'''Takaka''' is the hub of, and largest town in, Golden Bay, in the northwest corner of the South Island of New Zealand.

It has a great groovy-granola vibe supplemented with a liberal (in more ways than one) sprinkling of people from around the world who stumbled across this little piece of hidden Nirvana on earth.

Agriculture and tourism are the main industries in Golden Bay, so the economy is fairly seasonal.

Get in

Just over the '''Takaka Hill''' from Nelson. ''(Which probably explains its undiscovered nature.)''

Get around

See

  • '''Farewell Spit Lighthouse''' - Take a 4WD tour along Farewell Spit to the historic lighthouse on the tip.
  • '''Waikoropupu Springs''' - The home of the clearest water in the world. Feed the tame eels and visit the salmon farm.
  • Do

    Buy

    Eat

  • '''Whole Meal Cafe''', 60 Commercial St, Takaka, ''03'' 525 9426. Small cafe with a number of organic and vegetarian offerings.
  • Drink

    The finest beer (Monkey Puzzle) and some of the tastiest grub can be found at the Mussel Inn, about 17 miles past Takaka towards Collingwood (great beach). Great place do do a little drinking, eating, making friends and listening to music. There's a glow-worm trail across the way that's just lovely to wander through once you've had a few. http://www.musselinn.co.nz

    Sleep

    Bay Country Lodge@Pohara -- info@baycountrylodge.com +64 (-3) 525 9438 The Sandcastle -- 6 self-contained chalets set in a peaceful gardens and native bush. A spa, sauna, and cold dip are available at this relaxing facility conveniently situated between Takaka and the Totaranui beach.

    Get out