Golden Bay area-a must see?
Jul 2nd, 2012, 12:58 PM
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Golden Bay area-a must see?
We will be touring South Island for 18 days in late April. As I am looking at our itinerary I am not sure if we should bypass Golden Bay/Tasman area in favour of more time further south. We are planning to spend a few nights in Marlborough area.
Not big beach fans--need advice.
Thanks
Not big beach fans--need advice.
Thanks
Jul 2nd, 2012, 04:13 PM
#2
Hi firstlake -
Golden Bay is a nice area, but it's not what I'd consider a must see for a first time visitor with time constraints. I personally love the area, but mostly for it's walking opportunities. Sure it has beaches, but they're just a small part of it attractions.
Abel Tasman can be reached from Marahau (not far from the town of Motukea) and from the Golden Bay area (I'm told the road to Totaranui just re-opened after a six month closure) The two areas are separated by Marble Mountain, aka Takaka Hill, which is an extremely squiggley 45 minute drive from Motueka, which also offers some caving opportunities.
One advantage to Golden Bay is that many international tourists visiting Abel Tasman never make it to that side. The locals however, know it very well.
In addition to the north end of Abel Tasman, from Golden Bay you can also easily get to Collingwood and from there on to the Farewell Spit, the longest sandspit in NZ.
Other attractions of Golden Bay include the Kaituna Track, Pupu Springs, the Heaphy Track, Milnthorpe Park Scenic Reserve, seals at Whararaki Beach and sometimes penguins near Pohara.
Takaka is a small agricultural town with a huge diary.
Riwaka Resurgance is an interesting natural feature that can be visited before crossing Takaka Hill.
It's not a must see area, but as you can tell, if you do go, you'll want to allow sufficient time to explore all that's on offer.
Golden Bay is a nice area, but it's not what I'd consider a must see for a first time visitor with time constraints. I personally love the area, but mostly for it's walking opportunities. Sure it has beaches, but they're just a small part of it attractions.
Abel Tasman can be reached from Marahau (not far from the town of Motukea) and from the Golden Bay area (I'm told the road to Totaranui just re-opened after a six month closure) The two areas are separated by Marble Mountain, aka Takaka Hill, which is an extremely squiggley 45 minute drive from Motueka, which also offers some caving opportunities.
One advantage to Golden Bay is that many international tourists visiting Abel Tasman never make it to that side. The locals however, know it very well.
In addition to the north end of Abel Tasman, from Golden Bay you can also easily get to Collingwood and from there on to the Farewell Spit, the longest sandspit in NZ.
Other attractions of Golden Bay include the Kaituna Track, Pupu Springs, the Heaphy Track, Milnthorpe Park Scenic Reserve, seals at Whararaki Beach and sometimes penguins near Pohara.
Takaka is a small agricultural town with a huge diary.
Riwaka Resurgance is an interesting natural feature that can be visited before crossing Takaka Hill.
It's not a must see area, but as you can tell, if you do go, you'll want to allow sufficient time to explore all that's on offer.
Jul 2nd, 2012, 11:23 PM
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Would take around a hour and half to reach Takaka from Mapua, but you should allow more time for sightseeing along the way.
To go any serious distance onto the spit you need to take a tour. These a walking track which goes about 4km along the spit but thats the furthest the public is allowed to go.
I also would second what Melnq8 said, Golden Bay is nice but its not a must see. A lot of New Zealanders go there over their summers holidays.
The following is really only suited for people like Melng8 who have already explored New Zealand a dozen times or so, and are prepared to take their rentals onto gravel roads.
My favorite thing to do is to turn towards Westhaven inlet at Pakawau Inlet and head down the Westcoast. Its very remote, and few New Zealanders would ever get to see it. The Westhaven Inlet is fairly scenic (at high tide), then you go through a primitive swamp area with a cafe (never been to the cafe, nor explored the swamp area, might be accommodation there). Dunno how much business they would get. Then you head out to the coast and get to see same rather scenic weather beaten cliffs, hills and sand.
These a free campground at Paturau River mouth (no facilities), if you cross the Paturau River and walk say 45 minutes north along the beach you would see a massive sand hill, might even be bigger then the one in Northland. Further along you get to bluffy rocky coast with heaps of caves and arches. Thats the furthest I have been, but I believe same people walk all the way to the mouth of the inlet.
