GOLDEN BAY EXPLORER
As the road winds its way down the Takaka Hill the view into Golden Bay begins to unfold before your eyes. The rugged mountains of the Kahurangi National Park surround the green meadows of the Takaka River valley, down to the sparkling waters, golden beaches and bush-covered hills of the Abel Tasman Park. In the distance you can just make out the 35km long arm of sand that embraces the Bay and provides a home to many waders and sea-birds - Farewell Spit. Beyond this are the wild West Coast beaches covered in sand dunes, and the large Westhaven Inlet. A magical place to explore - we look forward to sharing some of Golden Bay's secrets with you.
Our Golden Bay Experience package includes a scenic drive over the Takaka Hill and into the Bay, four nights in comfortable accommodation with delicious meals every night. We offer selection of some of Golden Bay's finest day walks including Farewell Spit and the Puponga Farm Park, Wharariki Beach and the surrounding hilltops, Wainui Falls and the Northern end of the Abel Tasman Park. We then drive back to Nelson on the afternoon of day five.
Our Golden Bay Experience package includes a scenic drive over the Takaka Hill and into the Bay, four nights in comfortable accommodation with delicious meals every night. We offer selection of some of Golden Bay's finest day walks including Farewell Spit and the Puponga Farm Park, Wharariki Beach and the surrounding hilltops, Wainui Falls and the Northern end of the Abel Tasman Park. We then drive back to Nelson on the afternoon of day five.
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Overview
5 days walking 4 nights Total trip time
5 days / 4 nights (incl travel time) Kilometres 50 km (approx)
Price NZ$1600
Grade Medium
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Accommodation
4 nights comfortable accommodation in Golden Bay
Discounts available
Returning customers 10% off Group discount 5% off (4 or more) Refer a friend (5% off friend's booking) |
ITINERARY
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Day 1: Pick up from Nelson 9am and drive to Takaka. Walk around the Springs and Pupu Hydro
Day 2: Explore Wharariki beach and Farewell Spit Day 3: Walk the Kaituna Track (including Knuckle hill if weather permits) Day 4: Walk from Totaranui to Wainui (Northern Abel Tasman) Day 5: Visit the Grove Scenic reserve and Rawhiti Cave before returning to Nelson Please note: day walks can be easily interchanged so we can make our decision each day depending on the weather. |
FULL DETAILS
DAY 1
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Te Waikoropupu (Pupu) Springs & Pupu Hydro
We pick you up from your accommodation in Nelson and drive over the Takaka hill into Golden Bay (approx 2 hours). We visit the beautiful Waikoropupu Springs (reputed to be the second cleanest water source on Earth) and take time to explore the historic Pupu Hydro scheme walkway before arriving at our accommodation. We may even stop on the way home and catch a salmon for dinner. |
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DAY 2
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Puponga, Farewell Spit & Wharariki
There is no shortage of spectacular walks in this part of the country. From the grassy hilltops of the Puponga Farm Park we get fabulous views over Farewell Spit and beyond. From here we walk to the Fossil Point lighthouse on the outer coast of the spit, before crossing the dunes and returning on the inner shoreline. Cape Farewell is the most northern point of the South Island. From here we follow the coastline along the clifftops to Wharariki Beach where we spend time exploring the sea caves, playing on the sand dunes, and observing the seals. |
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DAY 3
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Kaituna Track
The Kaituna Goldfield was first worked in 1859 and continued until the late 1800s, although little gold was ever recovered. The present track follows the original pack-horse track to the Kaituna goldfield. Due to the fact that this track starts in one very remote place and ends in another, many do not get the chance to walk this stunning route. This is your chance! We begin our day with a scenic drive along the shores of the Whanganui inlet and walk the track eastwards towards Aorere Valley. A short side trip to the summit of Knuckle Hill is well worth it as the views from this point are fantastic. We finish our day with a well earned drink at the rustic 'Naked Possum' Cafe. |
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DAY 4
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Totaranui to Wainui
The Northern coastline is the Abel Tasman's best kept secret. We share with you some of the park's finest, quieter beaches, mature native forests and even a seal colony at Separation Point on this spectacular day walk. We spend the day exploring this magical coastline and stopping along the way at many points of interest. We enjoy our afternoon tea at the historic Wharawharangi homestead, before returning over the Wharawharangi saddle to stunning Wainui Bay. |
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DAY 5
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The Grove Reserve and Rawhiti Cave
Giant northern rata, perched on top of limestone outcrops are just some of the wonders that lie within the Grove Scenic Reserve. The 30min track winds it's way through a lush forest of tree ferns and nikau before emerging at a viewpoint which looks across the bay. Next, we take a 45min walk to the magnificent Rawhiti Cave, and marvel at the thousands of stalactites that hang above us. After a picnic lunch we then return you to Nelson, arriving approximately 4pm. |
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For further information on some of these walks, please check out the Department of Conservation Walks in Golden Bay brochure
PACKING LIST
Carry less, enjoy more!
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To help you plan your trip, we offer the following list of what to pack You need to supply a pack, sleeping bag and comfortable footwear. The weather can change quickly on this track so you must be prepared for adverse conditions. It is a good idea to make your pack as light as possible for your own comfort. • 1 Comfortable day pack for walking (with waterproof inner pack liner) • 1 Bag for overnight belongings • 1 Sleeping bag • 1 Sleeping bag liner (optional) • 1 or 2 walking poles (optional) • 1 Good quality weatherproof jacket • 1 Good quality pair of weatherproof pants (optional) • 1 Pair of comfortable shoes/boots • 1 Pair of gaiters (optional) • 1 Rain poncho (optional) • 1 Pair of lightweight sandals/jandals/crocs for evenings (and estuary crossings) • 1 Pair walking shorts (non denim) • 1 Woolen jersey or polar fleece • 1 Polypropylene/merino leggings/long johns • 2 Polypropylene/merino long sleeved walking shirts (non-cotton) • Spare socks • Spare underwear • 1 Spare shirt for evening • 1 Pair light trousers for evenings • 1 Head torch (with full batteries) • 1 Pair gloves • 1 Warm hat • 1 Sunhat • 1 Simplified toilet bag (eg toothbrush + toothpaste) • 1 Small micro-fibre towel (optional) • 1 Pair swimming togs (optional) • 1 Sun block • 1 Insect repellent • 1 One litre drink bottle • 1 Camera (optional) • Ear Plugs • Travel pillow (optional) • Personal nibbles (optional) • Personal medicines (if required) • Swimming costume (optional) |