Abel Tasman and Golden Bay must-dos
By Lisa: 23 June, 2024
There’s so much more to explore in both the Abel Tasman National Park and beyond in Golden Bay. Whether you’re into freshwater swimming holes, fascinating history, native bird colonies, wild coasts or fabulous cafes and galleries, you’re spoilt for choice in this very special corner of the country—and at Golden Bay Air we can help you explore them by shuttle, rental car or plane.
Side trips within Abel Tasman National Park
Most people know about the famed Split-Apple Rock, but did you know there are many other side trips to explore as you walk the Abel Tasman Coast Track? Cleopatra’s Pool is an incredible freshwater swimming spot with a natural rock waterslide (wear shorts!) while about one hour’s walk from either Torrent Bay or Anchorage (low tide route). Cascade Falls is a hidden gem in the forest, about 30 minutes off the main track (look for the turn-off about 5 minutes along the Torrent Estuary to Awaroa track near Tregidca Creek). Continue past Cascade Falls on the three hour return walk up the Falls River Track. You will be rewarded with a complex series of deep pools interspersed with cascades and waterfalls surrounded by bush and granite boulders. Just the spot for your picnic and a fresh-water dip (keep an eye out for the curious resident eel!). If you are comfortable rock hopping across the river and a bit of bush scrambling, you can explore the seemingly endless cascades further up the river. Keep you eye peeled for Whio/blue duck, they are right at home in this clear fast-flowing river.
If you’re up for an adrenalin adventure in the inner Abel Tasman, Abel Tasman Canyons will have you jumping off cliffs into deep pools, sliding down chutes, ziplining and abseiling beside waterfalls.
Anchorage has some secret spots to explore if you know where to look. At the western end of the beach (walking away from the Hut at low tide) you will find openings in the rock leading to three small grottos. Take a torch to make your way in, look up to spot cave weta (don’t worry they don’t bite), then turn it off and wait for an extraordinary glow-worm display. If you are kayaking, make sure you stop at Shag Harbour at high tide—an oasis of granite cliffs and crystal clear water. From October you’ll be accompanied by playful seal pups.
Awaroa Bay is a fascinating place to explore. You will pass the old mill site as you head up the estuary—the native forest timber was extracted by early European settlers. You can still see the remains of the old school house and runholder house at the top end of the estuary. Check out more in our blog on Discovering the Abel Tasman for more information. Awaroa Lodge provides a fabulous night of luxury and rest amongst the wilderness, with great food, wine and accommodation on the Coast Track—something like this also feels all the more luxurious if you’re staying in huts or camping the nights either side! We love the lodge’s Pizzeria and bar that appears like oasis in the bush serving craft beer and great pizzas through the summer months.
At Tōtaranui, stop at the Department of Conservation visitor centre, which has interesting information about the Park. You can buy snack items, ice-creams and camping conveniences here. If you have time, have a good look around the creek by The Avenue—you’ll find eels there.
To explore more of the northern Abel Tasman area from the Golden Bay side, hire a kayak (or jump on a tour) with Golden Bay Kayaks, or take a short paddle from their home base at Tata around the Tata Islands, home to New Zealand’s largest—and possibly most raucous—shag colony.
Beyond the Abel Tasman—discover Golden Bay!
From Wainui Bay, Golden Bay beckons as a treasure trove of discoveries in every direction, perfect for extending your stay after walking the Abel Tasman.
To the west, Farewell Spit spans 34 kilometers of natural sandspit, a Ramsar Convention-listed wetland home to over 90 bird species, including a vibrant gannet colony. Experience this unique environment on a 4WD Farewell Spit Tour to the iconic lighthouse or from the air with Golden Bay Air's Scenic Flights, offering breathtaking views of dunes, lakes, rugged coastlines, and the golden beaches of Abel Tasman. Don't miss Wharariki Beach, famed for its dramatic rock archways in wild West Coast surf and seal pups playing in the pools. Journey back in time to the Whanganui (Westhaven) Inlet to Mangarakau's regenerated wetlands once bustling with sawmills and flax mills.
Golden Bay boasts a plethora of short walks, from the crystal-clear Te Waikoropupū Springs with its astonishing clarity to the historic Pupu Hydro Walkway (“the best short walk in New Zealand”) and the lush Grove Reserve walk ending in offering panoramic views of the Bay. Wainui Falls should not be missed, and for those with good shoes and fitness, Rawhiti Cave is a great discovery while historic Ballroom Cave and nearby restored Gold Stamper Battery provide glimpses into the region's gold mining past.
Just want to relax after your Abel Tasman tramp? Stop and enjoy one of Golden Bay's myriad of beaches or cool off in one of its many picturesque river swimming holes. The area's vibrant café scene and diverse art galleries, showcasing works inspired by the region’s stunning natural surroundings.
Abel Tasman Coast Track and Mohua Golden Bay beyond is rich and diverse in natural and historic marvels and in its community culture—exploring it makes for an awesome all-round holiday. If you take a complete return bus package from Nelson, you can walk from Mārahau to Wainui Bay then Golden Bay Air will collect you from Wainui Bay. You can stop in Tākaka for as long as you want before returning to Nelson. Golden Bay Air can even bring your extra gear to Tākaka so you can spend time in Golden Bay after your hike and also offers rental cars to get around.
Get in touch with us at Golden Bay Air for ideas around itineraries and transport logistics, or check out our Golden Bay packages and our Abel Tasman Fly Cruise Tours.
Lisa Sheppard and Richard Molloy are Takaka-based owners of Golden Bay Air who have walked most Great Walks and dozens of back-country tracks in New Zealand including the Heaphy and Abel Tasman Coast Tracks.
