ROAD TRIP - Motueka to Tākaka

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

With just one road in and out, complete isolation spells epic adventure in these rambling, roving parts.

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.

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.

Tākaka Hill

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TĀKAKA

In summer, visitors flock to this beautiful part of the Tasman region,appreciating Tākaka’s splendid senseof isolation and relishing the factthat it’s OK for life to take a morerelaxed pace. If you’re looking for aplace with character, you’ve found it.

Even the quaint movie theatre reflects the township’s quirky culture with its comfy sofas and bean bags. 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.

Shopping in Tākaka

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HIGHLIGHTS

ANATOKI SALMON Set on the banks of Anatoki River between Kahurangi and Abel Tasman national parks, fish for your salmon dinner on scenic Lake Anatoki. The team will fillet, smoke and serve your catch.

RAWHITI CAVE A wooden platform lurches into an enormous chamber of impressive stalactites. Like hundreds of hanging jagged teeth, it is grotesquely beautiful.

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 been used as a wedding venue.

LABYRINTH ROCKS PARK A maze of rocky pathways peppered with weird and wonderful limestone formations.

TE PUNA WAI O RIUWAKA RESURGENCE Emerging from the depths of Tākaka Hill, water from Riuwaka River has formed an absurdly clear basin of water.

KAITERITERI BEACH

Access point to Abel Tasman with plenty of sea,sand and boat transfers to and from the national park. Hire a kayak or simply enjoy the seclusion.

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 here in 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.

Abel Tasman

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