Exploring Wainui Bay in Golden Bay
Wainui Bay, located at the eastern end of Golden Bay, is a captivating destination accessible via Abel Tasman Drive. This bay is known for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the expansive Wainui Inlet. At low tide, the inlet reveals a vast stretch of golden sand, creating a picturesque landscape that is perfect for exploration and photography.
Discovering the Surroundings
From Tata Beach, Abel Tasman Drive takes you over Abel Tasman Point and descends into Wainui Bay. The area behind the bay is dominated by the Wainui Inlet, which transforms dramatically with the tides. When the tide is out, the inlet's sandy floor becomes a wide, inviting expanse.
Exploring Abel Tasman National Park
At the end of Abel Tasman Drive, you have the option to continue into Abel Tasman National Park via the winding Totaranui Road. This route leads to the Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks. Alternatively, you can take McShane Road for a short coastal walk to Taupo Bay, located northeast of Wainui Inlet. This is a more leisurely way to enjoy the coastal scenery.
Another option in Wainui Bay is to walk the Wainui Falls Track.
How to Get There
To reach Wainui Bay from Tākaka, follow Abel Tasman Drive all the way to Wainui Bay. The drive takes 26 minutes and is 21 km.
Along the way, you can also explore Grove Track, Pōhara Beach, Limestone Bay, the Abel Tasman Monument and Ligar Bay.
