Things to Do in Golden Bay Area

• Farewell Spit
  This 24km long sandspit, with its landmark century-old lighthouse, is the South Island's most north-westerly point and a wildlife refuge for the godwits which nest here between September and March. Visitors can also see oystercatchers, turnstones, Caspian terns, gannets and black shags. The spit has caused many shipwrecks and some are still visible, including that of the Messenger, which went down on 19 September 1879.
• Kahurangi National Park
  Covering 400,000ha of wilderness, Kahurangi is an ecological treasure with more than 100 bird species, 50% of all New Zealand’s plant species and 80% of the country's alpine plants. Guided walks in Kahurangi National Park include the Heaphy Track, Chaffey Cottage, Aorere Goldfields and Cobb Valley.
• Abel Tasman National Park
  A beautiful coastal park with rocky headlands and remote forest-rimmed bays, offering walking, kayaking, boat cruises, furseals, penguins, dolphins and sea birds.
• Arts & Craft Trail
  There is a large cooperative shop on Commercial Street exhibiting work from local potters, painters, jewellery and clothes designers. A Golden Bay Craft Trail pamphlet provides details of galleries and workshops.
• Ngarua Marble Caves
  Located in the hills above Takaka, these limestone caves contain an illuminated cathedral, carbon-dated moa bones and stalactites. Guided tours hourly from 10am-4pm.
• Waikoropupu Springs
  Located 8km northwest of Takaka, 'Pupu' is reputed to be the largest freshwater spring in the world, producing more than 200 million litres of water daily. There is a viewing platform over the main springs and a picnic area nearby.
• Bencarri Farm
  Located 2km southwest of Takaka, Bencarri is home to the famous tame Anatoki River eels, which have been hand-fed since 1914. The farm has exotic and rare farm animals, farming displays, a café and crafts.