Pohara

Introducing Pohara

About 10km northeast of Takaka is pint-sized Pohara, a beachside resort with a population that quadruples over summer. It’s more ‘yuppified’ than other parts of Golden Bay, with large modern houses cashing in on sea views, but an agreeable air persists and there’s some great accommodation here.

The beach is on the way to the northern end of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track; the largely unsealed road into the park passes Tarakohe Harbour (Pohara’s working port), and Ligar Bay which has a lookout and a memorial to Abel Tasman, who anchored here in December 1642.

Rawhiti Cave, between Takaka and Pohara, has the largest entrance of any cave in NZ. It’s an awesome sight, but the steep, 45-minute approach walk is poorly signposted. Take Packard Rd 2.5km from Motupipi, or contact Kahurangi Guided Walks Kahurangi Guided Walks (03-525 7177; www.kahurangiwalks.co.nz), which runs three-hour tours ($25).

Golden Bay Kayaks (03-525 9095; www.goldenbaykayaks.co.nz; Pohara beachfront; half-day guided tours adult/child $60/30, 3-day freedom hire $130) 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.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009