South Island, New Zealand
Discover Golden Bay
Golden Bay sits at the top of the South Island, tucked behind a mountain pass most people drive past. Those who turn off find beaches, springs, seals, and silence. Waitapu Springs puts you right in the middle of all of it.
1km from Waitapu Springs
Te Waikoropupū Springs
Known locally as Pupu Springs, these are the largest freshwater springs in Australasia and among the clearest water on Earth. About 14,000 litres per second surge from underground vents, creating the famous "dancing sands." A short walk from Waitapu Springs — genuinely unmissable.
Walk the Pupu Hydro Track to follow an old gold-mining water race through the bush.
1 hour drive
Wharariki Beach
One of New Zealand's most dramatic beaches — massive sand dunes, sea caves, natural rock arches, and fur seals lounging on the shore. A 20-minute walk through farmland keeps the crowds away. Go at low tide if you can. Wharariki is the default lock screen on Windows 10 — more people have seen it than know they have.
45 min drive
Cape Farewell & Farewell Spit
The northernmost point of the South Island. Farewell Spit is a 35km sand spit curling into the Tasman Sea — a protected bird sanctuary and an extraordinary piece of landscape. Abel Tasman rounded it on his way home; it was the last land his crew saw. Visit early in the year for whale sightings.
Also nearby
More of Golden Bay
Tata Beach
A quiet, sheltered bay just 5 minutes from us. Good for swimming in summer.
Takaka Township
Cafes, galleries, a Saturday market and the kind of high street that closes for good weather. Five minutes from Waitapu Springs.
Abel Tasman Park
Golden-sand coastal walking track, accessible as a day hike or multi-day tramp. One of New Zealand's great walks.
Marie and Serge know this area well. Ask them anything.
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