Mountain biking in Golden Bay

Just like the name says, Golden Bay is blessed with beautiful sandy beaches and a wonderful warm, sunny climate. And the region is surrounded by national parks. The forest-clad hills were prospected in the 19th century for minerals and this, along with the old stock tracks, has left a network of trails perfect for mountain biking.

Takaka is the quaint rural town at the heart of Golden Bay - the main street is a kick back to earlier times with a mix of farmers and alternative lifestylers.

The riding round Golden Bay is sometimes challenging and a bit technical, but is achievable by anyone with a reasonable amount of single-track experience.

The famous Rameka Track drops from the top of the Takaka Hill down through lush forest of the Abel Tasman National Park to end up on the back door step of Takaka. From there you can enjoy of the region’s guesthouses and lodges with the ever-present hot showers, cold beers, local wines and food and quirky restaurants!

Other great rides are at Pillar Point, with views over the amazing Farewell Spit, the awesome zigzags of the aptly-named Kill Devil Track or the big day out on the Mt Arthur Track. The crowning jewel is the Heaphy Track, a multi-day, remote, mountain bike experience that has no equal in New Zealand.

Many of these trips you can do as supported options, where you stay in hiker's huts and have guides prepare your meals and look after you along the way.

Escape Adventures runs several supported trips around Golden Bay.

Written by  Mandy Richards.

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