ROAD TRIP: A journey through Tākaka

Motueka to Tākaka via SH 60 1hr 7min, 59km

SIDE TRIP: Riwaka to Abel Tasman National Park via Kaiteriteri 26min, 17.2km

The iconic Tākaka Hill lies ahead but before embarking on the winding ascent, a short diversion after Riwaka leads to the beautiful beach at Kaiteriteri.

Once back on SH 60, the next section of The Treasured Pathway winds up tight turns through forest then opens out to views across to Tasman Bay and Abel Tasman National Park.

Walking in Abel Tasman Coast Track © AbelTasman.com

The descent into Golden Bay is no less dramatic with breathtaking views across to Kahurangi National Park. A flat and sweeping drive along the river valley leads to the spirited township of Tākaka.

With a splendid sense of isolation here – there’s just one road in and one road out – you feel you are a world away from everyday life.

Walking in Abel Tasman Coast Track © AbelTasman.com

HIGHLIGHTS

ANATOKI SALMON

Fish for salmon and have your catch prepared for you to eat on the spot. Set on the banks of Anatoki River between Kahurangi and Abel Tasman national parks, this experience is fun, a bit different and nutritious!

NGĀRUA CAVES

Take a guided tour and get an incredible insight into the geology of Tākaka Hill, with remarkable stalactites, stalagmites, moa remains and a chamber that’s so elaborate it’s been used as a wedding venue.

KAITERITERI BEACH

This beach is an access point to Abel Tasman with sumptuous sands and clear waters for swimming. Boats arrive and depart frequently, taking trampers into the national park.

Kaiteriteri Beach © www.nelsontasman.nz

SIDE TRIP: Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman is the smallest of the country’s national parks but has a weighty reputation for its beauty, golden beaches with crystal clear water and a stunning coastal track, which is one of the Great Walks. Independent walking is popular and most tackle it in three to four days. A great way to learn more about the history, flora and fauna is to take a guided walk.

The park is blessed with a wide range of other accommodation too, from DOC huts and camping, to baches for rent. The marine reserve established herein 1993 means there’s plenty of sealife, including an impressive number of seals; pods of dolphins are common, too. With a number of companies offering regular boat services, as well as water taxis and kayak hire, it’s possible to walk or explore as much or as little as you like.

Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park © Getty Images

Kayaks can be hired from Kaiteriteri and Mārahau or, for access to the northern reaches of Abel Tasman National Park, from Tata Beach.

TĀKAKA

In summer, visitors flock to this beautiful part of the Tasman region, appreciating Tākaka’s splendid sense of isolation and relishing the fact that it’s okay for life to take a more relaxed pace. If you’re looking for a place with character, you’ve found it.

Even the quaint movie theatre reflects the township’s quirky culture with its comfy second-hand sofas and beanbags. Explore the main street and you’ll never be short of places to enjoy good coffee or tucker. On market day (every Saturday come rain or shine), locally-made award-winning cheeses and honey are just some of the delights on offer.

Mural wall in Tākaka © www.nelsontasman.nz

Main Image: Kayakers in Falls River, Abel Tasman National Park © Kaiteriteri Kayak

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz