Regional Activities

Golden Bay has a comprehensive array of great things to do and places to explore.

We have worked with some of the local operators to put together activity packages to make your stay more enjoyable so please let us know what you are interested in doing.

Some of the attractions on offer nearby include:

National Parks and Walking Tracks

Golden Bay is at the centre of two of New Zealand's best known national parks. We have two of The Great Walks on our doorstep (the Heaphy Track and the Abel Tasman track).

View a complete list of public tracks and walks on the Department of Conservation (DOC) website.

Farewell Spit

Farewell spit is a world-renowned nature reserver and bird sanctuary. Vehicle access is available only with guided tours and subject to tides. It is possible to walk part way onto the spit without a guide but the rest of the way is protected and not open to the public.

Beaches and Rivers

Golden Bay is famous for its golden sand and safe swimming and has some of the best rivers around with deep pools and big rocks.

Horse Trekking

Cape Farewell Horse Treks offers some of New Zealand's best horse trekking with a number of different treks including stunning views of Cape Farewell.

Pupu Springs

Te Waikoropupu Springs are New Zealand's largest freshwater springs and the largest cold water springs in the southern hemisphere. They contain some of the clearest water ever measured and are set in a reserve that protects gold workings, regenerating forest and a fine patch of mature bush.

Artists and Galleries

Spend a day visiting the numerous artists, potteries and galleries that Golden Bay is famous for.

Caving and Rock Climbing

Golden Bay is world-renowned for its caving networks (including the Harwood's Hole and Te Anaroa caves) as well as numerous bolted and unbolted climbs.

Cafés

Golden Bay has an eclectic mix of cafés such as The Naked Possum, Mussell Inn, Courthouse Café, Tinky's Tavern, Wholemeal Café and many more.

Caves photo by Virtual Bay / Totaranui photo by Galen King