Campsites in Golden Bay

Scenic Campsites & Views

Golden Bay offers diverse landscapes ranging from the limestone cliffs of Wainui Falls to the dramatic 26-kilometer sand spit at Farewell Spit. This selection highlights the region's unique geography, including the rugged northernmost headlands of the South Island and the golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park. Accommodations featured include remote Department of Conservation huts like Bark Bay and beachfront campsites at Mutton Cove, providing direct access to coastal hiking trails and marine reserves.

Scenic Campsites & Views — Map

Pseudopanax / Public domain

A

Wainui Falls

A 20-meter waterfall reached via a bush track featuring a suspension bridge over the Wainui River. The surrounding forest is notable for its lush nikau palms and ferns.

Phillip Capper / CC BY 2.0

B

Golden Bay

Golden Bay may refer to:

MurielBendel / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Wharariki Beach

Wild coastal area characterized by massive offshore rock arches, cavernous cliffs, and shifting sand dunes. It is a frequent haul-out site for New Zealand fur seals.

D

Pupu Hydro Walk way Lookout

Elevated viewpoint along a historic walking track that follows a 1929 water race originally constructed to power local gold-mining operations.

Pseudopanax / Public domain

E

Farewell Spit

Farewell Spit is a narrow sand spit at the northern end of the Golden Bay, in the South Island of New Zealand.

F

Awaroa Beach

Golden sand beach within Abel Tasman National Park. It gained international attention in 2016 when it was purchased through a public crowdfunding campaign to become part of the national park.

NASA/GSFC/METI/ERSDAC/JAROS, and… / Public domain

G

Cape Farewell

Cape Farewell is a headland in New Zealand, the most northerly point on the South Island. It is located just west of Farewell Spit.

H

Lookout

Elevated platform offering panoramic views across the coastal landscape of Golden Bay and the surrounding native forest.

I

Bark Bay Hut

Department of Conservation hut and campsite situated beside an estuary and tidal lagoon on the Abel Tasman Coast Track.

J

Golden Bay Holiday Park

Beachfront holiday park located near the Tākaka River mouth, offering powered sites and cabins with direct access to the shoreline.

K

Wharariki Beach Holiday Park

Eco-friendly campsite located at the end of Wharariki Road, providing the closest accommodation to the Wharariki Beach track and seal colonies.

L

Mutton Cove Campsite

Remote Department of Conservation campsite at the northern end of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, accessible only by foot or water taxi.

Other Lists

Golden Bay Essentials Outdoor Facilities & Camping Natural Wonders of Golden Bay