Golden Bay & Collingwood

The area is known for being a popular tourist destination, because of its good weather and relaxed, friendly lifestyle

Golden Bay is a shallow, paraboloid shaped bay at the north west end of New Zealand's South Island. An arm of the Tasman Sea, the bay lies north west of Tasman Bay and Cook Strait. It is protected in the north by Farewell Spit, a 26 km long arm of fine golden sand which is the country's longest sand spit. he Aorere and Takaka Rivers flow into the bay from the south.

The bay was once a resting area for migrating whales and dolphins such as Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales.

The west and northern regions of the bay are largely unpopulated. Along its southern coast are the towns of Takaka and Collingwood, and also the Abel Tasman National Park. Separation Point, the natural boundary between Golden and Tasman Bays is situated within the park. Basal part of the spit approaches to the North West Nelson National Park.

In December 2011, it (as well as much of the Nelson/Tasman region) was hit by heavy rain and flooding, which affected many homes around the Pohara/Ligar Bay/Tata Beach/Wainui area. The road to Totaranui, a popular isolated tourist destination in Tasman Bay was badly damaged and was reopened on 29 June 2012. It was a blow to the region during that period but with all the locals banding together to support each other including The wonderful Abel Tasman sea shuttle family and their huge barge, and Civil Defense on the ball it didnt take too long to move the multitude of campers buses and caravans that were stuck behind the damaged road', the work to reopen took a couple of months or more but once re-opened that locals and residents alike flocked back into their favourite holiday destinations.

Its beaches like Tata Beach are popular locations for retirees and holiday-homes. It is located in the Tasman Region, one of the territorial authorities of New Zealand. [wikipedia]

The Main street of Collingwood filled with History, visit the small local Museum or "Machinery Museum" for a look at the past in Collingwood.

Golden Bay is positioned at the northern tip of South Island, New Zealand and is popular with visitors who enjoy the outdoors, summer and winter. Deserted beaches and tracks, and clear crisp days make early spring and autumn great seasons for exploring the many 'ins and outs' of 'The Bay'.

Golden Bay enjoys a temperate climate and winters are mild, with the sea often as flat as a mirror against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The region is also renowned for high-energy creative and cultural events during the warm to hot summer months. Fishing is a predominant exercise carried out in the area with the year round seasons offering Whitebait, Tuna, Kahawai, Snapper and King Fish to name a few. Most farming in the area is dairy cattle or sheep with some crops being grown to feed livestock.

The township of Takaka boasts a small range of great cafes, an array of clothing suited to the climate an ITM store as well as Hammer Hardware with its great range of everything imaginable, a "Fresh Choice" supermarket, Visitor Information Centre, several great Hotels and Bars that offer all range of options including accommodation, reasonably priced family meals, take away liquor plus the normal bar goods and beers on tap an Mixed drinks.

Local Activities & Tours

Farewell Spit Eco Tours

6 Tasman Street, Collingwood
64 3 524 8257

Farewell Spit Nature Reserve is a bird sanctuary and wetland of international importance, being more strictly protected than a national park.

Farewell Spit is around 35km long and public access is restricted to the first 4km. Vehicle access is only allowed for supervised tours by concession holders. Through sharing the experience of visiting Farewell Spit we can help to raise public awareness of this extraordinary ecosystem, so vital for our migratory birds.

Come with us to this special place, where you can view the historic lighthouse and explore its intriguing reserve. The Farewell Spit Tour, our most popular, departs from Collingwood and visits Cape Farewell (the South Island’s most northern point) and Fossil Point, and also includes our Lighthouse tour.

Langford Store

The Langford Store is nestled in the heart of the Aorere valley, 15 minutes inland from Collingwood on the way to the Heaphy track. his general store and post office has been providing essentials to the Bainham community and travellers since 1928.
Enjoy a pot of tea or an espresso coffee, served with sublime sweet treats. Soak up the sunshine and the tranquility of the surrounding scenery, whilst you write a postcard home or just rest a moment with friends.

The store has been in the same family four generations, since it opened in 1928. EB Langford was the initial proprietor, followed by his grand-daughter Lorna who ran the store and post office for 63 years.

The gallery is stacked to the gunnels with a great collection of nostalgic items, which all add to the charm and beauty of the historic store. With some quiet jazz playing in the background, great coffee, tea and sweet treats; you’ve found the perfect place for a trip down memory lane.

Golden Bay Machinery and Early Settlers Museum

Collingwood-Bainham Highway. Appropriately sited in the old Collingwood Cheese Factory featuring all manner of early tractors, farm machinery and implements, vehicles, horse gear and a wide range of settlers’ items. A working steam section with “Steam Up” days held at Easter, Labour Weekend and Christmas/New Year. A pioneer kitchen with a wood and coal range working on these days, and join in the sing a-longs accompanied by piano.

Te Waikoropupu Springs

Pupu Springs' are the largest freshwater springs in Australasia and reputedly the clearest in the world. About 14,000 litres of water per second surges from underground vents dotted around the reserve, including one with ‘dancing sands’ propelled upwards by gushing water. The water looks enticing, but swimming or even touching the water is a no-no. From Takaka, head 4km northwest on SH60, turn inland at Waitapu Bridge and keep going for 3km.

Rawiti Cave

The ultimate in geological eye-candy around these parts are the phytokarst features of Rawhiti Cave. Get there from Motupipi, by driving along Packard Rd for 2.5km. Walk from the farm gates, then clamber along the river bed and up a zigzag track to the right. A rugged two-hour-return walk.

Golden Bay Museum and Gallery

This small museum's stand-out exhibits include a diorama depicting Abel Tasman’s 1642 landing and some dubious human taxidermy. Ask about the albatross. The adjoining gallery offers satisfying browsing of local and national knick-knackery and quite possibly the purchase of a quality souvenir. For additional arty ambling, look for the free Artists in Golden Bay pamphlet.

Pupu Hydro Walkway

Not far from Pupu Springs, this enjoyable two-hour circuit passes through beech forest, past engineering and gold-mining relics to the restored (and operational) Pupu Hydro Powerhouse, built in 1929. To get here, take the 4km gravel road (signed ‘Pupu Walkway’) off Pupu Springs Rd.

Local Dining

Collingwood Courthouse Cafe

The building was built in 1901 and used as a Courthouse until the 1930's. The Cafe pride themselves on using only the finest ingredients and as much local produce as possible. We have seats inside and out, and we love dogs. Plenty of toys for keeping kids entertained, comfy sofas and we are also licensed to serve alcohol.

Collingwood Tavern - aka "Tinkys"

Built on a peninsular with the Aorere River estuary for a back boundary, the Tavern has stupendous views out over Golden Bay and to the mountains in the south. This is the place for relaxed living by day and glorious sunsets most evenings. The owners can even go whitebaiting from their back lawn.

With a spacious main bar, two garden-bar areas, and a restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining areas

Mad Cafe & Artists Gallery

Nestled in the Nganga Art Centre in Collingwood Golden Bay New Zealand, the MAD Café lives to make a difference through community, art, delicious food and kush coffee.

International chefs with a wide range of experience from baking bread and pizzas, fine dining, street food and international cuisine. Making A Difference reflects our ethos of healthy, tasty and unexpected creations that are not usually available in rural New Zealand.

Anatoki Salmon Fishing and Cafe

242 McCallum Rd, Takaka

Situated on the banks of the Anatoki River with a tranquil backdrop of native bush, you can relax and catch chinook salmon. Entry and use of fishing rods is free. You only pay for what you catch. We clean your fish for free and a hot smoker (10 minutes) is available. Sashimi is another option we can do. In our fully licensed cafe/restaurant you can have it as a meal with side dishes, while your children amuse themselves in the playground and sandpit. You can also take your fish home or have it vacuum packed. Open 7 days a week, year round (except Christmas Day). Bring your camera and go for the catch of the day!

Old School Cafe and Bar

1115 Collingwood Puponga, Main Road, Pakawau, Golden Bay

If you are wanting to have a first class meal set in a warm and ambient setting, then the Old School Cafe is the place where you'll want to stop. Located only 12 km's from Collingwood, it is not too far to enjoy the friendly and relaxed atmosphere you will find here at this popular cafe. Enjoy the wonderful fresh produce of the area while sitting in their lovely outdoor setting, surrounded by established plants, or inside amongst the history of the school house it used to be.

Mussel Inn

The Mussel Inn is located in the heart of Golden Bay, North West Nelson region of the South Island of New Zealand. A two hour drive from Nelson, over the Takaka hill, through the township of Takaka and on another 17 kms towards Collingwood you will find yourself in Onekaka. Keep your eyes peeled, for the Mussel Inn is very subtly sign posted but can often be recognised by the many cars parked on the roadside - especially on a busy night.

Built in 1992 by Jane and Andrew Dixon and their two sons, Henry and Toby, with a big whack of encouragement from John Mitchell , the Mussel Inn could be described as ‘Kiwi woolshed’ meets ‘Aussie farmhouse’ in style of construction. A single room with a veranda on three sides, chunky wooden furniture (tables good to dance on) and a large open fire create a space that is rustic and homely.

No need to get dressed up - in fact there is no dress code - although it would generally be more appropriate if some clothes were worn (!) - the atmosphere is laid-back and family friendly.