Back to the car, a bit further along is a signposted track to Lake Otuhie, not really worth walking. But its a extremely fun Kayak. Would not ruin the surprise for anyone lucky enough to kayak it.
Further along you get to the rustic Anatori River, these a rough camping area there. I meet a American family with their rental car there once. Good on them for ignoring the no gravel road policy I reckon. They were impressed with the fish I were catching.
The road then fords the Anatori River (Would need to be insane to take a rental across the ford), the road then turns into a farm track and it continues on to Turimaiwiwi river. There the road fords again and the road turns to Sand. I have not been further then this point.
Its possible to 4wd or quad bike along the coast to Big River, and if conditions suit onto Kahurangi Lighthouse. I would do it one day.
To go any serious distance onto the spit you need to take a tour. These a walking track which goes about 4km along the spit but thats the furthest the public is allowed to go.
I also would second what Melnq8 said, Golden Bay is nice but its not a must see. A lot of New Zealanders go there over their summers holidays.
The following is really only suited for people like Melng8 who have already explored New Zealand a dozen times or so, and are prepared to take their rentals onto gravel roads.
My favorite thing to do is to turn towards Westhaven inlet at Pakawau Inlet and head down the Westcoast. Its very remote, and few New Zealanders would ever get to see it. The Westhaven Inlet is fairly scenic (at high tide), then you go through a primitive swamp area with a cafe (never been to the cafe, nor explored the swamp area, might be accommodation there). Dunno how much business they would get. Then you head out to the coast and get to see same rather scenic weather beaten cliffs, hills and sand.
These a free campground at Paturau River mouth (no facilities), if you cross the Paturau River and walk say 45 minutes north along the beach you would see a massive sand hill, might even be bigger then the one in Northland. Further along you get to bluffy rocky coast with heaps of caves and arches. Thats the furthest I have been, but I believe same people walk all the way to the mouth of the inlet.
Back to the car, a bit further along is a signposted track to Lake Otuhie, not really worth walking. But its a extremely fun Kayak. Would not ruin the surprise for anyone lucky enough to kayak it.
Further along you get to the rustic Anatori River, these a rough camping area there. I meet a American family with their rental car there once. Good on them for ignoring the no gravel road policy I reckon. They were impressed with the fish I were catching.
The road then fords the Anatori River (Would need to be insane to take a rental across the ford), the road then turns into a farm track and it continues on to Turimaiwiwi river. There the road fords again and the road turns to Sand. I have not been further then this point.
Its possible to 4wd or quad bike along the coast to Big River, and if conditions suit onto Kahurangi Lighthouse. I would do it one day.
Jul 3rd, 2012, 03:03 AM
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Thanks I think we will give it a miss this time even though it sounds like there is lots to do there--hard decisions have to be made when you only have 18 days!
Sorry to deviate from original post but since I have you experts could I ask about the driving route out of Christchurch? I cant decide if we should head north to Marlborough first then head west and south or if it makes more sense to head west over Arthur pass and kind of drive a figure 8?
We want to see as much as possible and plan to stay 2 or 3 night in each area we want to explore,
Sorry to deviate from original post but since I have you experts could I ask about the driving route out of Christchurch? I cant decide if we should head north to Marlborough first then head west and south or if it makes more sense to head west over Arthur pass and kind of drive a figure 8?
We want to see as much as possible and plan to stay 2 or 3 night in each area we want to explore,
Jul 3rd, 2012, 12:05 PM
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I doubt it would be necessary to book the time of year you are there.
I would do a loop, maybe chch> Kaikouria > Nelson/Marlborough > Westcoast > Glaciers> Haast Pass > Central Otago> Firodland> Tekapo> chch.
I can not see how a figure 8 would add much and it would probably increase or duplicate travel time. If you must see Arthur pass it could be worth considering.
I suppose, head over AP > Glaciers > Haast Pass > Central Otago> Fiordland> Tekapo > chch > Lewis Pass > Nelson/Blem > Kai.
I would do a loop, maybe chch> Kaikouria > Nelson/Marlborough > Westcoast > Glaciers> Haast Pass > Central Otago> Firodland> Tekapo> chch.
I can not see how a figure 8 would add much and it would probably increase or duplicate travel time. If you must see Arthur pass it could be worth considering.
