Golden Bay was voted as having the best drinking water in New Zealand.  It probably has to do with it's realtively remote location, low industry, careful farming practises and an abundace of wild spaces.  The area is bordered by two large national parks as well as the ocean and another mountain range.   It has it's own ecosystem.  The area can sustain a population much larger then it has currently.

During the summer months the population grows as this area is a great camping, hiking and overall outdoor activity place.   There are many interesting springs, waterfalls, beaches, outdoor cafe's and restaurants that need exploring.  You will find the locals very friendly and more then willing to fill you in on a couple of cool spots to check out.

History of Golden Bay

The first inhabitants of Mohua as they called it was the Maori.   We are not quite sure the date of arrival but it's pretty early in their history in New Zealand.  The belief is that the Maori arrived from the ancenstral home of Hawaiki, current day Tahiti.  There is many similarities in place names which supports that belief.  They settled across the valleys and along the creeks & rivers.   Artefacts have been found throughout the bay as this area was important for it's natural resources and highly prized greenstone, pounamu.   The greenstone from the westland region of the bay was traded throughout the South Island.

Europeans arrived on ships in 1642 with Dutch explorer Abel Tasman.  He was a captain for the Dutch East India Company at the time.  His two small ships had anchored offshore for a day and was attacked by Maori tribesman in 8 canoes.  They killed 4 of his sailors before they were beaten off and Capt. Tasman sailed away.  He named the area Murders' Bay.  The name didn't stick but in memory of the event the beautiful area bordering the bay to the east was made a park and named after him.

Cook arrived 130 years later and began naming everything.  He hung out in the west part of the bay for a little while.  The name of the cape and the spit were decided by him, Farewell.

The area became quite a battleground in 1827-28 when invasion occured by the north island tribes.  Bitter inter-tribal warfare lasted until 1840 and the treaty of Waitangi which ended most hostilities.  The population gradually declined since then to only a few families living there.

Takaka Hill - The Marble Moutain

There is only one entrance into Golden Bay and that is over the mountain.   Climbing the 791 meter pass takes about 35 min.  The winding route may require some ginger to keep your stomach in place.  Take your time as the sites are worth it. 

Topping the hill you can look back towards Nelson across Tasman Bay.  The views are spectacular.  There is lots to do on the hill itself.  Hike through a scene of The Lord of The Rings which was filmed at Canaan Downs.  There is Harwood's Hole at 183 meter's deep to have a look down.  And an oppritunity to go into the mountain itself at Ngarua Caves.  

The mountain is New Zealand's only source of quality marble.  It was used for many  promient and beautiful buildings in the country.  You can check out the marble landscapes on the Takaka Hill walkway which is about 3 hours of enjoyment.

Crossing over the summit and down a bit of road you come to a lookout.   The dramatic entrance gives you a suberb view looking down the valley towards the bay.  The Tasman mountains in the distance and the green valley below are inspiring. 

Takaka

This town's main street boast a great deal of fun cafes, restaurants, shops and services.  Everyone is quite friendly and shopping the streets is enjoyable.  There is a plethora of art decorating the buildings inside and out supporting the local artists.   During the summer there are events happening throughout town from the Heart Art Festival, The A&P Show, The Totally Local Fair and The HANDS Market.  Takaka also hosts a medical center, some great schools, a new library and a movie theatre. 

Learn more about the other regions of Golden Bay here or check back as we add more of our stories, experiences and knowledge of this area.  www.goldenbaynz.co.nz