This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Golden Bay.
Golden Bay is an amazing area in New Zealand with a diversity of landscapes that will take you further off the beaten track. Here you will be able to spot whales near the shore, share the same beach with the seals, find some caves that you can explore on your own, dense rainforests -- all of this in a spot that fortunately is still out of the main touristic routes in New Zealand.
Make sure that you go to one of the best beaches in New Zealand -- Wharariki (you read it as "Farariki"). Here you'll find big sand dunes that are perfect for some jumps and photos, two really nice caves that you can explore at low tide, a big family of seals that live on this beach (and you'll share half an hour with them -- just don't get too close, because of the few baby seals), and in the end you'll have the best place to go for a swim, right before the rock with the window!
Nearby, a short walk of thirty minutes away, you'll find Cape Farwell -- also worth a visit. If you have more than a day, make sure you also visit The Grove, a magical forest that seems like it came right out of the "Jurassic Park" movie. These are the best spots if you're in a rush, but you can also enjoy the Te Waikoropupo Springs -- also known as Pupo Springs -- and the Wainui Falls.
There are a lot of hostels in Golden Bay -- a good bet is to settle in Takaka and explore the whole region from there, even if it takes more than two days. Most of Golden Bay's hostels are small and family owned; there are a few that are no more than a house shared with the owner -- and these are the best of all because you'll get the locals' knowledge of the best places for you to go.
Written by local enthusiast for Golden Bay hostels
CoffeeMarks