From Motueka SH60 winds up and over Takaka Hill (2,595ft/791m) to Golden Bay. The hill is also known as Marble Mountain because large quantities of marble are found beneath the softer limestone surface. As can be expected in limestone country there are plenty of caves in the area, but the Ngarua Caves on Takaka Hill belong to the most interesting and easily accessible. Cave features include beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations, together with the skeletal remains of the giant moa.

Located near a number of superb beaches Takaka is the main town in the Golden Bay region. The town itself does not have a lot in the way of attractions but there are several places of interest in the vicinity. New Zealand's largest freshwater springs, Pupu Springs, bubble to the surface in a scenic reserve about 3 miles (5km) to the north-west of town. To the south-east is the huge Rawhiti Cave which is over a million years old. A guided tour to the cave and back takes about three hours.

Destinations in Takaka

Bencarri Farm Park