Takaka is in the Golden Bay region in New Zealand's South Island and tourists flock to this resort town for surfing and swimming in the Tasman Sea. The motels in Takaka are within five minutes of the bay, and less than 20 minutes from hiking opportunities on the 33-mile Abel Tasman Coastal Walk in Tasman National Park, a walk that which takes three to five days to complete. Climbing activities are available at Kahurangi National Park, approximately 30 minutes from Takaka.
The Pohara Beachfront Motel in northern Takaka faces the golden sand beaches on the Tasman Sea. According to the Motels Association of New Zealand, this motel provides guest rooms with views of the beach, while some of the rooms look out onto the on-site garden area. Studio-style units are available with sitting areas and kitchenettes. The motel also provides a picnic area with barbecue grills and a freezer where guests can store fish that they catch in the Tasman Sea.
Beachfront dining is within walking distance of the hotel at the Pohara Sands Cafe and Penguin Cafe on Abel Tasman Drive. Both eateries serves local cuisine and seafood. A popular outdoor attraction near the hotel is the Te Waikoropupu Springs, approximately 30 minutes from the hotel. This site is one of the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand and is noted for its crystal clear water.
Situated in northern Takaka, the San Souci Inn is a short walk from surfing and swimming in the Tasman Sea. This motel has Mediterranean-style décor with stucco walls and stone-tiled floors in the lobby area and guest rooms. The hotel has a garden area with walking paths and an on-site restaurant serves local cuisine for dinner every night of the week during the summer. The restaurant is only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights in other seasons. Some of the guest rooms have living room areas, fully furnished kitchens and outdoor entrances to the hotel's garden area.
This hotel is only a 10-minute drive from Takaka's town center, which features restaurants and antique shopping opportunities. The downtown area of Takaka also has a thriving arts and crafts community and the artists in the area have joined efforts to create an “Art Trail” of their work.
The one-floor Mohua Motel is in the heart of Takaka and features outdoor entrances to the guest rooms, which offers quick access to the parking lot. The 15 guest units have sitting areas with sofas, dining tables and kitchenettes. Parking spaces for buses and boat trailers are available. The hotel also has a lawn area with barbecue grills.
A popular dining hangout with locals is the Telegraph Hotel on Motupipi Street, which offers indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant also has youth hostel-style units set aside for backpackers. The hotel is only a 20-minute drive from Abel Tasman National Park which has bicycling activities on the curvy Moa Park Track, and guided kayaking tours in Golden Bay.
