Abel Tasman Area
 

My wife and I are trying to decide on whether to stay in the Golden Bay area, specifically Pohara, or in the Motueka area for three days during our October visit. We will be exploring both areas and want to as part of our stay take one of the half-day coastal boat trips. How is the road between both areas and how long should we plan for the drive? Is state road 60 as steep and winding as I am reading and is it easily managable? As always, we appreciate all the advice that everyone gives on this website. Thank you for you help.

Richard

Hi Rich -

To access Golden Bay you must cross Takaka Hill, which is steep, narrow and winding. It's easy enough to do, just take it slowly and stop often to take in the views. It takes about 45 minutes to get from Motueka to Takaka in Golden Bay. The road is well maintained and sealed.

Most visitors access Abel Tasman via Marahau, on the Mouteka side, but the track is also accessible from Totaranui, which is near Pohara.

Although Takaka is a sleepy little town, there's a lot to do in the area. Waikoropupu Springs (known as Pupu Springs by the locals) is worth a visit as is Wharariki Beach near Farewell Spit (seals!). You might want to visit Collingwood and take the Farewell Spit Safari - a unique and interesting tour - we loved it.

You can also access the Heaphy Track near Collingwood.

There are some caves near Pohara and you can also rent kayaks in the area.

I personally love Golden Bay and we usually spend three days there as well as spending time in the Motueka/Nelson area.

Most folks who walk the Abel Tasman track start or end at Totaranui, but you can keep walking around the headland for several more hours. I hope to explore this walk myself when we're there in August.

There's a great little cafe in Pohara called Penguin's and a good cafe in Takaka called Wholemeal Cafe.

Rich -

I ran across this place while researching our upcoming trip to NZ - it's near Pohara and on the road to Abel Tasman on the Golden Bay side -

http://www.villasofligarbay.co.nz/

Melnq8,

Thank you for the advice and the website. What you said confirms my desire to stay in the Golden Bay area. We are looking at San Souci as a possibility. Thank you once again and hope you have a great trip.

Richard

Melnq8,

Just saw the website you gave me. Wow!!
Thanks.

Richard

Lots of unique lodging options in NZ. We prefer self-catering cottages for the extra space and kitchen facilities. This year we'll be staying at a cottage on a dairy farm above Takaka - it'll be our third stay there - we really like the place.

We considered these villas as well:

http://www.adrift.co.nz/

San Souci looks nice too - so many great choices!

Incidentally, there are a few cottages located around Takaka Hill - always thought that would be a nice place to stay - great views from up there.