Top Things to do in Golden Bay
What to do and see in Golden Bay, South Island: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Golden Bay, New Zealand including Wharariki Beach Walking Track, Rawhiti Cave Track, Dancing Sands Distillery, Sculpture705 Lollokiki, Tata Beach, Kiwi Spirit Distillery, The Langford Store, Pupu Hydro Walkway, Rosy Glow Chocolate, Golden Bay Vistor Centre.
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. Dancing Sands Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
We want to show you our unfair advantage: our water. The clearest springs in the world, Dancing Sands Spring and Te Waikoropupu Springs are measured to be 81 metres clear. Each bottle of Dancing Sands gin is blended with the water from the aquifer that feeds Dancing Sands Spring allowing us to make the best possible gin and perfect its taste. Quality is at the centre of everything we do. Dancing Sands has an obligation to make beautiful products that mirror our surroundings. We relentlessly focus on quality through the entire product lifecycle – starting from the water that feeds the clearest spring in the world, to the ingredients that we hand select, to the glass bottles we import from France. When your quality standard is unrivaled, you make unrivaled products.
Reviewed By NZer71 - Havelock North, New Zealand
Went to Dancing Sands Distillery for gin tasting. Definitely worth the visit if you like gin. Some really different flavors like sauvignon blanc and bourbon gins! Very informative and welcoming staff.
4. Sculpture705 Lollokiki
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Sculpture 705 is an art complex comprising of a Courtyard, Studio Shop, Archway, Sculpture Garden and Workshop. Sculpture 705 also hosts the Loft Gallery and Slice of the Artifact. This years summer exhibition in the Loft Gallery is now open, an installation first shown at the local museum, The Body Snatchers ... A fairy tale? Tells the story of the first recorded Pākehā/Māori burial in the bay and the shenanigans that ensued afterwards. Also exhibiting, We're All In the Same Boat, He Waka Eke Noa. Plus of course, the many new sculptures, paintings, jewellery, and much, much more throughout the site.
Reviewed By Brookesanna
We were out cycling and came across this awesome gallery of sculptures in a beautiful garden. The artists Toy and Kas were delightful to converse with and very helpful. They are bringing our large piece up to Auckland when they do deliveries later.
5. 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.
6. Kiwi Spirit Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
At Kiwi Spirits Distillery we believe good taste is good for the soul. We are a family owned and operated distillery redefining what quality means. We specialise in unique spirits handcrafted from the purest homegrown ingredients. With a family history of decades of distilling we’re staunchly dedicated to quality over quantity. We live and breath local, almost all our ingredients come from our region and we are in the process of setting up gardens and orchids on our 25 acre distillery and cellar door. We are a creative bunch who love nothing more than experimenting, creating new tastes and pushing the limits on what is possible. Heart and soul goes into everything we make and we are proud to share what we have created with you. Our Cellar Door is open daily for free tastings, no appointment needed. We have a wide range of spirits, such as Whiskey, Gin, Liqueur and the only 100% Blue Agave Tequilana Spirit made in NZ. Pop in and taste the spirits of New Zealand.
Reviewed By christafa
Popped in on a rainy day and absolutely loved it. Our host Melissa was all you could ask for, friendly, knowledgeable and such a good laugh! The liquor these guys produce is amazing, as to illustrate.... I accidentally broke a bottle of gin when I got home and my online order was in 5 minutes later for my replacement along with another cheeky bottle of liqueur! A definite must do in Golden Bay even if just for a bit of banter with Melissa, I can assure you though you will not leave without a bottle!
7. The Langford Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
The Langford Store is nestled in the heart of the Aorere valley, on the way to the Heaphy Track. This Historic General Store & Post Office has been providing essentials to the Bainham community and travellers since 1928. Enjoy a pot of tea or an espresso coffee, served with sublime sweet treats. Browse the Storeroom Art Gallery or find yourself a treasure on the old shelves of the store.
Reviewed By JayeM96 - New Zealand, null
...on a grey & rainy day. Delicious coffee & scones while reminiscing prompted by so many wonderful curios. Quirky & memorable. Great example of family business; example local!
8. 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.
9. Rosy Glow Chocolate
10. Golden Bay Vistor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