I suppose, head over AP > Glaciers > Haast Pass > Central Otago> Fiordland> Tekapo > chch > Lewis Pass > Nelson/Blem > Kai.
Jul 5th, 2012, 04:30 AM
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I have mapped this suggested route with driving times and it looks good.
Now more specifically is there a particular place in each of the areas that is most central or more scenic?
Marlbourough 3-4 days--(can we include seeing Nelson area in this stop or should we spend a night in Motueka?)
Looking at Renwick--would Picton be better?
West Coast-3 days-where?
Glaciers 2 days-would this include Mount Cook?
Wanaka- Arrowood or Lake Hawea? 3Days
Te Anau 3 days
Lake Tekapo 2 days
How am I doing for timing and route?
Now more specifically is there a particular place in each of the areas that is most central or more scenic?
Marlbourough 3-4 days--(can we include seeing Nelson area in this stop or should we spend a night in Motueka?)
Looking at Renwick--would Picton be better?
West Coast-3 days-where?
Glaciers 2 days-would this include Mount Cook?
Wanaka- Arrowood or Lake Hawea? 3Days
Te Anau 3 days
Lake Tekapo 2 days
How am I doing for timing and route?
Jul 5th, 2012, 04:38 PM
#12
Nelson is about a 90 minute drive from Blenheim. The drive time is similar from Picton if you cross over to Havelock via Queen Charlote Drive, which you definitely should do. This is the scenic route, and if you're like me, scenic invaribly makes the drive longer, but that's what visiting NZ is all about.
A more direct answer is yes, you can include Nelson while staying in Marlborough if you don't mind the drive.
I don't see the point in splitting up your time in Marlborough unless you want to spend some time in Abel Tasman, and then I'd say yes, splitting the time is a very good idea, as basing yourself in Marlborough to see Abel Tasman doesn't make a lot of sense.
Renwick and Picton are entirely different. Renwick is flat, grape growing country. Picton is on the water, the gateway to the Marlbrough Sounds. As a town, Picton isn't that exciting, but it's a good base from which to see the sounds, walk some nice tracks, visit the wineries of Blenheim/Renwick, etc. All depends on what you're looking for.
Most first time visitors to the SI choose Franz Josef or Fox Glacier as a base on the West Coast. They're both good, and both offer similar things...walks, glacier hikes, etc.
I see you have a total of 5 nights dedicated to the West Coast. Maybe add Punakaiki or Hokitika. Punikaiki is basically a spot on the road, but there are some nice tracks in the area (but not much else). Hoki is more of a town, with some nice walks and scenic areas not too far away, such as Hokitika Gorge, Lake Kaniere, etc. Once again, all depends on what you want to see/do.
No, the West Coast doesn't include Mt Cook. They're separated by a mountain range.
Not much at Lake Hawea but holiday homes. I suggest Wanaka or even Arrowtown. They both have good points. The advantage of Arrowtown is that you can get to both Queenstown and Wanaka without too much effort (via Crown Range Road to Wanaka).
Question - when you say three days, do you mean four nights, or two nights? There's a significant difference between the two.
Te Anau to Tekapo is a six hour drive. You might consider detouring to Mt Cook (which is on the way, but off the main road) spend a night or two there, then just spend a few hours at Lake Tekapo on your way back to....assume you're headed to Christchurch?
A more direct answer is yes, you can include Nelson while staying in Marlborough if you don't mind the drive.
I don't see the point in splitting up your time in Marlborough unless you want to spend some time in Abel Tasman, and then I'd say yes, splitting the time is a very good idea, as basing yourself in Marlborough to see Abel Tasman doesn't make a lot of sense.
Renwick and Picton are entirely different. Renwick is flat, grape growing country. Picton is on the water, the gateway to the Marlbrough Sounds. As a town, Picton isn't that exciting, but it's a good base from which to see the sounds, walk some nice tracks, visit the wineries of Blenheim/Renwick, etc. All depends on what you're looking for.
Most first time visitors to the SI choose Franz Josef or Fox Glacier as a base on the West Coast. They're both good, and both offer similar things...walks, glacier hikes, etc.
I see you have a total of 5 nights dedicated to the West Coast. Maybe add Punakaiki or Hokitika. Punikaiki is basically a spot on the road, but there are some nice tracks in the area (but not much else). Hoki is more of a town, with some nice walks and scenic areas not too far away, such as Hokitika Gorge, Lake Kaniere, etc. Once again, all depends on what you want to see/do.
