Takaka
is lush forests above the clouds
Welcome to Takaka
Boasting New Zealand’s highest concentration of yoga pants, dreadlocks and bare feet in the high street, Takaka is a lovable little town and the last ‘big’ centre before the road west ends at Farewell Spit. You’ll find most things you need here, and a few things you don’t, but we all have an unworn tie-dyed tank top in our wardrobe, don’t we?
Top experiences in Takaka
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Takaka activities
Golden Bay Wharariki Beach Farewell Spit
Number one on every to-do list of Golden Bay is Wharariki Beach. Not far behind is Farewell Spit, a 26 km long arm of fine golden sand which is the country's longest sandspit. Our day trips begins either at Nelson at about 7.30am or Motueka at about 8.30am. We will drive through picturesque Tasman, a pip fruit and hop growing area with some vineyards. We will drive over the Takaka hill (791m) On the way we pass dramatic lookouts over Tasman Bay, Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay. We try to orientate our trip on the tide in Wharakiki Beach. Our order of how we do the trip may change. There is time for a lunch break either at Farewell Spit Cafe or in Takaka. We have a stop at Te Waikoropupu Springs. " Pupu Springs" is a colourful little lake refreshed with around 14,000L of water per second surging from underground vents. It is a sacred Maori place.We will have a stop at Farewell Spit Cafe. You will be able to take in the stunning views over Farewell Spit.We will walk to Wharariki Beach (about 20 min through sand dunes and along green hills). You arrive at the most amazing beach, sand dunes and huge rock formations. If you are lucky you might see seals.In Takaka - halfway on our trip from Motueka to Wharariki Beach - there is time for shopping and cafes.Driving time for the whole day, starting from Motueka, is about 5 hours in total, add 1 1/2 hours if you start in Nelson. Walking time on the beach is about 1 hour, partly through sand. This part of the West Coast can be very windy. Please be prepared for a walk with a lot of wind on the beach.
Scenic Flight from Takaka
Check in with our friendly pilot at our passenger terminal at Takaka Airport and you are away on your flying adventure! • Fly past magnificent Kahurangi National Park mountain peaks and goldfields to the historic town of Collinwood • Head west to the famous sea arches of Wharariki Beach and Cape Farewell • Trace the alien landscapes of dunes and lakes up Farewell Spit, New Zealand’s longest sandspit • Look out for whales on the way to turquoise waters and bush-fringed golden beaches of Abel Tasman • Return to Takaka via Marble Mountain (Takaka Hill) and glimpse down fascinating Harwood’s Hole Every passenger is seated in a comfortable window seat offering outstanding photo opportunities. Our two-way headsets allow you to listen to the pilot's informative commentary and talk to each other.Allow 1.5 hours for your whole experience.
Fly Golden Bay & Cruise Abel Tasman Day Tour from Nelson
Your day starts at 9:30 am when you check in with our friendly pilot at Nelson Airport. 9.50 am - 12 pm: Fly from Nelson to Takaka, then take a spectacular scenic flight over the famous West Coast Wharariki Sea Arches, iconic Farewell Spit and idyllic Abel Tasman National Park - this is one of the most diverse and stunning scenic flights in New Zealand12.00 pm - 1:00 pm: After your flight, stretch your legs with an easy 30 minute walk through native bush and historic gold diggings to Te Waikoropupu Springs - the clearest water in the world1.00 pm - 2.30 pm: Time to explore the galleries, boutique shops and cafes in picturesque Takaka Village (lunch not included)2.30 pm - 3.15 pm: A scenic drive around the limestone coast to Totaranui Beach, northern entrance to Abel Tasman National Park3.15 pm - 4.00 pm: The perfect moment for a swim and some sunbathing or some golden sand between your toes at Totaranui before your cruise4.00 pm - 5.30 pm: Spectacular cruise along the bush fringed golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park through to Kaiteriteri Beach Return back to Nelson Airport by shuttle by around 6.15 pm