Golden Bay

Golden Bay is the arc of coast at the top of the South Island between Separation Point and Farewell Spit, and the thing that shapes it is the road in: Takaka Hill is a long climb of tight corners over marble country, and being on the far side of it has kept the bay separate in character as well as geography. Takaka, the main town, has a long-standing alternative community and a density of galleries, cafes and small growers out of proportion to its size. Along the bay are wide tidal beaches - Pohara, Tata, Ligar - that go out a long way at low water, the Te Waikoropupu Springs, Wharariki Beach and Farewell Spit at the far end, and the northern entrance to the Abel Tasman at Totaranui. Rocks and beaches here are golden granite, hence the name. Mobile coverage is patchy in places and services thin out quickly beyond Collingwood.

What you actually see

• Takaka Hill - the winding marble-country climb that defines access.
• The tidal beaches - Pohara, Tata and Ligar, wide at low water.
• Takaka town - galleries, growers and a long-settled alternative community.
• The far end - Farewell Spit, Wharariki and Cape Farewell.

When to go

November to April. January is busy in Takaka and Pohara; February and March are warm and calmer. Allow real time for the hill road in both directions.

Honest expectations

Takaka Hill is a slow, winding climb that some passengers find unpleasant, and it closes occasionally after slips. Services thin past Collingwood - fuel up. Coverage is patchy. Sandflies at the western beaches.

Nearby

Abel Tasman's northern end is at Totaranui; Farewell Spit and Wharariki are north-west.