Top Things to do in Golden Bay
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Golden Bay, South Island
Discover the best top things to do in Golden Bay, New Zealand including Wharariki Beach Walking Track, Rawhiti Cave Track, Tata Beach, Parapara River, Farewell Spit Nature Experience, Pupu Hydro Walkway, Labyrinth Rocks, Devil's Boots, Whanganui Inlet, Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve.
Restaurants in Golden Bay
1. Wharariki Beach Walking Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By spidernz - Gisborne, New Zealand
We got four seasons in 20 minutes, and sand-blasted to the max to go with it, and didn't regret a second of it - even if the weather at the beach was horrible. Looking at he photos a week later, all we could remember was the stunning views. An easy over-farm land walk and a bit of soft sand at the end, this is accessible to most, and the views of the arches in the rocks is one of NZ's best kept secrets (although there were about 20 cars in the carpark, so maybe the secret is getting out.) About 25 minutes scenic drive from Collingwood along the bay-side road, this place is definitely recommended, just expect it to be very windy!
2. Rawhiti Cave Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 99 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Dennis695 - Brisbane, Australia
we met some people on a previous walk and they told us about the cave so we had to do it .It started off easy enough then got very steep fortunately we met several people who were on their way down and all said it was well worth the effort which helped drive us on and we were so pleased we did it was sensational and the temperature drop in the cave was amazing
3. Tata Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By C5804LOterrim - South Africa, null
Went to the beach a couple of weeks ago on a good day. It was absolutely stunning. Went again today after major storms. There was a lot of drift wood and debris on the beach which spoilt it and the water wasn't as blue. Went for a kayak trip and was amazing. Hard work but fun. Do recommend it. Would be even nicer when hot and swimable. The water was pretty cold.
4. Parapara River
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By he_whakaaro - Greater Wellington, New Zealand
This is a nice low-key walk by the river with some lovely swimming spots. Go right to the end of the Parapara Valley Road. There is a sign saying that you have reached the end of the road maintained by TDC but the public road continues along beside the river. At the end there is a walking track that goes into the bush. At this point there is plenty of parking by the side of the road but when I was there someone had put rocks and branches in the way and I had to move them before parking (it is a public road/access). The track follows an old water race. It is nothing dramatic but is a nice place to go when you have a spare half hour.
5. Farewell Spit Nature Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Farewell Spit Nature Experiences provides high quality nature tours. Its your chance to see another world and to visit some of New Zealand's most remote and spectacular locations
Reviewed By HummingAlong2
It was a great day out on Farewell Spit. The spit is ethereal and this is the only way you can get out on it. This company is a good steward of the fragile, important ecosystem. We visited when the gannets were nesting any could view these birds from far enough away not to disturb them, but plenty close. Thoroughly enjoyed our day.
6. Pupu Hydro Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Cardinal_Wolsey89 - Christchurch, New Zealand
Beautiful bush walk for the whole family. Two hour return, hill walk up the valley. Make sure you take water and sunblock as one half of the walk is directly in the sun, depending on the time of year. I would recommend walking the water race side there and back if you prefer the greenery of the NZ bush.
7. Labyrinth Rocks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Ajo412 - Christchurch, New Zealand
Wonderful little side trip. Fantastic rock formations! Watch out for the hidden treasures to find. Great little stop for an hour.
8. Devil's Boots
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
9. Whanganui Inlet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Gwen008 - Perth, Australia
We went out to Whanganui Inlet looking for birds and while we didn't seet oo many we were not disappointed by the amazing scenery. The road is unsealed and the locals drive fast so you need to take care. We were fascinted by the boat launching area which is not the usual concrete ramp but simply a narrow track built up with gravel leading off the road into the Inlet for quite some distance. Judging by the tryre tracks some people come to grief launching their boat so we watched with interest when 3 young men arrived with their boat. With 2 guiding him, the the driver expertly backed out along the narow track and they launched he boat easily, somewhat to our diappointment as we were expecting some fun. Well worth the drive
