Things to do in Golden Bay
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Rosy Glow Chocolate House
No Collingwood visit would be complete without dipping into Rosy Glow Chocolate House. Chocoholics will go nuts for handmade confection produced with love.
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Mussel Inn
Halfway between Takaka and Collingwood, this earthy tavern-cafe-brewery is a Bay institution. A totem pole with crucified mobile phones heralds the mood: this is no place for urban trappings, just excellent beer, wholesome food (mussels, seasonal scallops, fresh fish and steak), open fires and live music. Try a handle or two of ‘Captain Cooker’, a brown beer brewed naturally with manuka, or the delicious ‘Pale Whale Ale’.
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Collingwood Museum
The Collingwood Museum fills a tiny, unstaffed corridor with a quirky collection of saddlery, Maori artefacts, moa bones, shells and old typewriters, while the next-door Aorere Centre houses multimedia presentations, including the works of the wonderful pioneer photographer, Fred Tyree.
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Naked Possum Café
Relax at this splendid, nouveau-rustic joint after exploring the adjacent Kaituna Track and its goldmining relics and pretty river forks (two hours return). Outdoor fire, ample lawn, great beer and a possum tannery. Wild game a speciality. Book your spot at the popular Friday evening steak barbecue or Sunday roasts.
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Labyrinth Rocks Park
On the road to Pohara you’ll see a signpost to Labyrinth Rocks Park, two wondrous hectares of limestone canyons and native bush making for a fascinating stroll.
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Ngarua Caves
Takaka Hill (791m) butts-in between Tasman Bay and Golden Bay. Just below the summit (literally) are the Ngarua Caves, where you can see myriad subterranean delights including moa bones. Access is restricted to tours – you can’t go solo spelunking.
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Bencarri Nature Park & Café
On the Anatoki River 6km south of town, Bencarri Nature Park & Café is home to farm animals including llamas and a longhorn. The prime attraction, though, is feeding the fat, tame river eels, which can live to be 100, and have apparently been here since 1914.
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Dangerous Kitchen
Dedicated to Frank Zappa (‘In the kitchen of danger, you can feel like a stranger’), DK specialises in gourmet pizzas and strong coffee, hefty slabs of cake and bumper burritos. Mellow and laid-back, with sun-trap courtyard out back, and people-watching patio on the main drag.
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Golden Bay Gallery
Sharing the same building as the Golden Bay Museum is Golden Bay Gallery, a good example of just one of Golden Bay’s many galleries and artist studios. Collect a copy of the Guide to Artists in Golden Bay leaflet for more along those lines.
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Brigand Café Bar
Mainstay of the local entertainment scene; get to the Brigand for Thursday open mic and look out for other gigs. Behind steel gates and a lush garden, Brigand serves sandwiches and chips, chowder and meaty mains in a relaxed, pubby atmosphere.
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Quiet Revolution Cycle Shop
An abundance of excellent mountain bike tracks await exploration by beginner and hard-core alike. Quiet Revolution Cycle Shop hires town and mountain bikes, has local track information and will straighten your wonky spokes.
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Totally Roasted Café
A sure bet for primo coffee from its own-roast organic beans, this ‘el rancho’ style walled garden cafe is also a winner for all-day breakfast. The full fry-up is a cracker, but the home-baked cakes, muffins and pastries aren’t bad either.
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Penguin Café & Bar
A buzzy spot with a large outdoor area, suited to sundowners and thirst-quenchers on sunny days. Open fire and pool table for the odd inclement day. Brunch treats include pizzas, burgers and bar snacks; dinner mains are meatier.
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Courthouse Café
A sophisticated cafe in the 1901 Collingwood courthouse preparing à la carte meals from locally grown organic produce and fresh seafood. Local art; good coffee; interesting wine list. One of the Bay’s best dining experiences.
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Golden Bay Kayaks
Golden Bay Kayaks rents out kayaks for hour-long paddles, or can launch you on a three-day exploration of Abel Tasman National Park from Tarakohe Harbour south to Marahau or Kaiteriteri.
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Anatoki Salmon Farm
Fish for salmon at the Anatoki Salmon Farm. The owners will clean and smoke your catch, so you can eat it on the spot. If you’re not up for DIY, you can also buy fresh or smoked fish.
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Golden Bay Museum
The Golden Bay Museum is a jumble of historical memorabilia. Stand-out exhibits include a diorama depicting Abel Tasman’s 1642 Golden Bay landing and some dubious human taxidermy.
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Top Shop
One of your best bets for a quick eat is Top Shop, a dairy, tearoom and takeaway at the entrance to town. High-rating pies.
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Telegraph Hotel
The Telegraph Hotel is an old-fashioned pub if you fancy a quiet lager or pub meal.
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Junction Hotel
The Junction Hotel is an old-fashioned pub if you fancy a quiet lager or pub meal.
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Escape Adventures
Escape Adventures offers bespoke guided tours and GPS-mapped track info.
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Wangapeka Track
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Te Waikoropupu Springs
Simply called ‘Pupu’, Te Waikoropupu Springs are the largest freshwater springs in NZ and reputedly the clearest in the world. About 14,000L of water per second surges from underground vents dotted around the Pupu Springs Scenic Reserve, including one with ‘dancing sands’ propelled upwards by water gushing from the ground. The water looks enticing, but swimming is a no-no. From Takaka, head 4km northwest on SH60, turn inland at Waitapu Bridge and follow Pupu Springs Rd for 3km. From the car park, a walkway (30 minutes return) leads to a slightly scruffy glassed viewing area.
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