Head over the hill

Celebrated as one of the most stunning regions in the country, Golden Bay is a paradise that is second to none. The perfect place for a weekend getaway, visitors flock from around the world every year to experience what the region has to offer. Amy Russ takes a look at some of the things to see and do in magical Golden Bay.

Whether it be exploring the great outdoors, or soaking up the vast range of galleries, cafes and retail shops, Golden Bay has some of the most remote, wild and wonderful spots in New Zealand. Full of stunning windswept beaches, huge sand dunes, massive wetland areas, tidal estuaries, a vast range of beautiful natural reserves, a myriad of groves, tracks and waterfalls and stunning wild rocky outcrops, there is plenty to see and do.

Boasting incredible landscapes and a plethora of artisan foods and delicacies, boutique suppliers and an unmatchable climate, Golden Bay is a region like no other. Coming over the Tākaka Hill, the landscape unravels as you wind your way down into the valley. Hang a left and you will find yourself in the stunning playground of Cobb Valley, home to a plethora of walking tracks and campsites that border the Kahurangi National Park. Tucked against the foothills of the National Park, you will find clever crafters of traditional wooden baskets, The Trug Maker, who create time-honoured Sussex Trug, Devon Maund and flower and herb baskets.

Staying on the main highway, the road follows the river through Upper Tākaka, past Anatoki Salmon Fishing and Café - where, fresh from the water, you can catch, smoke and eat your salmon – before arriving in the Tākaka township. Whether it is outdoor activities, tramping, mountainbiking, caving, rock climbing, or more relaxed sight- seeing, musing, boutique shopping, vibrant hospitality or incredible vistas you are after, the Golden Bay Visitor Centre is the place to go for all your accommodation, transport and activity needs in the region, while the local museum hosts a wealth of information around the settlement of Golden Bay and its great significance in New Zealand history.

The perfect place to relax or plan out your travels, Dada Manifestó Speakeasy Lounge and Restaurant and the legendary Roots Bar were both built with the vision of providing a space where locals and travellers can enjoy great culture along with fantastic food, high vibes and some New Zealand medalwinning craft beers on tap. Monza Art Gallery on Commercial Street promises to delight lovers of beautiful art with outstanding works by local artists, as does the art collective of Paper Scissors Rock. Living Arts Gallery on Tukurua Road is an absolute treasure trove of creativity and beautiful things, and the Art Vault in Tākaka is a showcase gallery hosting a range of exhibitions for Golden Bay artists, while StoneArrow Jewellery is a boutique artisan business that creates products inspired by the beauty of New Zealand nature.

Take a right towards Pohara, Ligar Bay and Tata Beach to visit Labyrinth Rocks, stretch your legs at The Grove, or view the stunning artwork of landscape painter Peter Geen at Earth Sea Gallery. Or continue along State Highway 60 to experience the crystalclear waters of Te Waikoropupū Springs, before immersing yourself within the rustic atmosphere of the Mussell Inn.

On your way to Parapara’s historic goldmines and iron mines, make sure to pop into Bacca Bakery and Café, the tiny bakery at the end of the world that is the place to go for taste sensations and is changing the way we eat, before the stunning road will take you into Collingwood, Golden Bay’s oldest and second-largest town. Once on the cards to be New Zealand’s capital city, Collingwood is an ecotourism destination and home to the coolest little café in Collingwood, Courthouse Café. Built in 1901, the former courthouse now hosts a stunning shop and gallery with work from cafe owner and ceramic artist Sue Dasler.

Collingwood is the perfect base to explore the Aorere Valley with the Rockville Machinery and Settlers Museum, Bainham, Salisbury Falls, the renowned Heaphy Track, the Devils Boots, and the family legacy that is Langford Store. Established in 1928, the general store and post office is now a jewel in the crown of essential places to experience in Golden Bay, a place where collections and connections can be found, and should definitely be on the list of places to visit.

Heading further north and boasting incredible landscapes, you will find Pākawau, the gateway to Whanganui Inlet, the ecological sanctuary of Westhaven and stunning Kaihoka Lakes. From Pākawau you can take a tour along Farewell Spit, visit the natural formations of Cape Farewell or experience the majestic sand dunes of Wharariki Beach.

Founded by Ben and Sarah Bonoma, Dancing Sands Distillery in Golden Bay has enjoyed phenomenal success both across New Zealand and internationally since its inception in 2016. This dynamic duo combine their strengths to deliver multi award-winning gins. Taking a meticulous approach to creating deliciously robust spirits, the team are also strongly focused on reducing their environmental impact in every area possible, including the launch of a custom-designed bottle, made right here in New Zealand. Their new bottles are made from at least 40% recycled glass, and their labels printed with nontoxic, soy-based inks on recycled paper. By simply having their bottles manufactured domestically, they eliminate the need to import bottles from France and thus eliminate 15,000kg of carbon emissions annually from their production cycle. Managing Director Sarah says, “We hope this may spark others in the spirits business to follow suit in making strides towards cleaner and greener production processes. Taking care of our planet benefits all of its people.” Each of the custom-designed bottles will have Golden Bay, New Zealand, proudly debossed into the top, paying homage to what they consider the best corner of the world. In the spirit of keeping it local, they brought on Nelson-based designer Ben Alden, whose hand-drawn illustrations now adorn each of their new bottles.