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
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
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
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!).