Activities

For additional information on things to see and do in Golden Bay, have a look at Nelson Tasman NZ or Golden Bay NZ.

Beaches

Ligar Bay beach is one of the safest and most beautiful beaches in Golden Bay. At low tide the beach is flat and full of feature. At high tide the sea is shallow and warm. It is not suitable for motorised sports so it is quiet and relaxing too.

Tata Beach is steeply shelving and has a boat ramp. Tata Beach is popular for water skiers and jet skiers.

Walking

Tramping

Rock climbing

The sea cliffs crag is just around the corner by the wharf. It provides very exposed climbing although quite easy grades.

Paynes Ford is very popular just outside Takaka as you come in from the south. Climbs are more difficult but considered a top place to visit.

Fishing

Small boat fishing is popular but fishing from the kayaks is a lot more fun. Snapper can be found out from the bay and around Tata Islands.

Kayaking

Ligar Bay and around the coastline is very sheltered most of the time. There is plenty of bird and sea life to watch and you have lots of rocky features to explore.

Cycling

The roads around the coast are very scenic but be extra careful in summer with the busy traffic.

Mountain Biking

Horse Trekking

Sailing

Golf

There is a golf course in Pohara.

Wind surfing and kite surfing

Pohara beach seems to get a lot of afternoon sea breezes ideally suited to wind surfing and kite surfing.

Bowls

There is a bowling club between Pohara and Ligar Bay.

Boating

Tennis

There are tennis courts between Pohara and Ligar Bay.

Arts and crafts

Golden Bay probably has the highest concentration of artists in New Zealand.

Golden Bay provides a good taste of the type of art and craft being produced by Golden Bay artists.

Photography

Caving

Takaka Hill is called the marble mountain. As such it is riddled with caves. There are also several other caves in the Golden Bay area worth exploring too.

Harwoods hole

Ngarua Caves

Aorere Caves

Eating

The Wholemeal Cafe in Takaka has a well deserved reputation.