Takaka:NZ’s Best Kept Secret

Amy:Anatoki Tame Eels & Cafe , located next to Anatoki Salmon, began as a farm for alpacas, llamas and sheep but now has developed into a nature park and pancake cafe where you can also feed tame, wild eels. A great day out for the family!

Amy:Rawhiti Cave is the most diverse and extensive entrance with twilight-flora of any cave in New Zealand. This is an amazing and worthwhile place to visit, not to be missed!

Amy:This national park might be not be the largest park but it’s a coastal paradise! Easily accessible and perfect for both relaxation and adventure!

Amy:Home to the clearest spring waters in the world! The springs are home to a female taniwha (protective guardian), Huriawa and hold deep spiritual significance to the Maori people.

Amy:A short walk through lush Mari d bush leads to the cascading Wainui Falls, the largest and most accessible waterfall in Holden’s a bay. There’s a long long bridge there too, great fun for kids!

Amy:Sans Souci means ‘no worries’ in French, and this will be your mantra too after staying in one of the seven Mediterranean mud-brick rooms. At the heart of the inn is the Sans Souci restaurant. With its high reputation for its slow cooked dinners and irresistible desserts using local ingredients, it’s necessary to book a table a week in advance!

Amy:Ratanui Lodge is a boutique hotel situated in beautiful Pohara Beach, Golden Bay. It has a dining rooms, cocktail lounge, small salt-water pool and spa pool. It’s the ideal base for exploring the Abel Tasman National Park, Farewell Spot and Wharariki Beach.

Amy:Sans Souci means ‘no worries’ in French, and this will be your mantra too after staying in one of the seven Mediterranean mud-brick rooms. At the heart of the inn is the Sans Souci restaurant. With its high reputation for its slow cooked dinners and irresistible desserts using local ingredients, it’s necessary to book a table a week in advance!

Amy:Situated in New Zealand’s luscious native forest, with spectacular views over Golden Bay, and founded in permaculture principles, Anahata Yoga Retreat offers a sanctuary space which helps to cultivate personal growth, encouraging souls to find their centre, relax and heal.

Amy:Several locations in Golden Bay were used in the filming of "The Hobbit" Trilogy and the other Lord of the Rings films. The first Hobbit film "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" featured the private property of Kaihoka Station (west coast of Golden Bay). Fans can get a good feel for the filming location with Cape Farewell Horse Treks. It is possible to ride across private farmland to the dramatic limestone cliff top which offers spectacular coastal views over Golden Bay. A great way to experience Takaka’s dramatic scenery!