Takaka
Oceania · New Zealand
See also
.jpeg){kind=link}
Abel Tasman National Park
New Zealand40.83°S 172.90°E · 440 m
Motueka
New Zealand41.12°S 173.01°E
Nelson
New Zealand41.27°S 173.28°E · 0 m
Overview
Takaka is the largest town and hub of Golden Bay in the northwest corner of New Zealand's South Island. Agriculture and tourism are the main industries, making the economy fairly seasonal.
Languages: English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
Why go
Takaka is the largest town and hub of Golden Bay in the northwest corner of New Zealand's South Island. Agriculture and tourism are the main industries, making the economy fairly seasonal. The town serves as the primary service center for visitors heading to Abel Tasman National Park and offers a relaxed alternative to larger centers. Waikoropupu Springs holds claim to the clearest water in the world.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Takaka Aerodrome offers regular flights on small aircraft by Golden Bay Air from Wellington, Nelson and Karamea. The airline also does charter flights and scenic flights around the region. Road access is via State Highway 60 through the mountainous Whakapapa Road.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
Rental cars are available from Takaka town and Takaka Aerodrome. The town itself is walkable, but a vehicle is recommended for reaching surrounding beaches and attractions.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park offers beachfront accommodation with power and tent sites, cabins, motel units, and self-contained options ranging from $34-155. The Sandcastle provides 6 self-contained chalets in peaceful gardens with spa, sauna, and cold dip facilities. Wildcat Motel offers additional mid-range options.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Anatoki Salmon cafe serves fresh salmon from Lake Anatoki with hours 9AM-4:30PM. Dangerous Kitchen on Commercial Street offers creative casual dining. Wholemeal Cafe at 60 Commercial Street is a long-running cafe with organic and vegetarian offerings. The region is known for artisan food producers.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Waikoropupu Springs features the clearest water in the world with tame eels to feed and a salmon farm to visit. Abel Tasman National Monument commemorates the 1642 visit of Dutch explorer Abel Tasman with a 5-minute walking track and viewing platform. Anatoki Salmon Fishing at Lake Anatoki lets visitors catch their own lunch. Golden Bay Air offers scenic flights over Farewell Spit and Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Onekaka is about 17 km past Takaka, home to the Mussel Inn where Monkey Puzzle beer and excellent food can be found. A glow-worm trail across the way is popular after dinner. Collingwood offers a great beach and is the departure point for tours along Farewell Spit to the historic lighthouse on the tip.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
Beachfront location. Accommodation options include power and tent sites, comfortable, fully equipped standard and kitchen cabins, fully serviced motel units, self-contained units and ensuite cabins. Access facilities available. Qualmark 4 Star plus Holiday Park.
Recorded price: $34 - $155
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
The Sandcastle
6 self-contained chalets set in a peaceful gardens and native bush. A spa, sauna, and cold dip are available at this relaxing facility conveniently situated between Takaka and the Totaranui beach.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Wildcat Motel
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Anatoki Salmon cafe
Fresh salmon straight from Lake Anatoki onto your plate.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Dangerous Kitchen
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Wholemeal Cafe
Long-running cafe with a number of organic and vegetarian offerings.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Abel Tasman National Monument
Monument built in 1942 to commemorate the visit of Dutch explorer Abel Tasman and his crew in 1642, the first known Europeans to visit New Zealand. There's an easy 5-minute walking track to the monument and a viewing platform on a headland, with views of the Tata Islands and Ligar Bay.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Scenic flights with Golden Bay Air
The company offers a variety of flights around Golden Bay, including Farewell Spit and Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks from Takaka Aerodrome.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Money
New Zealand dollar (NZD) is the local currency. ATMs available in town for cash withdrawal.
Transport
Rental cars available from Takaka town and Takaka Aerodrome. Golden Bay Air connects to Wellington, Nelson, and Karamea.
Weather
Golden Bay has a mild climate. Summer (Dec-Feb) is peak season for beach activities. Winter is quieter but still visitable.