Discover Golden Bay’s Natural Attractions

Golden Bay, at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, is a region where nature thrives in every direction. From golden beaches to ancient forests and crystal-clear springs, it’s a haven for travellers seeking scenic beauty, wildlife, and outdoor adventure.

Beaches and Coastal Wonders

Walk the windswept sands of Wharariki Beach, famous for its sea arches and playful seal pups, or relax on the golden shores of Tata Beach and Ligar Bay. At the western edge, Farewell Spit, New Zealand’s longest sandspit, offers guided tours into an internationally renowned bird sanctuary.

Freshwater Springs and Waterfalls

No visit is complete without the serene Te Waikoropupū Springs, home to some of the clearest water ever measured and a sacred site for Māori. Nearby, a short forest walk leads you to Wainui Falls, where cool mist refreshes hikers year-round.

Caves, Trails, and Wilderness

Explore the towering entrance of Rawhiti Cave, adorned with rare phytokarst formations, or embark on the legendary Heaphy Track, a Great Walk weaving through palm groves, rainforests, and wild coastline. The northern reaches of Abel Tasman National Park beckon with kayaking, coastal hiking, and golden sands.

A Region to Protect and Enjoy

Golden Bay is rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. Visitors are encouraged to respect local conservation efforts, travel responsibly, and leave only footprints behind.

Wharariki Beach  is a breathtaking, windswept destination where raw coastal beauty, wildlife encounters, and spectacular rock formations converge. Ideal for peaceful exploration, photography, or simply experiencing the edge of the wild—this is nature at its most dramatic and unfiltered.

Kaihoka lakes The coastal hills form a dramatic backdrop to these 2 beautiful lakes. A casual 20 minute return walk through enchanting coastal broadleaf forest will take you between these the 2 lakes.  There is space to picnic at the car park and further along the road next to the lake. An awesome place for a swim during the hot summer months.

Knuckle Hill. Challenge the final rocky ascent, and you’re rewarded with sweeping views of Whanganui Inlet, Farewell Spit, and beyond—this is Golden Bay from a perspective few get to see.

Mangarakau Swamp. A serene wetland sanctuary at Golden Bay’s edge—vast reedbeds, rare orchids, native fish, and hidden forest remnants—protected and restored by local conservation heroes. Stay in the cozy lodge and walk the boardwalks to experience biodiversity unbeaten.

Kaituna Forks Track A 2 hour return trip through wonderful native bush.

Salisbury Falls  A secret little swimming hole right under the falls. A must for the family, very safe and very fun.  For anyone who loves to skim stones across clam water this is a skimmers paradise with thousands of perfect skimming stones.

The HeaphyTrack  Considered to be the greatest of nine great walks in NZ

Milnthorpe Park A recreational walking track with with marked trials through plantings of native and exotic species to the beach.

The Grove Scenic Reserve. The Grove Scenic Reserve Track is a short but enchanting walk near Clifton, Golden Bay, that feels like stepping into a natural cathedral.

Westhaven Inlet It doesn’t matter if the tide is in or out, the estuary has a natural beauty. Combined with coastal forest and tidal channels, Westhaven Inlet is full of unique and breathtaking scenery. Those interested in a relaxing day can take a drive along the estuary, find a picnic spot and potter around the edge of the sand flats. Its also a great spot for kayaking and birdwatchers will love it here too.

Wainui Falls. A magical 40 minute forest walk to Golden Bay’s largest waterfall, where clear waters plunge 20 metres into a fern-fringed pool.

Te Waikoropupu Springs. A short 30 min loop walk to NZ’s largest freshwater springs and home to the clearest spring water in the world.

Labyrinth Rocks. Nature has produced a maze-like network of canyons through a limestone outcrop

Cobb Valley One of the most interesting regions for naturalists and hikers with its remarkable bush and mountain scenery, impressive botany and geology.  Nowhere else in New Zealand has such a complex series of ancient rocks been eroded into such different landscapes.

Pohara Beach. Golden sands that stretch like a runway, sheltered waters for active fun, and the peaceful backdrop of native bush—your perfect escape by the sea.

Tata Beach. A golden-hued, easily accessed shoreline where calm waves, sheltered bays, and island wildlife create a timeless escape. Perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply lounging in serenity.

Totarauni. A pristine, sun-kissed sanctuary at the top of Abel Tasman National Park, where golden sands, forested hills, and a DOC campsite await access by both road and sea—your tranquil entry to coastal paradise.

Abel Tasman Track. Golden sands, turquoise seas, and lush forest walks—New Zealand’s coastal paradise at your pace.

Rawhiti Cave Track. A short but steep forest hike rewards you with an awe-inspiring cave mouth glittering with rare stalactite formations, a true Golden Bay treasure.

Puponga Farm Park.  Various walking tracks of Puponga Farm Park you can explore Wharariki Beach, Cape Farewell and Fossil Point.

Rameka Track A Mountain Biking track which starts in a strange, limestone wonderland, and winds through native forest from the top of Takaka Hill down to Golden Bay.

Milnthorpe Forest. Wander through a living restoration, where coastal dunes, wetlands, and regenerating native forest now flourish beneath a former canopy of exotics—ideal for peaceful walks, birdwatching, and reconnecting with nature.

Aorere Goldfield and Track. Venture into Golden Bay’s gold-rush past on an evocative 3-hour loop through caves, sluicing works, and forested highlands—culminating at Druggan’s Dam with spectacular valley and coastal views.