"Takaka" Takaka by wkcsmt

Takaka Travel Guide: 5 reviews and 27 photos

Takaka is Golden Bay's main town. It is located on the western boundary of the Abel Tasman National Park, with its rocky headlands and forest-rimmed bays. The village enjoys a lively craft and café scene, and many artists live in and around the town. Attractions in the area include walking, windsurfing, kayaking and boat cruises. The town is handy to Farewell Spit (South Island's northern-most point), the freshwater Waikoropupu Springs, the Ngarua Caves and several sandy beaches, including Pohara, Tata and Totaranui. There is excellent trout fishing in the local rivers and west of the township @ Anatoki are the famous tame eels.

Golden Bay - a stretch of golden coast between Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Park has some fine sandy beaches, and is sheltered on its northern side by Farewell Spit.

This page will feature places around Takaka. This was my road trip from Nelson to Collingwood.

Ngarua Cave

Ngarua Caves is located in the hills above Takaka (known locally as ‘the marble mountain’). These limestone caves contain an illuminated cathedral, carbon-dated moa bones and stalactites. Guided tours available & no caving experience is required.

Takaka Arts & Craft Trail - a large cooperative shop on Commercial Street exhibiting work from local potters, painters, jewellery and clothes designers.

Waikoropupu Springs or 'Pupu' is reputed to be the largest freshwater spring in the world, producing more than 200 million litres of water daily, and a wahi tapu (scared place) to the local Maori tribe. There is a viewing platform over the main springs and a picnic area nearby.

Golden Bay Visitor Information Centre
Willow Street, Takaka
phone (03) 525 9188
email gb.vin@nelsonnz.com

Intro Updated Feb 9, 2005
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Reviews (4)

Kaiteriteri Beach Off The Beaten Path (2)

This is Nelson's most popular of golden sandy beaches & is the southern gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. If you're... more travel advice

Feed Anatoki Tame Eels @ Bencarri Farm Off The Beaten Path (2)

Take a visit to Bencarri Farm & Cafe. Here, you'll get to see some exotic animals (alpacas, llamas, yaks...) and feed... more travel advice

Ngarua Caves Things to Do (2)

Ngarua Caves are an amazing labyrinth of limestone caves, discovered 70 years ago (by bushmen), located on the marble... more travel advice

Te Waikoropupu ('Pupu') Springs Things to Do (2)

Te Waikoropupu, better knowm as Pupu Springs, near Takaka in Golden Bay are the largest freshwater springs in New... more travel advice

Travelogues (3)

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Comments (3)

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Kakapo2 Apr 22, 2007 at 1:02 PM

Hi there, where did you read or hear that it is allowed to dive in the Pupu Springs? Diving and swimming is strictly forbidden, and monitored as the algae didymo is spreading in NZ. Cheers!
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craic May 9, 2005 at 7:28 PM

Oh I have seen the Pupu Springs and they are just stunning.
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pepples46 Feb 9, 2005 at 1:18 PM

wonderful Takaka, fine page