No, the West Coast doesn't include Mt Cook. They're separated by a mountain range.
Not much at Lake Hawea but holiday homes. I suggest Wanaka or even Arrowtown. They both have good points. The advantage of Arrowtown is that you can get to both Queenstown and Wanaka without too much effort (via Crown Range Road to Wanaka).
Question - when you say three days, do you mean four nights, or two nights? There's a significant difference between the two.
Te Anau to Tekapo is a six hour drive. You might consider detouring to Mt Cook (which is on the way, but off the main road) spend a night or two there, then just spend a few hours at Lake Tekapo on your way back to....assume you're headed to Christchurch?
Jul 5th, 2012, 08:26 PM
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Its a okay dive from Blenheim to Nelson (a bit boring), you would have time to do Nelson over lightly as a day trip from Blem, maybe have a look at the start of the Abel Tasman track. But I would head over on your last at Blem then stay the night either at Motueka or partway to the coast (Saint Arnaud or Murchison).
I live near Renwick, its a bit boring, about 8 minutes inland of Blenheim. Next to nothing to do or see in the town itself (just a place to sleep). These a few pubs including a decent little English one. For seeing the wine region its a okay base although no better then Blenheim.
I am guessing, you are looking at accommodation which would not be in Renwick itself but out in the country near Renwick. To the best of my knowledge, most of the accommodation in town itself is taken by long/mid term grape workers. But if you have a car, these not much difference between staying at Renwick, Blenheim or Picton.
You can see the mt Cook the Mountain from the Glaciers, but mt Cook the town and 'attractions' are on the other side.
I live near Renwick, its a bit boring, about 8 minutes inland of Blenheim. Next to nothing to do or see in the town itself (just a place to sleep). These a few pubs including a decent little English one. For seeing the wine region its a okay base although no better then Blenheim.
I am guessing, you are looking at accommodation which would not be in Renwick itself but out in the country near Renwick. To the best of my knowledge, most of the accommodation in town itself is taken by long/mid term grape workers. But if you have a car, these not much difference between staying at Renwick, Blenheim or Picton.
You can see the mt Cook the Mountain from the Glaciers, but mt Cook the town and 'attractions' are on the other side.
Jul 6th, 2012, 01:05 PM
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When I say days I actually mean the number of nights we will stay. And yes we will end up in ChC.
Looking at a cottage in-between Havelock and Picton -looks like a central location on the map?--prefer to cook dinner at home so we don't need to be within walking distance of towns. In fact we prefer a more rural setting.
Looking at a cottage in-between Havelock and Picton -looks like a central location on the map?--prefer to cook dinner at home so we don't need to be within walking distance of towns. In fact we prefer a more rural setting.
Jul 6th, 2012, 03:05 PM
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Is the cottage in the sounds (on Queens Charlotte drive) or on the Wairau plains (near Blem or Renwick).
Where are you planning to start your tour? Christchurch, or are you planning to fly to Blenheim?
If you are planning to fly into Blenheim, you might start duplicating activities if you spend 3-4 days there. Nothing wrong with duplication per say but you could see more of the country if you travel a bit faster.
If you are planning to drive from Christchurch, then the first night in Marlborough could easily be spent at Kaikoura. Then the next 1-3 spent near Blenheim.
Where are you planning to start your tour? Christchurch, or are you planning to fly to Blenheim?
If you are planning to fly into Blenheim, you might start duplicating activities if you spend 3-4 days there. Nothing wrong with duplication per say but you could see more of the country if you travel a bit faster.
If you are planning to drive from Christchurch, then the first night in Marlborough could easily be spent at Kaikoura. Then the next 1-3 spent near Blenheim.
Jul 6th, 2012, 05:05 PM
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Our flights dictate arrival at ChC and same departure.
Here is cottage location
1054 Queen Charlotte Drive, Mahakipawa, Marlborough Sound
BTW
Thanks for all your help I am sure you all get tired of answering the same questions over and over--we do appreciate it!
Here is cottage location
1054 Queen Charlotte Drive, Mahakipawa, Marlborough Sound
BTW
Thanks for all your help I am sure you all get tired of answering the same questions over and over--we do appreciate it!
