Explore Natural Wonders Near Golden Bay New Zealand

At the northernmost end of NZ’s South Island is a spectactular haven for New Zealand tourism: Golden Bay New Zealand. Around 4,500 people permanently live in the Golden Bay area, but each summer twice that many tourists come to enjoy its sights and attractions. For exploring New Zealand’s natural wonders, Golden Bay is hard to beat.

The Farewell Spit, New Zealand’s longest sandspit, constitutes the Golden Bay’s northern edge. It extends for an amazing 26 kilometers (about 16 miles) above the sea level; it then continues underneath the water for another six kilometers and is predicted to increase in length by another two kilometers just in the next five years. The Farewell Spit is one of the most popular attractions in the Golden Bay New Zealand area.

Both Abel Tasman in 1642 and Captain James Cook in 1770 had glimpsed the Farewell Spit; Cook named it Cape Farewell, since it was the final piece of New Zealand he observed prior to his departure. An automated lighthouse stands at the tip of Farewell Spit, illuminating the nearby Golden Bay New Zealand at night. Farewell Spit is now a reserve for New Zealand sea birds and houses an extensive colony of gannets.

The golden rolling dunes of Farewell spit attract numerous visitors who seek the thrill of jumping from the top of a dune. The only way to visit this part of Golden Bay New Zealand is through a guided tour, but those are quite frequent and easy to arrange.

Other wonderful New Zealand outdoor activities and experiences of New Zealand nature can be found in the Abel Tasman National Park, which borders both Golden Bay New Zealand and nearby Tasman Bay. Tramp through this delightful park to observe a broad variety of wildlife and to get glimpses of the scenic Golden Bay coast through gaps in the magnificent trees that populate the park. The Kahurangi National Park and Nelson Lakes National Park nearby offer further encounters with amazing NZ scenery, flora, and fauna.

Yet more adventure opportunities abound in Golden Bay New Zealand. Visit the Te Waikoropupu Springs, whose waters are so remarkably clear and fresh that the Maori natives of New Zealand have long assigned prime spiritual significance to them. The Maori consider these amazing springs to be a waahi tapu (sacred place) and a taonga (treasure). Marvel at their waters to see clearly the inspiration for such respect.

Tramping, hiking, kayaking, surfing, swimming, and exploring elaborate cave networks are among the even further New Zealand vacation adventures you can engage in when visiting Golden Bay. With this variety of activities, you can stay occupied there for days and weeks!