Towns

Collingwood

Situated at the western end of State Highway 60, Collingwood is a quiet town, but there’s plenty to do if you love nature. From here you can launch yourself onto the Heaphy Track in the Kahurangi National Park or catch an eco-tour to the bird sanctuary of Farewell Spit. It’s easy to rent a mountain bike to explore beautiful Aorere Valley, or a kayak to paddle around Ruataniwha Inlet. Other local activities include caving at Te Anaroa Caves, studying minerals at Rockville and horse treks along Wharariki Beach, where there’s a seal colony. Perched as it is on the edge of Golden Bay, Collingwood is a place to enjoy scallops.
Functional facts: Approx. population 250, limited accommodation, fuel.