Nelson - Greymouth - Christchurch

Day 2: Collingwood to Westport

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Collingwood - Marahau 0.75 hr  57/36 Marahau - Motueka 0.25 hr  17/11 Motueka - Westport 2.75 hrs  216/135   Totals for Day 3.75 hrs  290/181

Collingwood - Marahau - Motueka - Westport

Takaka is the main centre for the northwest corner of the South Island. It has an interesting local community of artisans, growers and alternative lifestylers. From here you can discover Pupu Springs, Wharariki Beach, old gold-mining works, the bird sanctuary on Farewell Spit and the walking tracks of the Kahurangi National Park.

State Highway 60 will take you up the river valley to Upper Takaka. If you’re in the mood for adventure, follow the side road to Harwood’s Hole – New Zealand’s biggest cave. Enjoy the views from the top of Takaka Hill, then discover ancient moa (extinct giant flightless bird) bones in Ngarua Caves before you wind down the hill to the coast. Just before the Marahau turn off, a sign on the right points to Riwaka Valley, a picturesque picnic area.

Marahau is often called ‘the Abel Tasman Village’, because it’s where many people begin their explorations of the Abel Tasman National Park. You can hire kayaks, swim with seals or catch a water taxi to one of the park’s amazing beaches.

Scenic Highlights

Farewell Spit
With open sea on one side and sheltered waters on the other, this massive sandspit has two entirely different faces.

Golden Bay
Drive over Takaka Hill and discover another world. Golden Bay is a vast paradise for nature lovers.

Westhaven (Te Ai Tapu) Inlet Marine Reserve and Wildlife Management Reserve
Westhaven, also known as Whanganui Inlet, is both a marine reserve and a wildlife sanctuary.

Activities

Nelson
Kayaking – Fresh Water (2), Kayaking – Salt Water (10), Paragliding and Hang gliding (4)

Tour and Sightseeing

Nelson
Kayaking – Salt Water (4)

Collingwood - Marahau - Motueka - Westport

Marahau is often called ‘the Abel Tasman Village’, because it’s where many people begin their explorations of the Abel Tasman National Park. You can hire kayaks, swim with seals or catch a water taxi to one of the park’s amazing beaches.

The Coast Track in the Abel Tasman National Park is the most popular ‘great walk’ in New Zealand. The track takes you past pristine golden sand beaches and calm turquoise waters. Travel on foot or in a sea kayak.

The short trip to Motueka takes you past the road to Kaiteriteri Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the region.

The picnic area in the Riwaka Valley is another scenic detour – you can walk to the source of the Riwaka River.

In the horticultural town of Motueka you can indulge your love of fresh fruit and vegetables, and feed your imagination with local arts and crafts. Because it’s so close to the Abel Tasman National Park and the Kahurangi National Park, Motueka is an ideal place to prepare for hiking adventures.

Scenic Highlights

Kahurangi National Park
Huge and wild, Kahurangi National Park will surprise you with tropical palm forests, caves, alpine herbfields and rare creatures.

Abel Tasman Coast Track
The coast of Abel Tasman National Park is perfectly suited to a voyage of discovery - on foot or in a kayak.

Activities

Nelson
Paragliding and Hang gliding (4), Walking/Trekking (12)

Tour and Sightseeing

Nelson
Walking/Trekking (13)

Collingwood - Marahau - Motueka - Westport

In the horticultural town of Motueka you can indulge your love of fresh fruit and vegetables, and feed your imagination with local arts and crafts. Because it’s so close to the Abel Tasman National Park and the Kahurangi National Park, Motueka is an ideal base for hiking adventures.

On the way to Westport you’ll travel up the Motueka River Valley on a pretty, winding road that takes you past magical scenery and tiny settlements. Turn right when you connect with the main highway and head for Murchison, where you can learn about 1929’s massive earthquake. Pan for gold in Lyell Creek before you navigate the awesome Buller Gorge. At Hawks Crag the road has been hacked out of solid rock – you’ll drive under a dramatic overhang.

Westport is known as a coal mining town and a base for outdoor adventures. Visit the local coal mining museum, then strap on your walking shoes to investigate the seal colony. Black water rafting, jet boating, horse trekking and surf rafting are other opportunities for outdoor excitement.

Scenic Highlights

Kahurangi National Park
Huge and wild, Kahurangi National Park will surprise you with tropical palm forests, caves, alpine herbfields and rare creatures.

Abel Tasman Coast Track
The coast of Abel Tasman National Park is perfectly suited to a voyage of discovery - on foot or in a kayak.

Cape Foulwind Seal Colony
Enjoy a close encounter with New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat on the wild west coast of the South Island.

Activities

Nelson
Arts & Crafts (6)

West Coast
Arts & Crafts (3), Off Road Driving Adventure (3)

Tour and Sightseeing

West Coast
Off Road Driving Adventure (1)