Places to visit in Golden Bay
Walks in Golden Bay brochure (PDF, 1000K) (Note: this is a large file and may take a while to download)
List these tracks by category:
All track categories Easy access short walk Short walk Walking track Great Walk/Easier tramping track Tramping track Route Mountain bike track Horse riding
Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, is an easy 3 – 5 day tramp that features stunning coastal views and tremendous beaches. Category: Great Walk/Easier tramping track Distance: 54.4 km Completion Time: 3 - 5 days
Highlights on the circuit are: beautiful beech forest, dramatic gorge scenery, old gold workings, Lake Stanley with its rock debris dam and the historic pack track section. Category: Tramping track Completion Time: 3-5 days
Aorere Goldfields Track is a 3-hour loop, which gives you access to explore some of the more accessible gold-mining remnants. Category: Tramping track Completion Time: 3 hr circuit
The Douglas Range Route links Aorere Valley to Cobb Valley. This route guide describes the route from the Aorere Valley. Category: Route Completion Time: 5-7 days Alert: Any trip in this area is a serious undertaking.
Tramping tracks on Farewell Spit will take you to the cliff-top viewing platform of Cape Farewell and the dramatic views at Wharariki Beach. Category: Tramping track
On the various walking tracks of Farewell Spit and Puponga Farm Park you can explore Wharariki Beach, the lighthouse and Fossil Point. Category: Walking track
Find out about the two year Gibbs Hill mountain bike trial in Abel Tasman National Park. Category: Tramping track ; Mountain biking - Intermediate Completion Time: 10 km one way from Totaranui to Wainui. Can be a 23 km loop using unsealed roads as well as track.
At the end of Harwoods Track is Harwoods Hole, the deepest vertical shaft in New Zealand. Find out how to get there and important safety information. Category: Walking track Distance: 2.9 km one way Completion Time: 45 min one way Alert: Harwoods Hole is at the end the track. Children need to be supervised; it is very dangerous to approach the hole beyond the warning signs.
The 78.4 km Heaphy Track is the longest of the DOC Great Walks. Located in Kahurangi National Park, the track crosses expansive tussock downs, lush forests, and stunning coastline. Category: Great Walk/Easier tramping track Distance: 78.4 km Completion Time: 4 - 6 days Alert: Mountain biking is not allowed on the Heaphy Track. The NZ Conservation Authority is currently considering a recommendation to allow mountain biking as a seasonal trial. Once a decision is reached it will be advised on this website.
Inland Track travels through regenerating and undisturbed forest where tui, bellbirds and other wildlife can be seen. Occasional granite outcrops offer excellent views of the coast. Category: Tramping track Distance: 37.5 km Completion Time: 3 days
Kahurangi Point is an unmarked route, mostly along the beach. If time allows, plan to stay overnight at Kahurangi Keepers' House, close to Kahurangi Point. Category: Route Completion Time: 3-4 hr
This 10 minute walk begins beside one lake and heads gently down to the other. Category: Walking track Distance: 1.3 km Completion Time: 10 min
Beautiful native forest and gold-mining relics are the main attractions of the Kaituna Valley. To walk the whole track takes 8-9 hours, or there are shorter walks from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Category: Route Completion Time: 8-9 hr or shorter walks from 20 min to 2 hr
From the top of Knuckle Hill are excellent views of the top of the South Island, particularly Farewell Spit and Whanganui Inlet. Category: Tramping track Completion Time: 1 hr 20 min
The track to the summit of Parapara Peak (1249 m) is steep and difficult, and requires fitness and experience. Category: Tramping track
Paynes Ford Scenic Reserve is known for its impressive line of bluffs and is one of New Zealand’s popular rock-climbing areas. Category: Walking track Completion Time: 30 min one way
Retracing an old gold-mining water race, this track passes through forest of young beech and rimu to mature podocarps. Category: Walking track Completion Time: 1hr 50 min
Rawhiti Cave has possibly the most diverse and extensive entrance - and twilight-zone flora of any cave in New Zealand. Category: Tramping track Completion Time: 1 hr
Te Waikoropupu Springs, Milnthorpe Park and Grove Scenic Reserve are all a short drive from Takaka and have good opportunities for short walks. Category: Short walk
A stunning native bush track along the Wainui River leads to Wainui Falls, the largest falls in Golden Bay. Category: Tramping track Distance: 1.5 km Completion Time: 30 min
The Washbourne Scenic Reserve is a delightful patch of forest, providing a very easy 15-minute walk. Category: Walking track Completion Time: 15 min return
back to top
Easy access walks - North Island
Easy access walks - South Island
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Track category definitions
Plan and prepare for your trip
The Great Walks
Stop the spread of didymoCheck, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Safety information
Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.
