Golden Bay in a Day

NZ
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (24 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • inclusion
    National Park fees
  • inclusion
    Local guide
  • inclusion
    Professional guide
  • inclusion
    Driver/guide
  • inclusion
    Bottled water
  • inclusion
    GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • inclusion
    Lunch
  • inclusion
    Surcharges on fuel
  • inclusion
    Light refreshments
  • inclusion
    Coffee and/or tea

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Gratuities

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
Bridge Backpackers
Cambria House
Century Park Motor Lodge
Chelsea Park Motor Lodge
Collingwood Manor Bed and Breakfast
Delorenzo's Studio Apartments
Palazzo Motor Lodge
Rutherford Hotel Nelson
Tasman Bay Backpackers
The Hotel Nelson
The Sails Nelson
Tides Hotel
Pickup will be from your Nelson City, Stoke or Richmond accommodation. Pickup time will vary according to the location of your accommodation.

What to expect

Departing 8.30am from your Nelson accommodation this fully catered and interpretive journey into Golden Bay is a scenic feast of diverse landforms, nestled between the mountains of Kahurangi National Park and the stunningly beautiful golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park. Sole access is by a single road over Takaka Hill that leaves from almost sea-level to reach an altitude of 800 metres through a mix of mature native forest remnants, regenerating scrub, managed forest and farmland and in between alternating views of both national parks with the orchards and Tasman Bay below. There are always plenty of opportunities for photos with a short walk to a viewing platform through ancient granite and marble rock outcrops and into a quaint forest remnant or entering Ngarua cave to exit near a Hobbit film location site.  This alpine region provides spectacular views, fascinating rock formations and sink holes interspersed with grassland meadows. Descending into Golden Bay the mountains of Kahurangi loom large above the predominantly dairy farmland with distance views of the internationally renowned wildlife reserve of Sandspit over the township of Takaka which is as interesting as its inhabitants and often described as a hippy village that attracts artisans from around the world.  Close by is Te Waikoropupu Springs which are the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand, the largest cold water springs in the southern hemisphere and is the clearest water ever measured in the world. This small area surrounding the springs is wahi tapu, a place held in high cultural and spiritual regard by Maori, is steeped in gold mining history and is the perfect place to observe the many stages of re-vegetation of a unique indigenous forest that contains a huge collection of plants including mature beech and podocarp forest.       Towards the eastern side of Golden Bay the road passes through a natural hole and alongside amazing limestone formations to the Abel Tasman memorial lookout and the golden sands of Ligar Bay and Tata beach before walking into Abel Tasman National Park to see Wainui Falls, the largest waterfall in the region.                                             No visit is complete without uncovering a hidden secret. A fascinating limestone area shaped and worn by strong undersea currents before being thrust up from the ocean into a sub-tropical climate that supports a unique collection of plants, some with strange habits and incredible stories.
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Wine, Art & Wilderness

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
  • Additional information
    Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Additional information
    Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by Wine, Art & Wilderness

What our experts say

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    Visit Te Waikoropupu Springs nearby
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    Explore Takaka village's artisan shops
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    Don't miss Wainui Falls in Abel Tasman
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    Bring a camera for scenic views
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    Inform guide of dietary needs in advance

More About this Experience

Introduction

Golden Bay in a Day is a remarkable tour that explores the hidden gem of Golden Bay, providing an unforgettable experience filled with incredible surprises. This full-day journey takes you through a diverse landscape, offering a scenic feast for the eyes. Departing from your accommodation in Nelson, you will traverse the stunning Waimea Plains in Tasman Bay, passing through vineyards, market gardens, and orchards before immersing yourself in the enchanting forest on Marble Mountain.

What to expect?

With Golden Bay in a Day, you can anticipate a day filled with breathtaking sights and extraordinary adventures. As you venture into Golden Bay, you will be treated to an awe-inspiring blend of landforms nestled between the majestic mountains of Kahurangi National Park and the mesmerizing golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park. The tour includes exclusive access to middle earth caves and the National Parks, offering you a privileged insider's perspective. Prepare to capture stunning photographs at every turn as the tour presents a never-ending sequence of picturesque landscapes.

Who is this for?

Golden Bay in a Day is perfect for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and photography lovers. Whether you are a thrill-seeker seeking unique experiences or a nature enthusiast wanting to explore diverse ecosystems, this tour is designed to cater to your needs. The tour is suitable for all ages and is specifically designed to accommodate a variety of preferences and interests.

Why book this?

Embarking on this unforgettable tour promises exclusive access to hidden treasures and landscapes that few have the privilege to witness. From mountains and native forests to limestone and granite formations, each stop along the way reveals a new dimension of natural beauty. Furthermore, this comprehensive tour includes a delectable gourmet picnic lunch, ensuring that your comfort and culinary satisfaction are catered to at every step of the journey. Golden Bay in a Day offers an immersive and unforgettable experience, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Good to know

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit Te Waikoropupu Springs, home to the clearest water ever measured in the world. Additionally, you will encounter a hidden limestone area shaped and worn by undersea currents before being thrust into a sub-tropical climate, harboring unique plants with incredible stories. Be prepared to indulge in captivating stories and fascinating insights provided by your knowledgeable and experienced guide. With a duration of 480 minutes, this tour allows ample time to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Golden Bay.

Reviews

Visitors who have experienced Golden Bay in a Day have been enthralled by the diversity of landscapes and the sheer beauty that unfolds at every turn. The exclusive access to hidden caves and national parks, along with the wealth of knowledge shared by the guide, has left a lasting impression on travelers. The gourmet picnic lunch and the personal touches provided throughout the tour have also received praise, enhancing the overall experience. Whether it's the breathtaking views, the unique insights, or the opportunity to capture remarkable photographs, Golden Bay in a Day has consistently exceeded expectations and left travelers in awe.

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