 8°C (46°F)
Average rainy days: 15
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

New Zealand Weather in August

Average temperature on North Island: 15°C (59°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 9°C (48°F)
Average rainy days: 15
Average daylight hours: 10
Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:00 PM

New Zealand Weather in September

Average temperature on North Island: 16°C (61°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 10°C (50°F)
Average rainy days: 13
Average daylight hours: 12
Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:30 PM

New Zealand Weather in October

Average temperature on North Island: 18°C (64°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 12°C (54°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 13
Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
Average sunset time: 7:45 PM

New Zealand Weather in November

Average temperature on North Island: 20°C (68°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 14°C (57°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 14
Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
Average sunset time: 8:30 PM

New Zealand Weather in December

Average temperature on North Island: 22°C (72°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 16°C (61°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 15
Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
Average sunset time: 9:15 PM

Here are some other New Zealand guides you might find useful:

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