From Takaka Going East

Abel Tasman Drive

When leaving Takaka the traveller can head off in a westerly direction towards Collingwood - Farewell Spit - Heaphy Track etc - Highway 60 is the route to follow. Or, we'll go the other way now, out to the east via Pohara and Tata Beach to Wainui and finally, Totaranui, the northern entrances to the Abel Tasman National Park. The road to take is the aptly named Abel Tasman Drive.

Crimson Trail

Abel Tasman Drive is also Golden Bay’s ‘Crimson Trail’, named after the beautiful crimson flowering rata trees. The trail leads you to outstanding examples of this New Zealand native tree as well as guiding you through some of the best scenery the South Island has to offer.

Labyrinth Rocks Park

We recommend you ask for a brochure from the Department of Conservation or Visitor Information Centre. The blaze of red is best seen in early summer but the trees are impressive at any time. Seven sites are identified along this trail; from a single tree opposite the Telegraph Hotel in Takaka, to the Grove Scenic Reserve at Clifton, the limestone cliffs at Pohara, three mature trees just before Wainui Bridge, a grove of trees (growing on pukatea) along the Wainui Waterfall Track, at Pigeon Saddle - the highest point on the road to Totaranui, to finally several massive trees at the top of the Headland Track at Totaranui.

Labyrinth Rocks

Just two kilometres out of Takaka are three big oak trees. Turn left here, follow the signs to Labyrinth Rocks Park and you will find one of Golden Bay's most amazing places. Nature has produced a maze-like network of canyons through a limestone outcrop - an excellent example of the geological term 'Karst' limestone for which this area is known. It has been developed as an enchanting family attraction. Young or old, you will indeed be amazed!

Rawhiti Cave

Rawhiti Cave

A detour from Motupipi will take you to the starting point of the hike up to this ancient cave with its enormous entrance studded with thousands of coloured stalactites. The stream which formed this cave over a million years ago is now deep beneath the gravels of the valley floor but the slow dripping of calcium-rich water continues to build the cave’s decorations, which include rimstone pools, columns, and fragile “straws”. Now under DoC management. Please note: the last section of the hike, from the valley floor up to the cave entrance, is a steep and rough track requiring good fitness and experience. To minimise your impact on the cave floor, please remain on the marked route. Guided tours are available.

Continue to read information about >>>> Clifton and the Grove Scenic Reserve