Carole & Crian's Guidebook

Carole & Crian
Carole & Crian
Carole & Crian's Guidebook

Sightseeing

one of the prettiest beach of the Abel Tasman National park! Half moon bay with special golden sand, calm sea and small tides: ideal to swim Access to the Abel Tasman coastal walk, with beautiful places to explore either side Nice bird life with curious Pukeko, cheeky weka, fantails, kereru, etc.
Totaranui
Abel Tasman Drive
one of the prettiest beach of the Abel Tasman National park! Half moon bay with special golden sand, calm sea and small tides: ideal to swim Access to the Abel Tasman coastal walk, with beautiful places to explore either side Nice bird life with curious Pukeko, cheeky weka, fantails, kereru, etc.
***Closed.for now due to a slip during the August heavy rains*** Beautiful falls just down the road from the cottage, with wonderful walk through the native bush Takes around 30 min walk to the falls Particularly beautiful to see in the morning after a rainy night. Can be busy during the day
35 locals recommend
Wainui Falls Track
29 Wainui Falls Rd
35 locals recommend
***Closed.for now due to a slip during the August heavy rains*** Beautiful falls just down the road from the cottage, with wonderful walk through the native bush Takes around 30 min walk to the falls Particularly beautiful to see in the morning after a rainy night. Can be busy during the day
Going to Taupo point gives an opportunity to visit beautiful Wainui Bay, walk among the coastal bush, and dream about the past times were a Maori village ("Pa") was living at Taupo point, up to the beginning of the 20th century. It is from this village that Maoris attacked the vessel launch by the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, which was the first encounter with Europeans, and it is why Golden has been called Murderers Bay up to the 19th century, were gold has been found near Collingwood, which gave the Bay it's current name of Golden Bay.
Taupo Point
Going to Taupo point gives an opportunity to visit beautiful Wainui Bay, walk among the coastal bush, and dream about the past times were a Maori village ("Pa") was living at Taupo point, up to the beginning of the 20th century. It is from this village that Maoris attacked the vessel launch by the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, which was the first encounter with Europeans, and it is why Golden has been called Murderers Bay up to the 19th century, were gold has been found near Collingwood, which gave the Bay it's current name of Golden Bay.
The star of many Instagram feeds, Anapai boasts a sweeping coastline of golden sands, crystal clear waters and native kānuka forest, welcome to paradise! Accessed only by foot or boat, Anapai is the most beautiful beach of the park according to us. Its little lagoon is a perfect spot to swim. It is a special place: dolfins and orcas have been seen but it is also believe to be a sacred place for the first inhabitants of New Zealand: some believe they left a carving here, a rock formation on the beach looking like an Easter Island Moai looking towards the sea, toward the north Island.
Anapai Bay
The star of many Instagram feeds, Anapai boasts a sweeping coastline of golden sands, crystal clear waters and native kānuka forest, welcome to paradise! Accessed only by foot or boat, Anapai is the most beautiful beach of the park according to us. Its little lagoon is a perfect spot to swim. It is a special place: dolfins and orcas have been seen but it is also believe to be a sacred place for the first inhabitants of New Zealand: some believe they left a carving here, a rock formation on the beach looking like an Easter Island Moai looking towards the sea, toward the north Island.

Neighbourhoods

One of the most beautiful park of New Zealand, especially the northern part, which you can access easily from the cottage. This northern part is the most beautiful part of the park for us: less people, lonely beaches, a landscape more diverse alterning with beaches and rocky headlands, native coastal forest. Don't miss Separation point, a bit out of the main track. It can be easily done in 2 days from the cottage: 1 day Totaranui to Separation point, 1 day from Wainui bay to whariwharangi hut
28 locals recommend
Abel Tasman National Park
28 locals recommend
One of the most beautiful park of New Zealand, especially the northern part, which you can access easily from the cottage. This northern part is the most beautiful part of the park for us: less people, lonely beaches, a landscape more diverse alterning with beaches and rocky headlands, native coastal forest. Don't miss Separation point, a bit out of the main track. It can be easily done in 2 days from the cottage: 1 day Totaranui to Separation point, 1 day from Wainui bay to whariwharangi hut

Food Scene

25 locals recommend
Roots Bar
1 Commercial St
25 locals recommend
This café is really the heart of Golden Bay: situated in the centre of Takaka in the old movie theatre, this café not only serves great wholesome food, amazing coffee ( it is were we buy our coffee beans) coming straight from East Timor, it's also a favourite gathering place for the locals. Just watching the colourful people here and the unique atmosphere is really worth a visit to get a taste of the Bay
29 locals recommend
The Wholemeal Cafe
60 Commercial St
29 locals recommend
This café is really the heart of Golden Bay: situated in the centre of Takaka in the old movie theatre, this café not only serves great wholesome food, amazing coffee ( it is were we buy our coffee beans) coming straight from East Timor, it's also a favourite gathering place for the locals. Just watching the colourful people here and the unique atmosphere is really worth a visit to get a taste of the Bay