Sunny Takaka is a day-out destination that promises not to disappoint. Less than 2 hours drive from Nelson and separated from the rest of the country by the iconic, winding Takaka Hill, it’s rural, small-town New Zealand at its best – and with a few surprises thrown in. While there’s plenty to keep you entertained for a longer break, you can also experience Takaka in a well planned day. So pack the sunscreen and make an early start on your route 60 road trip.
See
Anatoki Eels
Known to the Maori as tuna, eel are shy and secretive creatures but on the banks of the Anatoki River you’ll find them lining up to eat from the end of a long stick! To reach the historically famous Anatoki eels, look out for the brown tourist “Anatoki Salmon” signs 1km before entering Takaka township, and 5.5km later you’re there. A short and pretty bush trail leaves from the car park but be sure to purchase your eel feed from the adjacent establishment before you before you head out. Eel feeding is open from 9am till 4:30pm each day but watch the weather – after high rains the eels like to take a break from their public displays of affection and may well be in hiding.
Golden Bay Museum
While some small town museums can have a samey-same feel about them, Takaka’s is different. Close to Farewell Spit, site of New Zealand’s most frequent whale strandings, the museum now has its own whalery. When the skeleton is installed, the destination will be the only provincial museum in the country to boast a full whale skeleton. In the meantime, check out the whaling history at this well-run establishment.
Eat
Feel the vibe of Takaka at an eatery that is as welcoming to suits and ties as it is to dreadlocks and ponchos.
Housed in what was originally a theatre, The Wholemeal Cafes’s historic building dates from 1910. On the Golden Bay scene as a food co-op and then as an eatery, the prevailing philosophy is all about delicious food sourced as locally as possible. Check out the establishment’s legendary wholemeal pastry quiche and locally famous Green Goddess Dressing. If you fancy some of the dressing to take home, just ask the kitchen to load a container of it for you. Better still, grab one of the two available Wholemeal recipe books on sale and make your own. Before you leave, be sure to take a squiz at the café’s notice board – with some weird and wonderful courses on offer, it’s an insight into how the more alternative side of Takaka ticks!
Shop
Don’t leave town without a little local something from the region’s hive of cottage industry. Tui Balms natural skin care range echoes the town’s adherence to therapeutic massage while the health-kick is also available from the unique village milk-vending machine at Milk Village in nearby Pohara just 9 minutes out of town in the direction of Able Tasman National Park. If you’d like something stronger, Dancing Sands Distillery produces medal-winning spirits using the same crystal clear waters that feed the local Pupu Springs.
To check out more sights to see in and around Takaka, touch base with the Golden Bay information site (which may well persuade you to say for a week!).
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